NC0085839_Issuance of Permit_20120430

IF
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Charles Wakild, P. E. Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
April 30, 2012
Mr.Jeffrey S. Ferguson,P.E.
Unimin Corporation
P.O. Box 588
Spruce Pine,NC 28777
Subject: NPDES Permit Issuance
Permit No.NC0085839
Unimin Corporation-Red Hill Facility
Facility Class II
Mitchell County
Dear Mr.Ferguson:
Division personnel have reviewed and approved your application for renewal of the
subject permit. Accordingly,we are forwarding the attached NPDES discharge permit. This
permit is issued pursuant to the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and
the Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and the U.S.Environmental
Protection Agency dated October 15,2007(or as subsequently amended).
The permit authorizes Unimin Corporation to discharge up to 2.0 MGD of treated
wastewater from Red Hill Facility to the North Toe River,a class C-Trout water in the French
Broad River Basin. The final permit includes discharge requirements and/or limitations for
flow,total fluoride,total suspended solids,turbidity,chlorides and other parameters.
The following modification has been made to the final permit:
• Upstream and downstream monitoring for pH has been included in the permit.
This is not an additional requirement because the Unimin-Red Hill facility already
monitors instream for pH and reports the results in the daily monitoring reports.
This monitoring would be consistent with other mining operations in the North Toe
River.
• The facility address was changed to 2241 N.C.Highway 197,Bakersville,NC.
• Language regarding the discharge of stormwater was removed from the permit
cover page.
1617 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Location:512 N.Salisbury St.Raleigh,North Carolina 27604
Phone:[phone] FAX:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748
Internet www.ncwateroualitv.orq One
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer North Carolina
Naturally

•
Mr.Ferguson
April 30,2012
Page 2 of 3
• The effluent page for 0.682 MGD wasteflow and the accompanying chronic toxicity
requirement at 1.2%was removed from the permit based on the Red Hill Facility's
expansion to 2.0 MGD.
• Additional treatment components were included on the supplement to cover permit
page.
• Language on the supplement to cover permit page was removed regarding an
Authorization to Construct permit because of the submittal of the engineer's
certification in September 2009.
• Language on the supplement to cover permit page regarding the discharge of
stormwater through outfall SD001 was removed. Division staff confirmed that the
Red Hill Facility does not discharge stormwater.
• The monitoring frequency for settleable solids and pH was reduced to weekly.
• The monitoring requirement for ammonia(NH3-N)was removed from the permit
based on facility no longer utilizing ammonia in any process.
• Language in Condition A.2.Chronic Toxicity Permit Limit was modified and a new
paragraph regarding data submittal was added(the second paragraph from the end
of the condition).
• The entire section(Part II in the previous permit)regarding stormwater monitoring,
controls and limitations for permitted discharges has been removed from the permit.
This removal was based on Division confirmation that.the Red Hill Facility does not
discharge stormwater.
If any parts,measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this
permit are unacceptable to you,you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written
request within thirty(30) days following receipt of this letter. This request must be in the form
of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes,and
filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings,6714 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North
Carolina 27699-6714. Unless such a demand is made,this permit shall be final and binding.
Please take notice that this permit is not transferable. The Division may require
modification or revocation and reissuance of the permit. This permit does not affect the legal
requirements to obtain other permits,which may be required by the Division of Water Quality,
or permits required by the Division of Land Resources,Coastal Area Management Act,or any
other Federal or Local governmental permits may be required.

Mr.Ferguson
April 30,2012
Page 3 of 3
If you have any questions or need additional information,please contact Ms.Jacquelyn
Nowell at telephone number(919) 807-6386.
Sincerely,
6414 ICAAA.1 —
. Charles Wakild,P.E.
Attachments
cc: Asheville Regional Office/Surface Water Protection Section(ecopy)
Aquatic Toxicology(ecopy)
NPDES File
Central Files

Permit Number: NC0085839
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
Red Hill Facility
2241 N.C. Highway 197
Bakersville
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.
This permit shall become effective June 1, 2012
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on February 28, 2016.
Signed this day April 30, 2012
C -01/14 CA•a#41A-
CCharles Wakild, P.E., Director
/Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the
Environmental Management Commission
1

Permit Number: NC0085839
•
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
Red Hill Facility
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue to operate a wastewater treatment plant for process wastewater from mineral •
extraction, located at Red Hill Facility, consisting of:
• Mix-reactor tanks;
• Lime silo;
• Flocculant feed system;
• 6000 gallon steady state collection tank
• Dual steady state collection tank pumps;
• 23,000 gallon intermediate agitation tank;
• Agitation tank return pump;
• 23,000 gallon low shear agitation tank;
• 23,000 gallon last chance agitation tank;
• 70 foot diameter solids thickener;.
• Dual solids thickener pumps;
• 150 square foot cloth drum filter;
• 333,1000 gallon effluent solids settling pond;
• Settling pond effluent pump;
• Lime and polymer feed systems;
• Two thickeners;
• Two drum filters;
• pH adjustment;
• Two emergency ponds, and
• flow measurement.
The facility is located at the Red Hill Quartz Facility, 2241 N.C. Highway 197,
Bakersville, in Mitchell County, and;
2. Discharge wastewater through Outfall 001 from said treatment works at the location
specified on the attached map into the North Toe River,which is classified C Trout
waters in the French Broad River Basin.
2

UNIMIN Red Hill Facility - NCO085839
USGS Quad Name: C9 SE, Bakersville Lat.: 36' 00' 50"
Receiving Stream: North Toe River Long.: 82016' 05"
Stream Class: C Trout HUC# 06010108
Subbasin: French Broad — 04-03-06
Facility
Location AORW
Northi Mitchell County

•
Permit Number: NC0085839
A. (1). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS-FINAL
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until
expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge process wastewater from mineral
extraction of ore from Outfall 001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by
the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
EFFLUENT Monthly Weekly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
CHARACTERISTICS Average Average Maximum Frequency Type Location l
Flow 2.0 MGD Continuous Recording I or E
Total Fluoride 384.0 768.0 Weekly Composite E, U, D
lb/day lb/day
Total Suspended 417.0 834.0 Weekly Composite E
Solids lb/day lb/day
Total Residual 28 ug/1 Weekly Grab E
Chlorine 2
Settleable Solids Weekly Grab E
Turbidity 3 Weekly Grab E, U, D
pH 4 Weekly Grab E, U, D
Chloride Monthly Composite E
Chronic Toxicity 5 Quarterly Composite E
Notes:
1. Sample locations: E- Effluent, I- Influent, U-upstream at least 50 feet, D-
downstream at least 300 feet.
2. The total residual chlorine limit and monitoring requirements are only applicable if
facility uses chlorine or chlorine derivatives for disinfection. The Division shall
consider all effluent TRC values reported below 50 ug/L to be in compliance with
the permit. However, the Permittee shall continue to record and submit all values
reported by a North Carolina certified laboratory (including field certified), even if
these values fall below 50 ug/1. If a method different than
chlorination/dechlorination is used for disinfection, the total residual chlorine limit
will not be applicable.
3. 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 of the receiving stream. See Special
Condition A.(7).
4. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 10.0 standard
units.
5. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) Pass/Fail at 3.3%: January, April, July and
October. See Special Conditions A (2).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace
amounts.
3

Permit Number: NC0085839
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 3.3%.
The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, quarterly monitoring using test
procedures outlined in the "North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay
Procedure," Revised February 1998, or subsequent versions or"North Carolina Phase
II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised-February 1998) or
subsequent versions. The tests will be performed during the months of 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 II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised-
February 1998) or subsequent versions.
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on
the Effluent Discharge Monitoring Form (MR-1) for the months in which tests were
performed. If reporting pass/fail results using the parameter code TGP3B, DWQ Form
AT-1 (original) is sent to the below address. If reporting Chronic Value results using
the parameter code THP3B, DWQ Form AT-3 (original) is to be sent to the following
address:
Attention: NC DENR / DWQ / Environmental Sciences Section
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Environmental Sciences
Section no later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report
is made.
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.
4

Permit Number: NC0085839
A. (2). CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (QRTRLY) (cont.)
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.
If the Permittee monitors any pollutant more frequently than required by this permit,
the results of such monitoring shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the
data submitted on the DMR and all AT Forms submitted.
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as
minimum control organism survival, minimum control organism reproduction, and
appropriate environmental controls, shall constitute an invalid test and will require
immediate follow-up testing to be completed no later than the last day of the month
following the month of the initial monitoring.
A. (3).BIOCIDE CONDITION
The permittee shall obtain authorization form the Division of Water Quality prior to
utilizing any new biocide in cooling water to be discharged. The permittee shall notify
the Director in writing, not later than ninety (90) days prior to instituting use of any
additional biocide used in cooling systems, which may be toxic to aquatic life other
than those previously reported to the Division of Water Quality. Such notification
shall include completion of Biocide Worksheet Form 101 and a map locating the
discharge point and receiving stream. No chromium, zinc, or copper shall be added to
the treatment system except as pre-approved additives to biocidal compounds.
A. (4). WASTEWATER DIVERSION
Diversion or bypassing of untreated wastewater from the treatment facility is
prohibited.
A. (5). SOLIDS DISPOSAL
Solids removed or resulting from the wastewater treatment process shall be contained
and disposed of in such a manner as to prevent any contamination of the surface
waters of the State.
5

Permit Number: NC0085839
A. (6). FLUORIDE REOPENER
This permit shall be modified, or revoked and reissued to incorporate new fluoride
effluent limitations in the event that acute or chronic bioassay testing or other studies
results in a change in the North Carolina Water Quality Standard for fluoride.
A. (7). TURBIDITY REOPENER
In the event that violations of the turbidity standard of the North Carolina Water
Quality Standards occur as a result of this discharge, this permit shall be modified, or
alternately, revoked and reissued to incorporate limitations sufficient to protect the
receiving waters.
A. (8). PERMIT MODIFICATIONS
This permit shall be modified, or revoked and reissued to incorporate new limitations
in the event that production changes are requested or should any new fluoride using
discharge request to locate on the North Toe River.
6

�33ss1-�� Environmental Affairs
Unimin Corporation
136 Crystal Drive•Spruce Pine,NC 28777
(PHONE)828/766-6081•(FAX)828/765-4755
April 5,2012
Ms.Jacquelyn M. Nowell
Complex Permitting Unit
NCDENR/DWQ/Point Source Branch
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Subject Comments to Draft NPDES Permit Renewals
Unimin Corporation—Crystal(NC0084620),Quartz/Feldspar (NC0000175)
Red Hill (NC0085839),and Schoolhouse Quartz (NC0000361)
Dear Ms. Nowell:
Please note the following comments for Draft NPDES Permits issued to Unimin
Corporation on March 14,2012.
First,regarding Unimin Corporation—Crystal Facility NPDES Permit No.
NC0084620,on page 3 below the Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements Table,
Note 1 Sample Locations should read"...0-at least 50 feet upstream of outfall,D-at least
300 feet downstream of outfalL" Please include the phrases"at least"in front of upstream
and downstream sample distances from outfall. Additionally,the second paragraph on Page
6"Additionally,Unimin Corporation must provide and install an additional effluent pump
station prior to initiating direct discharge to the North Toe River."should be removed. This
statement was included in the 1998 permit and was removed in the 2004 permit due to
showing the gravity drain did not require this pump. Since that time an Authorization to
Construct was approved and the discharge was relocated utilizing entirely different piping,
pumps, etc. discharging to a completely new location well upstream in the N.Toe Riven
Secondly,regarding Unimin Corporation—Quartz/Feldspar Facility NPDES No.
NC0000175 and Red Hill Facility NPDES No. NC0085839,no changes are requested.
Finally,regarding Unimin Corporation—Schoolhouse Quartz Facility NPDES No.
NC0000361,the Supplement to Permit Cover Sheet should change"Disk Filter"to plural
noting the Authorization to Construct dated June 30,2010 (A to C No. 00361A01) to install
a new disc vacuum filter with associated filtrate pump,vacuum pump and blower. The
Engineer's Certification submitted for this project was signed dated Feb, 1,2011:
APR 11 2012

•
Ms.Jacquelyn M.Nowell
April 5,2012
Page 2
If you have any questions regarding this matter or require further information,
please do not hesitate to contact me at(828) 765-1114 ext13.
Sincerely,
27') f))/
Jeffrey S.Ferguson,P.E.
St Environmental Engineer
UNIMIN CORPORATION
c EA Files,Mike Jussila,Doug Myers,Sandra Phillips,Mike Venal

•
ASHEVILLE
CITIZEN TI;VIES _
VOICE OF THE MOUNTAINS•cmzEN-TIMFs.con,
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
ttto administer oaths, personally appeared ,knn
e Gardner,
N c'snonae "eenw """_ c°" assin nimis"'"k who, being first duly sworn, deposes and says: that she is
RalMC269!67iWastewater wt
the Legal Billing Clerk of The Asheville Citizen-Times,
the North Carolina ewaterdrsr!alharpublication permit co the parsons) Ifs<ed be 5
Ipw.
written comments rreqgQaaroing the proposed permR 44vvlil be UV
crit! Asheville Citizen-Times,published, issued, and entered as
30 days after the publish date of this notice.The Director of the NC Div
son of Water Quarry(DWQ)may hold a public hearing should there be first class mail in the City of Asheville, i n said County and
significantsidegree o publicQ ithenterest. Pleas mail commentsedpanndd/oor Infor f
visitothe DWQ att512 N. Salisbbury Sovtreet R le eigh,Interested
NC to review Info,& S 11
tion o0nn�nttit�le. ddltlonal information on N ES permits and this notice ma State; that she is authorized to make this affidavit and
pdess/calendat.by calling(919)807 63Q4. tal.ncdenr.org web/'"as'"p/ sworn statement;that the notice or other legal
Unimin CA rah r1 requested renewal of Permit N�pppp951 for,School-
house Quartz Facility in Avery County this permitted`"0disschar a �s treaty advertisement, a true copy of which is attached hereto,was
ed process wastewater to North Toe River In the French Broad River Ba
sin. published in The Asheville Citizen-Times on the
Ncrielt freendi talion&r watof its rnii discharging to Reem following date: March 16th, 2012, and that the said;
CIe of Asheville, W lliam Detrunl WTP. NCOOS6961, has applied for newspaper in which said notice paper,document or legal
newel of its permit discharging to Beetree Creek In the French Broad Riv 'p 1 g
e`er'"' advertisement was published was, at the time of each and
City of As lila,North Fork WTP N00035807 has applied f renewal o
itsr It pedi charging to the North Fork Swannanoa River or the F every publication, a newspaper meeting all of the
UM torMorehon requested renewal of prink NC0085899 for Red Hill requirements and qualifications of Section 1-597 of the
Fait n Itcoell County; this permitted d(sRiver Bal.
treated process
wastewater to North Toe River Gibe French d River_Basin.
TheQuartz t rp USA a sled renew411,1 of perms NC 53 for Fria- General Statues of North Carolina and was a qualified
Feld-
process wastewater to Nom Tce River"In the F d ei B oad Rtrgr1..treated newspaper within the meaning of Section 1-597 of the
The Quartz Corp USA eouested renewal of permit ITted WO for K-T
Feldspar Corporation in` Mitchell County; this permitted d,schar-R ,9 General Statues of North Carolina.
treated process wastewater to the Nortfi'Toe River, French Broad River
Basin.
Unimin Co tion requested renewal of permit NC0000175 for Quartz
Feldspar Facll In Mitchell County; this permitted disfharge is treated
process wastewater to North Toe River in the French Broad R ver Basin.
IlasltetYwatoNorthTeMinn thiin s,epFrenched& h caIs o o o ry twSigned this 16th day of March,2012.
March 16,2012 19152) J
(Signature of person making affidavit)
IER@Eff12 Sworn to and subscribed before me the 16th day of March,
2012.
MAR 19 2012
r�!!rr!!Il111/1
( otary Publi ) ��� E %4�i
DENR-WATER QUALITY My Co ission expires the 5th day of October,21.x\
POINT SOURCE BRANCH
[phone] I [phone] FAX •
14 O.HENRY AVE. I P.O.BOX 2090 I ASHEVILLE,NC 28802 I(800)800-4204 (kcJ�lIPUBLIC r;
''',� IIIl11l1 010

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Fluoride limits for the Red Hill facility were given as a weekly average and daily maximum limits when
the facility requested expansion in 2008. The NPDES decision was that for protection of toxicity,
limits should be based on daily maximum values or weekly average values. In this case, fluoride was
considered a toxicant and the Red Hill facility was given Fl limits as weekly average and daily
maximum limits as per EPA regulation.
The TRC limits remain in the Red Hill permit because the renewal application indicated that Unimin
still used small amounts of chlorine to disinfect intake water. The application indicated that over the
past 3 years, the monthly average chlorine was 12.6 ug/1 and the maximum was 18 ug/l. Based on
this information, the TRC limit of 28 ug/1 was maintained in the Red Hill permit.
Regarding instream monitoring for pH, the Red Hill facility has never been given instream pH
monitoring as a permit requirement. However, the facility does monitor for pH instream and reports
the data in its DMRs. Upstream and downstream monitoring for pH will be added to the permit, since
the facility is already doing this. This will continue to provide data on instream pH and whether the
standard is being protected since the facility has a limit of 6-10 SU.
4/30/2012
Jinn
( nimin('orj nration IlLil I till I acilitN I act Short
\I'I)I.S \Iodiliration\(0085-839
I''ine 5

- •
DENR/DWQ
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT
NPDES No. NC0085839
Facility Information
Applicant/Facility Name: Unimin Corporation-Red Hill Facility
Applicant Address: P.O. Box 588,Hwy 226N Spruce Pine NC 28777
Facility Address: 2241 N.C.Highway 197 Bakersville NC 28705
Permitted Flow 2.0 MGD
Type of Waste: Industrial
Facility/Permit Status: Existing
Facility Classification Physical/Chemical Class II
County: Mitchell
Miscellaneous
Receiving Stream: North Toe River Regional Office: Asheville
Stream Classification: C Trout USGS Topo Quad: C9SE
303(d) Listed?: No Permit Writer: Jackie Nowell
Subbasin: 04-03-06 Date: 3/12/2012
Drainage Area (mi2): 340
Summer 7Q10 (cfs) 90.7
Winter 7Q10 (cfs): 125.6
Average Flow (cfs): 510
IWC (%): 3.3%
Primary SIC Code: 1499
SUMMARY OF FACILITY INFORMATION AND WASTELOAD ALLOCATION
Unimin Corporation is requesting a permit renewal for its Red Hill Quartz Plant. The plant
received a modification in 2008 to increase flow to 2.0 MGD from 0.682 MGD in order to
increase production. In this renewal, the effluent page for 0.682 MGD will be removed based
on an increase in discharge flow above this amount.
The Red Hill Quartz Plant performs extraction and mineral processing to produce high purity
quartz. No mining is done at this site. The facility is permitted to discharge treated process
wastewater from Outfall 001 into the North Toe River, a class C-Trout water, in French Broad
River Basin. The previous permit listed as SD001 as an intermittent stormwater discharge,
however this outfall has been determined to be inactive by Division staff. Any reference to
Outfall 002 will be removed from the renewed permit and the permit will not contain any
stormwater management language.
The wastewater treatment plant consists of:
• Mix-reactor tanks;
• Lime and polymer feed systems;
• 2 thickeners;
• 2 drum filters
• pH adjustment;
• flow measurement and,
• 2 emergency ponds.
Processes for treatment include neutralization, precipitation, settling, vacuum filtering of solids
and disposal of solids by land filling.
The limits for the existing permit are as follows:
Pollutant Mo. Avg. Da. Max.
Flow 2.0 MGD
Total Suspended 417 lbs/day 834 lbs/day
Solids
Total Fluoride 384 lbs/day* 768 lbs/day
nimin Corporation—Red !till I acilith Fact Sheet
NPDES Modification NC0085839
Page I

.e -
(wkly average)
Settleable Solids Daily monitoring
Turbidity Daily monitoring
Chloride Qrtrly monitoring
pH 6-10 SU
Chronic Toxicity 3.3%
The limits for the 2.0 MGD expansion were developed in 2008 after evaluation and discussion
by DWQ and Unimin. All limits determined at that time will be renewed in this permit.
RECEIVING STREAM INFORMATION:
The following information is from the 2008 modification factsheet and has not been changed-JN
3/13/2012.
The North Toe River downstream of the facility has a bioclasszfication rating of Good. According to
the US Fish and Wildlife office, that stretch of North Toe River is designated critical habitat for the
federally endangered Appalachian elktoe. We have records of the federally endangered
Alasmidonta raveneliana(Appalachian elktoe), the state listed Lampsilis fasciola(Wavy rayed
lamp musseI), and Etheostoma acuticeps(Sharphead darter)listed as a federal species of concern
all occuring in that reach of the North Toe.
A section of the North Toe River upstream of this facility is listed on North Carolina's 2006-303(d)
list, based on turbidity and riparian area loss. This upstream segment has a bioclassification
rating of Fair. The Red Hill Quartz Plant is located approximately 15 miles downstream of the
impaired segment of the North Toe River.
At this time, DWQ proposes no changes to the previously developed load allocations. Neither the
impairment nor the turbidity violation is directly attributable to this downstream discharge. Likely,
the upstream discharges will be re-evaluated in the future.
INSTREAM MONITORING:
Upstream: Upstream at least 50 feet
Downstream: Downstream at least 300 feet.
Parameters: Fluoride, Turbidity, pH
A review of 2008 through 2011 instream data no exceedences of the instream fluoride or
turbidity standards either upstream or downstream of the facility. In 2011, upstream fluoride
averaged 0.46 mg/land downstream averaged 0.37 mg/1. In 2010, upstream fluoride averaged
0.5 mg/1 and downstream averaged 0.5 mg/1. In 2009, upstream fluoride averaged 0.4 mg/1
and downstream averaged 0.5 mg/1. In 2008, upstream fluoride averaged 0.52 mg/1 and
downstream averaged 0.67 mg/1.
There were some upstream and downstream turbidity samples that exceeded the standard in
2010 and 2011. This segment of the North Toe is not impaired for turbidity and instream data
indicates the same. In 2011, upstream turbidity averaged 9.4 NTU and downstream averaged
9.6 NTU. In 2010, upstream turbidity averaged 6.1 NTU and downstream averaged 5.8 NTU.
In 2009, upstream turbidity averaged 4.0 NTU and downstream averaged 4.5 NTU. In 2008,
upstream turbidity averaged 3.3 NTU and downstream averaged 3.4 NTU.
TOXICITY TEST RESULTS:
Existing: Quarterly Chronic P/F, 1.2% Ceriodaphnia test. JAN APR JUL OCT
Facility passed all 15 tests from Jan 2007 to July 2010. There were problems passing the test
from October 2010 to May 2011, when there were FAILS (4) in October and November 2010,
and January and April 2011. There was no information as to why the tox tests were not
passed. However since May 2011, the Red Hill Facility has passed all toxicity tests.
Recommendation: Renewal of quarterly chronic test @ 3.3% based on increased flow to
2.0 MGD.
I pinup('orpmition hell 11111 I sella\ I=act Shcct
131)1 Modification\lodification \('U1t 583c1
I'.u!c 2

COMPLIANCE REVIEW:
The facility had several flow exceedances at 0.682 MGD in 2007, 2009 and 2010 until it
expanded to 2 MGD. There was one TSS exceedance in 2006 that proceeded to NOV. Overall,
the compliance record for the Red Hill facility is good.
PROPOSED CHANGES:
• The facility address has been updated to 2241 N.C. Highway 197, Bakersville, NC.
• Language regarding the discharge of stormwater has been removed from the permit
cover page.
• The effluent page for 0.682 MGD wasteflow and the accompanying chronic toxicity
requirement at 1.2% has been removed from the permit based on the Red Hill
Facility's expansion to 2.0 MGD.
• The inclusion of additional treatment components on the supplement to cover
permit page.
• The removal of language on the supplement to cover permit page regarding an
Authorization to Construct permit based on submittal of the engineer's certification
in September 2009.
• The removal of language on the supplement to cover permit page regarding the
discharge of stormwater through outfall SD001. Division staff has confirmed that
the Red Hill Facility does not discharge stormwater.
• The monitoring frequency for settleable solids and pH has been reduced to weekly.
This will provide adequate data for evaluation at the next permit renewal.
• The monitoring requirement for ammonia (NH3-N) has been removed from the
permit based on facility no longer utilizing ammonia in any process.
• Minor language has been modified in condition A. 2. Chronic Toxicity Permit Limit.
In addition, a new paragraph regarding data submittal has been added (second
paragraph from the end of the condition).
• The entire section (Part II in the previous permit) regarding stormwater monitoring,
controls and limitations for permitted discharges has been removed from the permit.
This removal was based on Division confirmation that the Red Hill Facility does not
discharge stormwater.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE:
Draft Permit to Public Notice: 3/14/2012
Permit Scheduled to Issue: (Tentative) xxxxxxxxxxxx
Projected Effective Date of Permit:
STATE CONTACT:
If you have any questions on any of the above information or on the attached permit, please
contact Jackie Nowell at 919-807-6386 or [e-mail].
NAME: /- 4.72444
DATE: 3 �`3 Z4
l
IInimin Corporation Red 11111 Facilit Fact Sheet
NP1)1.5 Modification NC0085839
Page 3

Unimin Red Hill (NC0085839) Instream Data
Ups-50 ft ups of discharge pipe Dwn-300 ft dwn of discharge pipe
Date Turbidity Fluoride pH Turbidity Fluoride pH
Aug-11 ND ND ND ND ND ND
Jul-11 6 <0.2 7.3-7.6 7 0.37 7.4-7.6
Jun-11 9 0.55 7.0-8.6 10 <0.2 7.1-8.6
May-11 7 0.78 6.9-7.6 7 <0.2 7.1-7.8
Apr-11 10 0.26 6.3-7.6 9 <0.2 6.4-7.6
Mar-11 15 0.23 7.1-7.9 15 <0.2 7.1-7.7
Feb-11 ND ND ND ND ND ND
Jan-11 ND ND ND ND ND ND
9.4 0.46 9.6 0.37
Dec-10 3 0.88 7.2-8.2 3 0.8 7.2-8.1
Nov-10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Oct-10 3 0.79 6.3-8.0 5 0.82 7.2-7.9
Sep-10 9 1 7.1-7.9 7 0.85 6.8-7.6
Aug-10 14 0.62 6.6-8.5 14 0.68 6.8-8.5
Jul-10 4 0.48 6.5-7.2 4 0.61 6.9-7.5
Jun-10 4 0.44 7.1-7.5 4 0.47 7.1-7.6
May-10 3 0.54 7.1-7.8 2 0.54 7.2-7.9
Apr-10 5 0.39 6.6-7.4 4 0.43 6.6-7.4
Mar-10 6 0.41 6.7-7.2 5 0.43 7.0-7.2
Feb-10 4 0.42 6.6-7.2 5 0.44 6.5-7.1
Jan-10 18 0.41 7.0-7.3 16 0.39 6.7-7.3
6.1 0.5 5.8 0.5
Dec-09 5 0.46 6.9-7.3 4 0.43 7.1-7.6
Nov-09 1 0.29 7.3-7.5 2 0.36 7.1-7.6
Oct-09 4 0.44 7.1-7.9 4 0.41 7.0-8.0
Sep-09 5 0.44 7.0-8.7 8 0.43 6.7-8.4
Aug-09 9 0.48 7.5-9.2 9 0.5 7.1-8.6
Jul-09 4 0.56 7.4-8.6 3 0.55 7.3-8.1
Jun-09 0 0 0 0 0 0
May-09 9 0.59 7.2-7.61 10 0.64 7.18-7.36
Apr-09 4 0.57 7.33-8.19 7 0.59 7.3-8.15
Mar-09 3 0.47 7.11-7.61 3 0.5 7.24-7.5
Feb-09 2 0.58 7.21-7.88 2 0.62 7.19-7.28
Jan-09 2 0.45 7.12-7.58 2 0.6 6.59-7.31
4.0 0.4 4.5 0.5
10/7/2011

Unimin Red Hill (NC0085839) lnstream Data
Dec-08 5 7.76-7.89 5 0.46 7.24-7.5
Nov-08 2 0.98 7.51-7.88 2 1.03 7.28-8.25 max Fl 1.74 ups 1.75 dwn
Oct-08 1 1.29 7.55-8.72 1 1.38 7.38-7.88
Sep-08 2 0.66 7.48-9.04 2 0.72 7.42-8.67
Aug-08 5 0 7.72-8.52 5 0.6 7.04-9.34
Jul-08 4 0.46 7.5-8.74 5 0.46 7.41-8.56
Jun-08 6 0.34 7.31-8.9 6 0.44 7.04-8.13
May-08 1 0.46 7.02-8.28 2 0.57 7.4-8.02
Apr-08 2 0.33 7.58-8.37 2 0.77 7.4-7.74
Mar-08 2 0.33 7.36-7.83 2 0.33 7.19-7.75
Feb-08 7 0.28 7.08-7.57 7 7.10-7.5
Jan-08 2 0.58 7.28-7.89 2 0.62 7.35-7.72
3.3 0.52 3.4 0.67
10/7/2011

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Unimin Red Hilll(NC0085839) Instream Data
Ups-50 ft ups of discharge pipe Dwn-300 ft dwn of discharge pipe
Date Turbidity Fluoride pH Turbidity Fluoride pH
Aug-11
Jul-11 6 0.42 7 0.37
Jun-11 7 0.78 7 0.37
May-11
Apr-11 10 0.26 9 0.136
Mar-11 15 0.23 15 0.1
Feb-11
Jan-11
Average 9.5 0.4 9.5 0.2
Dec-10 3 0.88 3 0.8
Nov-10
Oct-10
Sep-10 3 0.79 5 0.82
Aug-10 14 0.62 14 0.68
Jul-10
Jun-10 4 0.44 4 0.47
May-10
Apr-10 5 0.39 4 0.43
Mar-10 6 0.41 5 0.43
Feb-10 4 0.42 5 0.44
Jan-10 18 0.41 16 0.39
Average 7.1 0.5 7.0 0.6
Dec-09 5 0.46 4 0.43
Nov-09 1 0.29 2 0.36
Oct-09 4 0.44 4 0.41
Sep-09 5 0.44 8 0.43
Aug-09 9 0.48 9 0.5
Jul-09 4 0.56 3 ' 0.55
Jun-09
May-09 9 0.59 10 0.64
Apr-09 4 0.57 7 0.59
Mar-09 3 0.47 3 0.5
Feb-09 2 0.58 2 0.62
Jan-09 2 0.45 2 0.6
Average 4.4 0.5 4.9 0.5
Dec-08 5 0.27 5 0.46
Nov-08 2 0.98 2 1.03
Oct-08 1 1.29 1 1.38
Sep-08 2 0.66 2 0.72
Aug-08 5 0.6 5 0.6
Jul-08 4 0.46 5 0.46
Jun-08 6 0.34 6 0.44
May-08 1 0.46 2 0.57
Apr-08 2 0.33 2 0.77
Mar-08 2 0.33 2 0.33
Feb-08 7 0.28 7 0.28
Jan-08 2 0.58 2.00 0.62
Average 3.25 0.55 3.42 0.64
11/16/2011

' Uflimifl
11,1
'i= %' Environmental Affairs
Unimin Corporation
136 Crystal Drive•Spruce Pine,NC 28777
(PHONE)828/766-6081•(FAX)828/765-4755
August 30,2010
Mrs.Dina Sprinkle
NCDENR/DWQ/Point Source Branch
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Subject NPDES Renewal Requests for Unimin Corporation—Crystal,
Quartz/Feldspar,Red Hill,and Schoolhouse Quartz Facilities
NPDES Permit Nos.NC0084620,NC0000175,NC0085839,and NC0000361
Dear Mrs. Sprinkle:
Please accept this letter as a request for renewal of the following NPDES Permits:
Unimin Corporation—Crystal Facility NPDES Permit No. NC0084620
Unimin Corporation—Quartz/Feldspar Facility NPDES No. NC0000175
Unimin Corporation—Red Hill Facility NPDES No.NC0085839,and
Unimin Corporation—Schoolhouse Quartz Facility NPDES No. NC0000361
Enclosed please find one signed original and two copies of the NCDENR Short
Form C for the Crystal, Red Hill and Schoolhouse Quartz Facilities and EPA Application
Form 1 & Form 2C for the Quartz/Feldspar Facility. It is my understanding that there are
no fees associated with the renewal requests. There have been no changes to the treatment
plants at any of the facilities since issuance of the latest permits.
Please note that portions of the applications have been stamped Confidential.
Unimin Corporation is requesting that this information be treated as confidential and
thereby protected from public disclosure.
Unimin believes that such information if made public, would divulge technology,
methods and processes entitled to protection as trade secrets of Unimin Corporation.
Accordingly, we are requesting confidentiality of this information under State Statute 143-
215.3.
F Ff k Yl D3
is 7

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

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

NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION-SHORT FORM C- Minor Industrial
Minor industrial, manufacturing and commercial facilities.
Mail the complete application to:
N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality / NPDES Unit
1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
NPDES Permit Number INC0085839
Please print or type.
1. Contact Information:
Owner Name Unimin Corporation
Facility Name Unimin Corporation-Red Hill Facility
Mailing Address P. O. Box 588
City Spruce Pine
State / Zip Code NC / 28777
Telephone Number [phone]
Fax Number [phone]
e-mail Address n/a
2. Location of facility producing discharge:
Check here if same as above 0
Street Address or State Road 2241 NC Hwy. 197
City Bakersville
State / Zip Code NC / 28705
County Mitchell
3. Operator Information:
Name of the firm, consultant or other entity that operates the facility. (Note that this is not referring to the
Operator in Responsible Charge or ORC)
Name Unimin Corporation-Red Hill Facility
Mailing Address P. O. Box 588 ^
City Spruce Pine
State / Zip Code NC / 28777 SEP - 12 010
Telephone Number [phone]
DCNR-WATER QUALI r
Fax Number [phone] POINT SOURCE BRANCH
4. Ownership Status:
Federal 0 State 0 Private ® Public ❑
Page 1 of 5 C-M110/08

NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION - SHORT FORM C - Minor Industrial
Minor industrial, manufacturing and commercial facilities.
5. Standard Industrial Classification(SIC) code(s): 1459
6. Number of employees: 93
7. Describe the treatment system List all installed waste treatment components with capacities,
describe the processes that generate wastewaters. If the space provided is not sufficient attach a
separate sheet of paper with the system description.
See attached CONFIDENTIAL operating status.
8. Is facility covered under federal effluent limitation guidelines? No ® Yes ❑
If yes, specify the category?
9. Principal product(s) produced: High Purity Quartz
Principal raw material(s) consumed: N/A
Briefly describe the manufacturing process(es):
See attached CONFIDENTIAL operating status.
Page 2 of 5 C-MI 10/08

• i •
NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION - SHORT FORM C - Minor Industrial
Minor industrial, manufacturing and commercial facilities.
10. Amount of principal product produced or raw material consumed
(List specific amounts consumed and/or units of production over the last three years)
Product Produced or Raw Material Product Produced or Raw Material
Consumed Consumed
(AVERAGE) (PEAK)
per Day
per Month
per Year 'Confidential production data will be submitted separately.
11. Frequency of discharge: Continuous® Intermittent 0
If intermittent:
Days per week discharge occurs: 7 Duration: 24 hrs/day
12. Types of wastewater discharged to surface waters only
Discharge Flow
(GALLONS PER DAY)
Sanitary- monthly average 0
Utility water, etc. - monthly average 0
Process water- monthly average 714,800
Stormwater-monthly average 0
Other-monthly average
Explain: -377,800 (provide raw water reservoir overflow)
Monthly Average 1,092,600
total discharge (all types)
13. Number of separate discharge points: 2 Outfall Identification number(s) 0018s 002
14. Name of receiving stream(s) (Provide a map showing the exact location of each outfall, including
latitude and longitude):
North Toe River
Page 3 of 5 C-MI 10108

•
. ti
NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION -SHORT FORM C - Minor Industrial
Minor industrial, manufacturing and commercial facilities.
Effluent Data[for new or proposed discharges]
Provide data for the parameters listed. Temperature and pH shall be grub samples,for all other parameters 24-hour
composite sampling shall be used.If more than one analysis is reported,report daily maximum and monthly average.
If only one analysis is reported,report as daily maximum.
NOTE:Permittees requesting renewal should complete the table ONLY for the parameters
currently monitored. Summarise the past 3 years of effluent data.
Parameter Daily Monthly Units of
Maximum Average Measurement
Biochemical Oxygen Demand(BOD5) N/A
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) N/A
Total Organic Carbon N/A
Total Suspended Solids 176 59 lb/day
Ammonia as N <0.1 <0.1 mg/1
Temperature (Summer) N/A
Temperature (Winter) N/A
pH 9.9
Fecal Coliform(If sanitary waste is N/A
present)
Total Residual Chlorine (if chlorine is 18 12.6 ug/1
used)
16. List all permits,construction approvals and/or applications (check all that apply and proms permit
numbers or check none if not applicablek
Type Permit Number Type Permit Number
Hazardous Waste (RCRA) NESHAPS (CAA)
UIC (SDWA) Ocean Dumping(MPRSA)
NPDES NC0085839 Dredge or fill (Section 404 or CWA)
PSD (CAA) Other NC Air Permit 08358R13
Non-attainment program (CAA) NC AtoC 085839A01
17. List any chemicals that may be discharged (Please list and explain source and potential
amounts.)
See attached CONFIDENTIAL operating status.
Page 4 of 5 C-MI 10/08

•
NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION - SHORT FORM C - Minor Industrial
Minor industrial, manufacturing and commercial facilities.
18. Is this facility located on Indian country? (check one)
Yes ❑ No EI
19. Applicant Certification
I certify that I am familiar with the information contained in the application and that to the
best of my knowledge and belief such information is true, complete, and accurate.
Andrew G. Bradley SVP Environmental Affairs
Printed name of Person Signing Title
r?le211
Signature of Applicant ate
North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6 (b)(2) provides that: Any person who knowingly makes any false
statement representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document files or
required to be maintained under Article 21 or regulations of the Environmental Management Commission
implementing that Article, or who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any recording or
monitoring device or method required to be operated or maintained under Article 21 or regulations of the
Environmental Management Commission implementing that Article, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable
by a fine not to exceed $25,000, or by imprisonment not to exceed six months, or by both. (18 U.S.C. Section
1001 provides a punishment by a fine of not more than$25,000 or imprisonment not more than 5 years, or both,
for a similar offense.)
Page 5 of 5 C-MI 10/08