NC0085839_Issuance of Permit_20060926

. � WV')A1- .1.7) Michael F.Easley,Governor
` G William G.Ross Jr.,Secretary
G) North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
O Alan W.Klimek,P.E.Director
Division of Water Quality
September 26,2006
Mr.Andrew G.Bradley
Vice President Environmental Affairs
Unimin Corporation
P.O.Box 588
Spruce Pine,NC 28777
Subject: NPDES Permit Issuance
NPDES Permit NC0085839
Unimin Corp-Red Hill Facility
Mitchell County
Dear Mr.Bradley:
Division personnel have reviewed and approved your application for renewal of the subject
permit. Accordingly,we are forwarding the attached NPDES discharge permit. This permit is issued
pursuant to the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and the Memorandum of
Agreement between North Carolina and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency dated May 9, 1994
(or as subsequently amended.)
The permit authorizes the Unimin Corporation to discharge up to 0.682 MGD of treated
wastewater from the Red Hill Facility to the North Toe River,a class C Trout water in the French Broad
River Basin. The permit includes discharge limitations/or monitoring for flow,total fluoride,total
suspended solids(TSS),ammonia,settleable solids,turbidity,pH,chloride,total residual chlorine,and
chronic toxicity.
The following modifications have been made in the permit:
• A total residual chlorine limit of 28 ug/1 has been added to reflect the Division's current
policy for protection against chlorine toxicity instream. If a method different than
chlorination/dechlorination is used,the total residual chlorine limit will not be applicable.
There is an eighteen-month compliance schedule to meet this limit. See Special Condition A
(3•)
Nom` Carolina
aturally
North Carolina Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh,NC 27699-1617 Phone[phone] Customer Service
Internet: www.ncwaterqualitv.or� Location: 512 N.Salisbury St. Raleigh,NC 27604 Fax [phone]
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer-50%Recycled/10%Post Consumer Paper

Letter to Mr. Bradley
Page 2
The Division acknowledges the information that chlorine is used at the intake,however we
must have effluent data to determine the levels of chlorine that are being discharged. The
chlorine limit of 28 ug/1 represents the acute level of protection and is the highest limit that
will be given for any discharger to North Carolina waters.
The following modification has been made in the final permit,which was not included in the
April 26th draft:
■ Stormwater discharge language has been revised to the most current permit language and
includes a Best Management Practices(BMPS)Plan,analytical and qualitative monitoring
requirements,and a schedule of compliance.
Unimin submitted comments on monthly ammonia monitoring in the permit. After reviewing
the NH3 data from 2004 to present,the Division has determined to maintain the monthly monitoring
frequency. The monthly NH3 values ranged from a minimum of 0.1 mg/L to the maximum of 28.2
mg/L. Because of the wide range of concentrations and because the discharge months varied from year
to year,it is recommended that Unimin continue to sample monthly. If Unimin determines that
ammonia will not be used during the process,then the Division will then give further consideration.
It should be noted that the North Toe River upstream of the Red Hill facility's discharge is listed
as an impaired stream on North Carolina's 2006 Draft 303(d)list. This means that the stream does not
meet all water quality standards. It is the plan of the Division to work for the improvement and
recovery of the River. In the event of the continuance of problems,the future may require the removal
of direct point source dischargers to the North Toe River for the health of the stream.
If 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.

' Letter to Mr. Bradley
Page 3
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms.Jacquelyn
Nowell at telephone number(919)733-5083,extension 512.
Sincerely,
74..)
ez.Alan W.Klimek, P.E.
Attachments
cc: Asheville Regional Office/Surface Water Protection Section
EPA Region IV/Marshall Hyatt
Mr.Jeffrey Ferguson/Unimin Corporation P.O.Box 588 Spruce Pine,NC 28777
Aquatic Toxicology
NPDES File/NC0085839
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 Quartz Plant
Off Highway 197
Mitchell County
to receiving waters designated as the North Toe River in the French River Basin in accordance with effluent
limitations,monitoring requirements,and other conditions set forth in Parts I,IT,III and IV hereof.
This permit shall become effective November 1,2006.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on February 28,2011.
Signed this day September 26,2006.
/PC itAlLx.J
Alan W.Klimek,P.E.,Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the
Environmental Management Commission
1

•
• 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 exdusive authority to operate and discharge from this facility arises under
the permit conditions,requirements,terms,and provisions included herein.
Unimin Corporation
Red Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue operation of a wastewater treatment plant for process wastewater from a treatment plant
consisting of
• Mix-reactor tanks;
• Lime and polymer feed systems;
• thickener;
• drum filter
• pH adjustment
• emergency pond and
• flow measurement.
The facility is located at the Red Hill Quartz facility,off Highway 197,Mitchell County,and;
1
2. Discharge wastewater through outfall 001 and stonnwater through outfall 002 from said treatment
works 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.
•
•
2

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Facility Information Facility Nr
Latitude: 35 00 50 Sub -Basin: 04-03-06
Longitude: 82'16'05" Location
uad #: C9SE
Stream Class: C Trout
Receiving Stream: North Toe River Unimin Corporation —Red Hill Plant
Permitted Flow: 0.682 MGD North NCO085839
Mitchell County

A
Permit Number: NC0085839
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 LIMITATIONS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
EFFLUENT Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
CHARACTERISTICS Frequency Type Locations'
Average Maximum
Flow 0.682 MGD Continuous Recording I or E
Total Fluoride 200.0 lb/day 400.0 lb/day Weekly Composite E, U, D
Total Suspended 142.0 lb/day 284.0 lb/day Weekly Composite E
Solids
NH3-N Monthly Composite E
Total Residual 28 ug/1 Weekly Grab E
Chlorines
Settleable Solids Daily Grab E
Turbidity2 Weekly Grab E, U, D
pH3 Daily Grab E
Chloride Monthly Composite E
Chronic Toxicity' Quarterly Composite E
Notes:
1. Sample locations:E-Effluent, I-Influent,U-upstream at least 50 feet,D-downstream at least
300 feet.
2. This discharge shall not cause the turbidity of the receiving waters to exceed 10 NTU. If the
turbidity exceeds 10 NW 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. Chronic Toxicity(Ceriodaphnia)Pass/Fail at 1.2%:January,April,July and October.See
Special Conditions A(2).
5. The total residual chlorine limit and monitoring requirements are only applicable if facility
uses chlorination for disinfection. See Condition A.(3).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
3

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 1.2%.
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 defmition 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 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 chemicaVphysical measurements and all
concentration/response data,and be certified by laboratory supervisor and ORC or approved designate
signature. Total residual chlorine of the effluent toxicity sample must be measured and reported if
chlorine is employed for disinfection of the waste stream.
Should there be no discharge of flow from the facility during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required,the
permittee will complete the information located at the top of the aquatic toxicity(AT)test form indicating the
facility name,permit number,pipe number,county,and the month/year of the report with the notation of"No Flow"
in the comment area of the form. The report shall be submitted to the Environmental Sciences Section at the address
cited above.
Should the permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required,monitoring
will be required during the following month.
Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North Carolina Division of Water
Quality indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream,this permit may be re-opened and modified to include
alternate monitoring requirements or limits.
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.
4

A.(3).TOTAL RESIDUAL CHLORINE
The limit for total residual chlorine shall become effective upon completion of the installation of
a disinfection system but no later than 18 months from the effective date of the permit(June 1,
2008). If a method different than chlorination/dechlorination is used,the total residual chlorine
limit will not be applicable.
A.(4). 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.(5). WASTEWATER DIVERSION
Diversion or bypassing of untreated wastewater from the treatment facility is prohibited.
A.(6).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.(7).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.(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.
5

PART II
STORMWATER MONITORING, CONTROLS AND LIMITATIONS FOR PERMITTED
DISCHARGES
SECTION A. STORMWATER BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES(BMPS)PLAN •
1.The permittee shall implement stormwater BMPs to ensure that contaminants do not
enter surface waters via stormwater that comes in contact with any unstabilized
overburden,raw materials,intermediate products,finished products,byproducts or waste
products located on the site covered by this permit.A BMP Plan shall be developed in
accordance with the requirements of this section. The BMP Plan requirement,or portions of
the plan requirement,may be met by utilizing appropriate requirements in other
documented plans specific to the permitted facility.
2.Management of Stormwater Runoff and Runon.The permittee shall maintain stormwater
BMPs for land disturbance areas and outside process areas. In addition,controls should be
used to limit or isolate selected land disturbance and process areas and limit the amount of
off site stormwater runon to those areas.Appropriate Best Management Practices(BMPs)
should be used to divert,infiltrate,reuse or otherwise manage stormwater runoff and
runon in a manner that reduces pollutants in stormwater discharges leaving the site.
Appropriate BMPs may include but are not limited to:vegetative swales,berms,use of
reclaimed mine areas,and reuse of collected stormwater(such as for an industrial process
or as an irrigation source).
3.BMP Controls Inspection and Maintenance.All stormwater BMPs shall be inspected by
or under the direction of the permittee at least once every seven calendar days and within
24 hours after any storm event that results in a discharge.The BMPs implemented shall be
operated and maintained so that they are cleaned out when the sediment storage capacity
has been reduced by 50%.If any visible sedimentation is leaving the property,corrective
action shall be taken to reduce the discharge of sediments.Visible sedimentation found
offsite shall be recorded with a brief explanation as to the measures taken to prevent future
releases as well as any measures taken to remove the sediment that left the site.All other
stormwater specific controls(e.g.oil/water separators)shall be inspected and qualitatively
monitored on a semiannual schedule,once in the fall(September-November)and once
during the spring(April-June).A log of sampling data and of activities taken to implement
BMPs associated with the vehicle maintenance activities shall be maintained and
incorporated into the BMP Plan and kept onsite for the duration of the permit term and
made available to the Director upon request.
4.Erosion and Sedimentation Control.The permittee shall implement the management
practices and the erosion and sedimentation control measures that are included in the
mining permit or erosion and sedimentation control permit issued by the Division of Land
Resources. Compliance with the issued permit is considered a requirement of this permit.
Any deviation from the issued permit,or amendments to the issued permit that impacts
6

Permit Number: NC0085839
Resources.Compliance with the issued permit is considered a requirement of this permit.
Any deviation from the issued permit, or amendments to the issued permit that impacts
water quality shall constitute a violation of the terms and conditions of this permit.A
signed copy of the issued permit including the approved erosion and sedimentation control
measures and the reclamation plan shall be maintained on the site at all times. Once an area
is released by the Division of Land Resources in accordance with NCGS Chapter 74,Article
7, it shall no longer be subject to this permit.
5. Preventive Maintenance Inspections and Good Housekeeping Practices. Equipment
utilized during mining activity on a site must be operated and maintained in such a manner
as to prevent potential or actual pollution of the surface water or ground waters of the state.
Fuels,lubricants, coolants, and hydraulic fluids,or any other petroleum products,shall not
be discharged on the ground or into surface waters. Spent fluids shall be disposed of in a
manner so as not to enter the surface waters or ground waters of the state and in
accordance with applicable federal disposal regulations. Any spilled fluids shall be cleaned
up to the maximum extent practicable and disposed of in a manner that does not allow their
entry into the surface waters or ground waters of the state.
6. Secondary Containment. The permittee shall provide secondary containment for bulk
storage of liquid materials, storage of Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act (SARA)water priority chemicals, or storage of hazardous liquids
substances to prevent leaks and spills from contaminating stormwater runoff. If the
secondary containment devices are connected directly to stormwater conveyance systems,
the connection shall be controlled by manually activated valves or other similar devices
(which shall be secured with a locking mechanism) and any stormwater that accumulates in
the containment area shall be at a minimum visually observed for color, foam,outfall
staining,visible sheens and dry weather flow,prior to release of the accumulated
stormwater.Accumulated stormwater shall be released if found to be uncontaminated by
the material stored within the containment area.
SECTION B: ANALYTICAL AND QUALITATIVE MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
FOR DISCHARGES COMPOSED ENTIRELY OF STORMWATER
Analytical monitoring for stormwater discharges shall be performed for parameters as
specified in Tables 1 through 2. All analytical monitoring shall be performed during a
representative storm event as defined in Section D. Definitions.
In situations where stormwater runoff is controlled by some type basin or
retention/detention pond, the following provisions are applicable for sample collection for
analytical monitoring:
(*Analytical monitoring for stormwater discharges from a basin or other similar control
structures must be performed within the first 30 minutes of discharge.

Permit Number: NC0085839
• Analytical monitoring for a basin/pond designed to contain the 10-year design storm (see
Section D. Definitions)without discharging is not required. Qualitative monitoring for
color,foam,outfall staining,visible sheen and dry weather flow is the only monitoring
requirement.
• Analytical and qualitative monitoring are not required for a basin/pond designed to
contain the 25-year,24-hour storm (see Section D. Definitions)without discharging.A
basin/pond meeting this provision is considered a non-discharging stormwater control.
1. Analytical Monitoring for Stormwater Discharges from Land Disturbance and Process
Areas.
Analytical monitoring for stormwater discharges from land disturbance and process areas
shall be performed as specified in Table 1.
Table 1.Analytical Monitoring Requirements for Stormwater Discharges from Land
Disturbing Activities and Process Areas
Discharge Units Measurement' 'Sample' Sample
Characteristics Frequency) Type2 Location31
Settleable Solids m1/1 Annually Grab SDO
Total Suspended Solids mg/1 Annually Grab SDO
Turbidity NTU Annually Grab SDO
Total Rainfall4inches Annually -- --
Event Duration4minutes Annually -- --
Total Flow' MG Annually -- SDO
pH SU Annually Grab SDO
Fluoride mg/1 Annually Grab SDO
Chloride mg/1 Annually Grab SDO
Footnotes:
1 Measurement Frequency:Once per year during a representative storm event.A year is defined as the 12
month period beginning on the month and day of issuance of the permit.
2 The sample is collected within the first 30 minutes of discharge from the outfall.
3 Sample Location:Samples shall be collected at each stormwater discharge outfall(SDO)unless
representative outfall status has been granted.
4 For each sampled representative storm event, the total precipitation,storm duration,and total flow
must be monitored.Total flow shall be either;(a)measured continuously,(b)calculated based on the.
amount of area draining to the outfall,the amount of built-upon(impervious)area,and the total amount
of rainfall,or(c)estimated by the measurement of flow at 20 minute intervals during the rainfall event.
8

2. Qualitative Monitoring for Stormwater Discharges from Land Disturbance Areas,
Process Areas and Vehicle Maintenance Areas.
Qualitative monitoring requires a visual inspection of all stormwater outfalls with
stormwater runoff from land disturbance, process or vehicle maintenance areas regardless
of representative outfall status or cut-off concentrations and shall be performed as specified
below in Table 2. No analytical tests are required.
The first qualitative monitoring event during the term of the permit must coincide with
the initial analytical monitoring event (regardless of the season).All other qualitative
monitoring will be performed twice per year, once in the spring(April-June) and once in
the fall (September-November) and does not need to be performed during a representative
storm event.
Table 2.Qualitative Monitoring Requirements
Discharge Characteristics Frequency Monitoring'
Location].
Color Semi Annual SDO
Odor Semi-Annual SDO
Clarity Semi-Annual SDO
Floating Solids Semi-Annual SDO
Suspended Solids Semi mal SDO
Foam Semi-Annual SDO
Oil Sheen Semi-Annual SDO
Deposition at or immediately below the Semi Annual SDO
outfall
Erosion at or immediately below the Semi Annual SDO •
outfall
Other obvious indicators Semi-Annual SDO
of stormwater pollution •
Footnotes:
1 Monitoring Location:Qualitative monitoring shall be performed at each stormwater discharge outfall
(SDO)associated with land disturbance areas,process areas and vehicle maintenance areas regardless of
representative outfall status.
9

Permit Number: NC0085839
SECTION C: SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE
1. The permittee shall comply with Final Limitations and Controls specified for
stormwater discharges in accordance with the following schedule:
For the land disturbance activities:
a.Implement BMP's and stormwater controls,as appropriate on the effective date of
permit coverage, at existing operations.
b.Develop and implement BMP's and stormwater controls, as appropriate,prior to
beginning land disturbance activity at new operations.
2. Permittee shall at all times provide the operation and maintenance necessary to operate
the permitted stormwater controls at optimum efficiency.
SECTION D:DEFINITIONS
1. Representative Storm Event
A storm event that measures greater than 0.1 inches of rainfall and that is preceded by
at least 72 hours in which no storm event measuring greater than 0.1 inches has
occurred. A single storm event may contain up to 10 consecutive hours of no
precipitation. For example,if it rains for 2 hours without producing any collectable
discharge, and then stops,a sample may be collected if a rain producing a discharge
begins again within the next 10 hours.
2. Ten Year Design Storm
The maximum 24 hour precipitation event expected to be equaled or exceeded on the
average once in ten years. Design storm information can be found in the State of North
Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual.
3. 25-year,24 hour storm event
The maximum 24-hour precipitation event expected to be equaled or exceeded,on the
average,once in 25 years.
to

J.00 S7 ,
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
A y .W REGION 4
�' ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER
F �o= 61 FORSYTH STREET
?
�4 p,o1E�` ATLANTA,GEORGIA 30303-8960
MAY = 3 _ •
Ms. Jackie Nowell ..... T;
North Carolina Department of Environment and ktrc Y11-; -
'Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality WIZ 0 E
NPDES Unit
1617 Mail Service Center -
Raleigh,NC 27699-1617 �i ` , �
SUBJ: Draft NPDES Permit
Unimin—Red Hill -Permit No. NC0085839
Dear Ms. Nowell:
In accordance with the EPA/NCDENR NPDES MOA,we have completed review of the
draft permit specified above and have no comments or objections to its conditions. We request
that we be afforded an additional review opportunity only if significant changes are made to the
draft permit prior to issuance or if significant comments objecting to it are received. Otherwise,
please send us one copy of the final permit when issued.
If you have any questions,please call me at [phone].
Sincerely,
Marshall Hyatt,Environmental Scientist
Permits, Grants, and Technical Assistance Branch
Water Management Division
Internet Address(URL)• httpi/www.epagov
Recycled/Recyclable•Printed with Vegetable 01 Based Inks on Recycled Paper(Minimum 30%Poslconsumel)

Draft Permits(12)
•
Subject: Draft Permits(12)
From:John Giorgino<[e-mail]>
Date: Mon,22 May 2006 14:40:18-0400
To: Jackie Nowell<[e-mail]>
Jackie, I have reviewed the following permits (I am late getting back to you on some
of them, but did not have any comments) . Thanks for forwarding them.
NC0025321
NC0021962
NC0074705
NC0023884
NC0005177
NC0000361
NC0000400
NC0084620
NC0085839
NC0000353
NC0000175
NC0060534
John Giorgino
Environmental Biologist
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Environmental Sciences Section
Aquatic Toxicology Unit
Mailing Address:
1621 MSC
Raleigh, NC 27699-1621
Office: 919 733-2136
Fax: [phone]
"The real work of men was hunting meat. The invention of agriculture was a giant step
in the wrong direction, leading to serfdom, cities, and empire. From a race of
hunters, artists, warriors, and tamers of horses, we degraded ourselves to what we are
now: clerks, functionaries, laborers, entertainers, processors of information." -
Edward Abbey
1 of 1 innmnfi 1.11R PM

ASHEVILLE
VOICE OF THE MOUNTAINS•CITIZEN-TIMES.com •
14 O.Henry Avenue•P.O.Box 2090•Asheville,NC 28802 •828-252-5611 •FAX [phone]
•
•
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
�'°• m it (;.,PUBLIC NOTICEBUNCOMBE COUNTY
i FSTATEOF.NORTS CAROLI Is aJ
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEME rt SS.
COMMISSION[I NPDES UNIT
' i' 1617MAILSERVJCE CENTER' ' `-'
*RALEIGH:NC-276991617 44! , NORTH CAROLINA
( OTIFiCATION OF INTENT-TO ISSUE'
..-1 A NPDESWASTEWATERRM "r` '
On the. s Genef uStatute rev ewPubl aw Before the undersigned, a Notary Public of said
appli-
cation of NC General''Statute.143.21,=Public law
92-500-and::other lawful ,standards and regula-
tions,l the;North 'Carolina Environmental Man- County and State, duly commissioned, qualified and
ag9ement Commission prbposesto issue a Nation-
(NPDES) w Discharge c ar e p rmit:System authorized bylaw to administer oaths,personally
'wastewater.t-discharge permit-to the P y
person(s) listed below effective 45 days from the
publish date of this notices " µ appeared Velene Fagan,who, being first duly
Written comments.regarding cthe..proposed*per- sworn, deposes and says: that she is the Legal
Mit Will be accepted.until 30 days after the pub-
lish date of this notice. All Comments received Billing Clerk of The Asheville Citizen-Times
prior-to that-date-are-considered:in.the final de-
terminations regarding-the.,proposed permit.i;The engaged Inpublication of a newspaper known as
i Director of the:t•CIDivision of Water Quality:.maY
f decide to hold public,meeting focthe proposed
i,permit should- e-sDivision receiveca significant The Asheville Citizen-Times,published, issued,
degree of pub JO terest .
=f ..-
"r a.' and entered as second class mail in the City of
,Copies of ff'p
draermidan 'afherasupporting,
present in on faf .used'to determine:conditions• in said County and that she is
Present m,theairaft,perntitpre`av_ailable;uponTe- Asheville, State;
quest and payment of,the costs of,reproduction.
Mail comments and/ofrequests"for_information authorized to make this affidavit and sworn
to the NC•Division of Water Quality at the above
address or call the Point Source-Branch at(919) statement; that the notice or other legal
733-5083, extension 520;or'3631 Please:include:the
NPDES permit„umber.rson(attached),in any com-
munication. Interested`personsmaY•-also visit advertisement,
Division of iWater Quality..at,512 etWee :Salisbury hereto, was published in The Asheville Citizen-
Street, Raleigh, NC 27604„1148 between the hours
Citizen-
of 8Fi e.00 a m and 5:00 p.m. to- review information Times on the following date: April 27th, 2006.And
on tile. .
NPDES Permit_Number NC0000175-Unimin tor- that the said newspaper in which said notice,paper,
potation, luartz.*--FeldsparlftFaeiirty�fi Mitchel\ P P
County, has applied orrdneWal af-lts permit.dfs• document or legal advertisement was published
charging treatedd>wastewater4ito the North=Toe
River,in the:-fi rench.Brood:River.Basin..Current'
Ir fluoride"andtotal suspended;,,solids are-water was, at the time of each and every publication,a
quality limited ahie discharg- ay affect:future
allocations 'i hiss rlio of • e -eceiving newspaper meeting all of the requirements and
stream. ' ,.•2,..,- ' J
NPDES Permit P;Nfumbei=' FC0000353 Thes'Feid- qualifications of Section 1-597 of the General
spar: Corporation, Mitchell County;fins•applied
for.renewaltof:Fin=.permit,'.discharging.treated Statues of North Carolina and was a qualified
wastewateishnd;.noncontactcooling water:to;'ihe
North Toe River`in the French Broad Ri3er-Ba- newspaper within the meaning of Section 1-597 of
sin: Currently:fluoride-:andhtotalsuspended-solids.
ore water quality limited,-This discharge-may at• the General Statues of North Carolina.
fect future allocationsrin}.this portionof the re-
ceiving stream....'e.at.4 M. s s'p:
NPDES Permit Number NC0084620, Unimin-Cor-
poration 1t.Cnttal aOperationr has applied Afar Si is 27th day of April, 2006
modification and renewal-of. tspermit discharg-
ing treoted`wastewater�...he.Norh Toe.$Riye n /the French_Broad FverBas n ;Currently,jluo-
ridei3
water quality.limited ,,T�his discharge may
affect future alIoyationsjo ihls portion of the re--
celill_ivingstream: `" i- ;NPDES Pe mit'uumfall ClN�394 Unimin Cor- (Signature of person making .idav
poration Red,=.Hill.Quartz Plant, has applied,for
renewal of its permit.foe a facility discharging
treated wastewater to the-North Toe River in the
French Broad River,Basin.,-Currently:fluoride is
water;quality limited This discharge may affect Sworn to and s s 'bed before me the 27th 40y„co,i
future allocations in this,Portion of the receiving - l s °N°°
stream. t � l I rf r.v.. Ap , 106 --. ,f . JOY " ,
April'27,2006 V4f s0444 •' # /04 • `;:
•,,,,./e,;,..;-;Y:5" rt
.......�..- (Not. Pub ,r . • ' -C It
My Co fission expires the 3rd day oft 1 t.ICv,,
2008. %$' �M ', ``
BE C� 'ra

ASHEVILLE
CITIZEN TIMES
VOICE OF THE MOUNTAINS•CmZEN-TIMES.com •
•
14 O. Henry Avenue•P.O. Box 2090•Asheville,NC 28802.828-252-5611 •FAX [phone]
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
ST E'F NORTH CAROLINA` k,j BUNCOMBE COUNTY
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SS.
COMMISSION[NPDES UNIT
''. e': 1617'MAEL SERVfcECENTER '' NORTH CAROLINA
' *RA EIGH NC-27699.1617 i r ka*Y .:e
L OTIFICATION OF INTENT5,,TO ISSUE :'`
....=A NPDES WASTEW ERM T---"'•-''
cOna the. s Gene up ha a review•and appli-
cation
ppw Before the undersigned, a Notary Public of said
cafiorn of NC General jStatute.143.21 Public law
92-500,and'.other lawful standards and regula-
tions,,the i North 'Carolina Environmental,Man- County and State,duly commissioned, qualified and
agement Commission proposes to issue a Nation-
al'—Pollutant watearge chargElimination System authorized by law to administer oaths,personally
(NPDES) wastewater.#•discharge permit to,the
Person(s) fisted below effective 45 days from the.
publish date of this notice X4•4• appeared Velene Fagan,who, being first duly
Written comments lre>iardingcthefProrosed_*per- sworn, deposes and says: that she is the Legal
mit will be accepted--until 30 days after the pub-
lisp date of this,fiotice.,Alb comments received Billing Clerk of The Asheville Citizen-Times
prior Yo that-date-are considered,in the final•de• 9
terminations regarding--thejoroaosed permit.,The
Director of the NCIDtvision of,Water.Qualitymay engaged in publication of a newspaper known as
"decide to hold' ubltc'meeting'.for`the proposed
permit should 4Division gent, ca significant The Asheville Citizen-Times,published, issued,
degree of pub icinte st; - !•tlt
t
;:Copies of *drat "permit)an 8fher'zsupportinp, and entered as second class mail in the City of
information on file.used'to'determine,conditions• Asheville, in said Countyand State;that she is
Present in the draft permit�are'av_ailabie;upon Te-.
quest and'payment of.the costs of reproduction_
Mail comments and/or.. requests'I for_information authorized to make this affidavit and sworn
' to the NC?Division of Water Quality.;at the above
address or call the Point Sourcetaranch'at (919) statement; that the notice or other legal
733-5083, extension 520,or-363-t'Please include the
NPDES permit number.(attached),n any.com- advertisement, a true copy of which is attached
munication. Interested'persons'mayalso visitdhe
Division of Water Quality 48 between
sash ury hereto, was published in The Asheville Citizen-
Street, Raleigh, NC 27604-,148 between the' ours
Citizen-
of file. a m and 5:00 p.m. to review mfor- — Times on the following date: April 27th, 2006.And
onf 8:00 —
NPDES Permit-Number.NC0000175..Umm n Cor- that the said newspaper in which said notice,paper,
,Poration, Quartz eldsparitFacilitY `°Mitchell, P P
County, has app- wast:rent,ialZt -the-its permit his• document or legal advertisement was published
charging treated- wastewater�tonfhe North=Toe
River;in the,Brench.Broad;.RivecYBasin.,Current-
ly fluoride'and&tat suspended;;solids are water was, at the time of each and every publication,a
quality limit i'This'discharge.imay affect future
allocations 'i hist rtio of; a ecei ling newspaper meeting all of the requirements and
stream-
'
NPDES PermrfJstumber"*0000353, The=:Feld- qualifications of Section 1-597 of the General
•
spar;Corporation, Mitchell County,"fiaas applied
for^`renewal(,tot flits permits discharging{treated Statues of North Carolina and was a qualified
wastewaterebnd: oncontact tooling water-:to'the
North ToeRiver``Tirn the French Broad River:Ba- newspaper within the meaning of Section 1-597 of
sin: Current lyaluoriderand_tatatsuspended solids r^ C ..L
are water quality limited..This discharge may iii- the General Statues of North Carolina.
fect future allocations inrthis portionof the".-re-
ceiving stream-n '. •c.. 3 . _ -
NPDES Permit Number NC0084620, Unimin-Cor-
poratlonR•Crystal,Operation has applied: for Si is 27th day of April, 2006
modification and renewal of its permitdischarp-
inp treatedtiwastewateraceth$ arch Toe Riye yin , I
the' French Broad RRver-.Basin .Currently_-tluo- t(//)t
ride'ii water qualitylimited iThis"discharge may
affect,future allocations jn th s portioni of the re- C.-____ •
ce vv,`ng stream. t ' ,.-
NPDES Permi�um r NC ,'Unimin Cor- (Signature of person making .idav
poration • Red-Hill:Quartz Plant, has applied for
renewal of its"permit:for a facility discharging
treated wastewater to,the North Toe River in the
French Broad limi a ,Basin..-Currently',fluoride is Sworn to and s bed before me the 27th day
water quality limited This discharge may affect ���p,
future allocations in this portion of the receiving �_o NN,,
stream. i Ap 106 ,1I� JOY - t5.
April 27 2006 ; l:_.,,„,1� 1 1 •
, ��"
(2282) .. .._ p 1
.,- ret •, .?tV• e ►.Isom. LI. i 0Pa _RY. In
........... (No • Pub s it •. -L=
My Co •ssion expires the 3rd day oft•:.• tic ,.. I
2008.• "�'G v.
" •
y�cOMBE CO'.#"
''4H
' i,ils; �N,

DENR/DWQ
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT
NPDES No. NC0085839
Facility Information
Applicant/Facility Name: Unimin Corporation-Red Hill Quartz Plant
Applicant Address: P.O.Box 588,Hwy 226N Spruce Pine NC 28777
Facility Address: Highway 197N Bakersville NC 28705
Permitted Flow 0.682
Type of Waste: Industrial
Facility/Permit Status: Renewal
Facility Classification Physical/Chemical Class II
County: Mitchell
Miscellaneous
Receiving Stream: North Toe River Regional Office: Asheville
Stream Classification: C Trout USGS Topo Quad: C9SE
303(d) Listed?: No* Permit Writer: Jackie Nowell
Subbasin: 04-03-06 Date: 3/22/2006
Drainage Area (mi2): 340
Summer 7Q10 (cfs) 90.7 .-
Winter 7Q10 (cfs): 125.6
Average Flow (cfs): 510
IWC (%): 1.2%
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 Red Hill
Quartz Plant does extraction and mineral processing to produce high purity quartz. 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 an intermittent stormwater
discharge. Plant limits flow to an average of 474 gpm (682,560 MGD)
The existing wastewater treatment plant consists of:
• Mix-reactor tanks;
• Lime and polymer feed systems;
• thickener;
• drum filter
• pH adjustment and
• flow measurement.
Processes for treatment include neutralization, precipitation, settling, vacuum filtering of solids
and disposal of solids by land filling.
RECEIVING STREAM INFORMATION:
The North Toe River is not listed on North Carolina's 2004-303(d) list, however it should be
noted that the 2005 French Broad River Basin Management Plan has a segment of the North
Toe River with a use support rating of Impaired based on turbidity and riparian area loss. The
segment also has a bioclassification rating of Fair (It is listed as biologically impaired on the
2006 Draft 303d list).
At this time, DWQ proposes no changes to the previously developed load allocations. Neither
the impairment nor the turbidity violation is directly attributable to the discharges. However,
the facility will be notified via the cover letter about potential impacts due to the Draft 303d
list.
The Red Hill Quartz Plant is located approximately 15 miles downstream of the impaired
segment of the North Toe River
tJnimin corporation-- Red Hill Facility Sheri
\KM'S Renewal
Page 1

INSTREAM MONITORING:
Upstream: Upstream at least 50 feet
Downstream: Downstream at least 300 feet.
Parameters: Fluoride, Turbidity, pH
The fluoride standard was protected both upstream and downstream of the discharge in 2004
and 2005, with the lone exception of a value of 1.96 mg/1 downstream of the discharge in
August 2004.
A review of instream data for 2004 and 2005 showed some exceedances of the turbidity
standard of 10 NTU for trout streams. These exceedances occurred in April, June and Sept.
2004 and June 2005. In these instances, the standard was exceeded both upstream and
downstream of the Red Hill facility.
TOXICITY TEST RESULTS:
Existing :Quarterly Chronic P/F, 1.2% Ceriodaphnia test. JAN APR JUL OCT
Facility has passed all tests since January 2002 except for one failure in January 2004. It was
followed by two passed tests in Feb. and March 2004 and all subsequent tests through October
2005
Recommendation: Renewal of quarterly chronic test @ 1.2%
COMPLIANCE REVIEW:
Facility has been in compliance with nearly all permit limits consistently in 2004 and 2005.
No NOVs issued in the past two years.
Facility is no longer required to conduct Priority Pollutant analysis based on category of
discharger.
Confidential information in application indicates that chlorine is added for disinfection of intake
water. Will recommend TRC limit in renewed permit based on trout classification of receiving
stream and NC standard for TRC. TRC limit will be 28 ug/1.
PROPOSED CHANGES:
■ Addition of Total Residual Chlorine limit of 28 ug/1 based on facility using chlorine to
disinfect intake water. Facility will have 18 months to come into compliance with limit.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE:
Draft Permit to Public Notice: 04/26/2006
Permit Scheduled to Issue: (Tentative) 06/19/2006
Projected Effective Date of Permit: 08/01/2006
STATE CONTACT:
If you have any questions on any of the above information or on the attached permit, please
contact Ji kie Nowell at [phone] ext. 512.
NAM. / , / DATE: 1/207z4-6
l; i;t;in
Corporation Red Hill Fatality Sheet
\PL)f_S Rcnewat
P.ie:2

. .
REGIONAL OFFICE COMMENT: .
/17/z 0 /7/45 A)0 -ZS:3We 5 LA.)77.7,4 ,4 ir:7- . •••2'e,71 7
-,
i'•- 7-*-7 ,7-..r.ege- -6- 7....,c,e. .itieD cd.)/pw 7,tiE r,Z c
i_i m /7;
---„,
NAME: Ilirriiii. / DATE:
NPDES SUPERVISOR COMMENT:
NAME:112/A £ „.#4 „ 2 DATE:
A E L' LE 11 Vi E n
[
JUN 1 6 2006 112
gir-WATER QUALITY
SOURCE BRANCH
linitnin Ccirporation—Red Iiiil Facility Sheet ---
NPDES Renewal
Pa gc 3
....m.-

Unimin-Red Hill facility
Residual Chlorine Ammonia as NH3
(summer)
7Q10(CFS) 90.7 7Q10(CFS) 90.7
DESIGN FLOW(MGD) 0.682 DESIGN FLOW(MGD) 0.682
DESIGN FLOW(CFS) 1.0571 DESIGN FLOW(CFS) 1.0571
STREAM STD(UG/L) 17.0 STREAM STD(MG/L) 1.0
UPS BACKGROUND LEVEL(I 0 UPS BACKGROUND LEVEL 0.22
IWC(%) 1.15 IWC(%) 1.15
Allowable Concentration(ugi 1475.61 Allowable Concentration (m 67.92
Ammonia as NH3
(winter)
7Q10(CFS) 1
Fecal Limit 200/100m1 DESIGN FLOW(MGD) 0.682
Ratio of 85.8 :1 DESIGN FLOW(CFS) 1.0571
STREAM STD(MG/L) 1.8
UPS BACKGROUND LEVEL 0.22
IWC(%) 0.83
Allowable Concentration(m 189.53
9/18/2006

Description for 1459: Clay, Ceramic, and Refractory Minerals, Not Elsewhere Classified Page 1 of 2
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SIC Description for 1459
Description for 1459: gla ran and Refractory Minerals, Nn,
igisewhere Classified
Division B: Mining
Major Group 14: Mining And Quarrying Of Nonmetallic Minerals, Except Fuels
Industry Group 145: Clay, Ceramic, And Refractory Minerals
1459 Clay, Ceramic, and Refractory Minerals, Not Elsewhere Classified
Establishments primarily engaged in mining, milling, or otherwise preparing clay, ceramic,
or refractory minerals, not elsewhere classified. Establishments producing clay in
conjunction with the manufacture of refractory or structural clay and pottery products are
classified in Manufacturing, Major Group 32.
• Andalusite mining
• Aplite mining
• Bentonite mining
• Brucite mining
• Burley mining
• Clays (common) quarrying-not in conjunction with manufacturing
• Cornwall stone mining
• Cyanite mining
• Diaspore mining
• Dumortierite mining
• Fire clay mining
• Flint clay mining
• Fuller's earth mining
• Kyanite mining
• Magnesite mining
• Nepheline syenite quarrying
• Olivine (nongem) mining
• Pegmatite (feldspar) mining
• Pinite mining
• Plastic fire clay mining
• Shale (common) quarrying-not in conjunction with manufacturing
• Sillimanite mining
• Stoneware clay mining
• Syenite, nepheline-quarrying
• Topaz (nongem) mining
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Description for 1459: Clay,Ceramic, and Refractory Minerals,Not Elsewhere Classified Page 2 of 2
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http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sic_manual.display?id=399&tab=description 3/28/2006

Description for 1499: Miscellaneous Nonmetallic Minerals, Except Fuels Page 1 of 2
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SIC Description for 1499
Description fo 499;Miscellaneous Nonmetallic Minerals,Except
Fuels <1
Division B: Mining
Major Group 14: Mining And Quarrying Of Nonmetallic Minerals, Except Fuels
Industry Group 149: Miscellaneous Nonmetallic Minerals, Except
1499 Miscellaneous Nonmetallic Minerals, Except Fuels
Establishments primarily engaged in mining, quarrying, milling, or otherwise preparing
nonmetallic minerals, except fuels. This industry includes the shaping of natural abrasive
stones at the quarry. Establishments primarily engaged in the production of blast, grinding,
or polishing sand are classified in Industry 1446, and those calcining gypsum are classified
in Manufacturing, Industry 3275.
• Agate mining
• Alabaster mining
• Amethyst mining
• Asbestos mining
• Asphalt (native) mining
• Asphalt rock mining
• Bitumens (native) mining
• Bituminous limestone quarrying
• Bituminous sandstone quarrying
• Burrstone quarrying
• Calcite mining
• Catlinite mining
• Corundum mining
• Cryolite mining
• Diamond mining, industrial
• Diatomaceous earth mining
• Diatomite mining
• Emery mining
• Fill dirt pits
• Garnet mining
• Gem stone mining
• Gilsonite mining
• Grahamite mining
• Graphite mining
• Greensand mining
• Grinding peat
• Grindstone quarrying
• Gypsite mining
• Gypsum mining
• Iceland spar mining (optical grade calcite)
• Jade mining
• Meerschaum mining or quarrying
http://www.osha.gov/p1s/imis/sic_manual.display?id=404&tab=description 3/28/2006

Description for 1499: Miscellaneous Nonmetallic Minerals, Except Fuels Page 2 of 2
• Mica mining
• Millstone quarrying
• Muscovite mining
• Natural abrasives mining (except sand)
• Oilstone quarrying
• Ozokerite mining
• Peat humus mining
• Peat mining
• Perlite mining
• Phlogopite mining
• Pipestone mining
• Pozzolana mining
• Precious stones mining
• Pulpstone quarrying
• Pumice mining
• Pumicite mining
• Pyrophyllite mining
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• Reed peat mining
• Rubbing stone quarrying
• Ruby mining
• Sapphire mining
• Scoria mining
• Screening peat
• Scythestone quarrying
• Sedge peat mining
• Selenite mining
• Semiprecious stones mining
• Sharpening stone quarrying
• Shell mining
• Shredding peat
• Soapstone quarrying
• Steatite mining
• Talc mining
• Tripoli mining
• Turquoise mining
• Vermiculite mining
• Volcanic ash mining
• Whetstone quarrying
• Wurtzilite mining
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Occupational Safety & Health Administration
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sic_manual.display?id=404&tab=description 3/28/2006

NC0085839- Unimin- Red Hill Instream Data (2004-05) ,
Date Ups Fl (mg/I) Down Fl (mq/I) Ups Turb (NTU) Dwn Turb (NTU)
Apr-04 ' 0.29 0.55 10 10
May-04 0.54 0.83 4 4
Jun-04 , 0.47 0.71 12 ! 13 1
Jul-04 0.43 1.26 8 8
Aug-04 4 0.58 1.96 ' 7 8
Sep-04 4 0.36 0.58 14 1 13
Oct-04 0.26 0.54 2 3
Apr-05 0.17 0.23 9 10.
May-05' 0.68 0.43 9 10
Jun-05 _ 0.79 0.72 12 A 12
Jul-05 1.32 1.43 6 6
Aug-05 0.74 0.76 7 7
Sep-05 0.48 0.5 2 2
Oct-05 1.44 1.57 3 3
Upstream- 50 ft. upstream of discharge pipe
Downstream -300 ft. downstream of discharge pipe
Standard exceedances in bold print

Al ' Environmental Affairs Department
Unimin Corporation
136 Crystal Drive •Spruce Pine,NC 28777
(PHONE)828/766-6081•(FAX)828/765-4755
August 29, 2005
Mr. Charles H. Weaver,Jr.
NCDENR/Water Quality/NPDES Unit
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 Mr. Weaver:
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 and Red Hill facilities and EPA Application Form 2C for the
Quartz/Feldspar and Schoolhouse Quartz facilities. 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 samples
taken for both aluminum and sulfates from the Schoolhouse Quartz Facility effluent are
delayed. The results should be received and faxed to your office within 10 days.
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.
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.

r
Mr. Charles H. Weaver,Jr.
.1ugust 29, 2005
Page 2
B. The processes and technology associated with Unimin's production of high purity
quartz have been consistently treated by Unimin in its operating policies, procedures
and practices as proprietary and confidential trade secrets.
C. Unimin believes that such processes and technology are in its sole possession and
are not generally available to Unimin's competitors or the public.
D. Such confidential processes and technology which have been developed at great
time and expense to Unimin are the property of Unimin and represent a great value
and competitive advantage to its market position and are an integral part of
Unimin's continuous quartz production operation.
E. The unprotected divulgence of such confidential information would result in an
irreparable harm to the competitive position of Unimin Corporation in this market.
In addition, Unimin Corporation would like to request that the requirements to
sample lindane monthly contained in the Schoolhouse Quartz NPDES permit, and the
requirements to sample aldrin, heptachlor, lindane, and methoxychlor twice per month
contained in the Quartz/Feldspar NPDES permit be removed.
Hits for these pesticides were shown in the Priority Pollutant Analyses, samples
collected on February 19, 2004 for Quartz/Feldspar and June 19, 2001 for Schoolhouse
Quartz. As previously discussed, pesticides are not used in any process or in any form at
either of the two facilities. We believe the discharge of these pesticides are due to utilizing
the N. Toe River water for process water. As you are aware, Avery County is a major
contributor to the Christmas Tree industry and the storm water runoff containing
pesticides from these Christmas tree farms report to the N. Toe River. A requirement to
sample these pesticides for eighteen months was placed in the NDPES permits issued on
June 23, 2004. Since that time, the following results have been observed.
Unimin Schoolhouse has sampled both the effluent and the intake water on a
monthly basis since the permit was issued. No hits have been detected in the intake or
effluent water.
Unimin Quartz/Feldspar has sampled both the effluent and the intake water twice
per month since the permit was issued. Lindane was detected only once on August 13, 2004
with a result of 0.031 ug/l, slightly above the Pace reporting limit of 0.025 ug/1. Heptachlor
has been detected in the effluent on three occasions. The three effluent detections were
0.10 ug/l on September 25, 2004, 0.056 ug/1 on September 29, 2004, and 0.041 ug/l on
November 30, 2004. Heptachlor was detected in the intake water on August 20, 2004 with
a result of 0.027 ug/1. The Pace reporting limit for Heptachlor is 0.025 ug/1. No other
detections have been made in the intake or effluent water.

Mr. Charles H. Weaver,Jr.
_kugust 29, 2005
Page 2
Please note that pesticide samples taken on April 14, 2004 did not show any
detections, however upon observing the Pace Analytical Services laboratory QC data, the
control sample showed a result of 0.011 ug/1 delta-BHC greater than the reporting limit of
0.010 ug/l. This proves that the test is very unreliable at such low levels.
The inclusion of pesticides in the process water effluent can only be from the
intake water taken from the N. Toe River due to such high volumes of Christmas tree farms
in both Avery and Mitchell Counties. Unimin Corporation would like to request that these
requirements to sample pesticides be removed from the NPDES permits.
If you have any questions regarding this matter or require further information,
please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone] ext. 13.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey S. Ferguson, P. E.
Environmental Engineer
UNIMIN CORPORATION
Enclosures
c: EA Files,Mike Jussila(RH),Karl Kuchta(cover letter),Carl Horvat(QU/SQ),Bruce Perkins(RH),
Sandy Phillips (XL),Mitch Snyderman(QU),Steve Taylor(SQ),Mike Vencill(XL)