NC0085839_Issuance of Permit_20040402

A
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
A,
and Natural Resources •
Division of Water Quality r
Michael F. Easley, Governor NCDENR
William G. Ross,Jr., Secretary
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
April 2,2004
Mr.Jeffrey S.Ferguson
Unimin Corporation
P.O. Box 588
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Subject: NPDES Permit Issuance
NPDES Permit NC0085839
Unimin Corp.-Red Hill Quartz Plant
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 May 9, 1994 (or as
subsequently amended.)
This permit authorizes Unimin Corporation to discharge up to 0.682 MGD of treated wastewater
from the Red Hill Quartz Plant to the North Toe River, a class C Trout water in the French Broad River
Basin. The permit includes discharge limitations and/or monitoring for flow, total fluoride, total
suspended solids(TSS), ammonia, turbidity, pH, chloride, and chronic toxicity.
The following modification has been included in the final permit:
• The addition of monthly effluent monitoring for ammonia based on an ammonia solution
being used in the industrial process.
If any parts, measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this permit are
unacceptable to you, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty
(30) days following receipt of this letter. This request must be in the form of a written petition,
conforming to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the office of
Administrative Hearings, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-6714. Unless such a
demand is made, this permit shall be final and binding.
Please take notice that this permit is not transferable. The Division may require modification
revocation and reissuance of the permit. This permit does not affect the legal requirements to obtain
1617 MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27699-1617-TELEPHONE [phone]/FAX [phone]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER- 50%RECYCLED/ 1 0%POST-CONSUMER PAPER
VISIT US ON THE INTERNET @ http://h2o.enr.State.nc.uS/NPDES
4

Permit Number: NC0085839
other permits which may be required by the Division of Water Quality or permits required by the
Division of Land Resources, Coastal Area Management Act, or any other Federal or Local governmental
permits may be required.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Jacquelyn Nowell at
telephone number(919)733-5083, extension 512.
Sincer%signed By
Alan W. Klimek, P.E.
Attachments
cc: Asheville Regional Office/Water Quality Section
EPA Region IV/Attn. Roosevelt Childress
Aquatic Toxicology
Central Files
NPDES File

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 provisions of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards
and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management
Commission, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,as amended,
Unimin Corporation
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility Iocated at
Red Hill Quartz Plant
Off Highway 197
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 May 1,2004
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on February 28,2006.
Signed this day April 2,2004
S
- 1'd A.Goodly'
Alan W.Klimek, P.E.,Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the
Environmental Management Commission
1

4 ,
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 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 and
• flow measurement.
The facility is located at the Red Hill Quartz facility, off Highway 197, Mitchell
County, and;
2. Discharge stormwater through outfall 002 and wastewater through outfall 001
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
Lad& 35°00'50" Sub-Basin: 04-03-06
M1gitIA; 82°16'05" Locati.on
Quad*. C9SE
Stream Class: C Trout
Unimin Corporation-Red Hill Plant
Receivinz Stream; North Toe River
Permitted Flow: 0.682 MGD NNC0085839
orth Mitchell County

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
CHARACTERISTICS Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Average Maximum Freauencv Type Location'
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 Solids 142.0 lb/day 284.0 lb/day Weekly Composite E
NH3-N Monthly Composite E
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 increase the turbidity of the receiving waters more than 10 NTU. If the
turbidity exceeds 10 NTU due to natural conditions,the discharge shall not cause any increase in
turbidity.
3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 10.0 standard units.
4. Chronic Toxicity(Ceriodaphnia)Pass/Fail at 1.2%: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 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 definition of"detectable impairment,"
collection methods,exposure regimes, and further statistical methods are specified in
the "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure"
(Revised-February 1998) or subsequent versions.
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on
the Effluent Discharge Monitoring Form (MR-1) for the months in which tests were
performed, using the parameter code TGP3B for the pass/fail results and THP3B for the
Chronic Value. Additionally, DWQ Form AT-3 (original) is to be sent to the following
address:
Attention:North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Environmental Sciences Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Environmental Sciences
Branch no later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is
made.
Test data shall be complete, accurate, include all supporting chemical/physical
measurements and all concentration/response data, and be certified by laboratory
4

Permit Number: NC0085839
supervisor and ORC or approved designate signature. Total residual chlorine of the
effluent toxicity sample must be measured and reported if chlorine is employed for
disinfection of the waste stream.
Should there be no discharge of flow from the facility during a month in which toxicity
monitoring is required,the permittee will complete the information located at the top of
the aquatic toxicity (AT) test form indicating the facility name,permit number, pipe
number,county, and the month/year of the report with the notation of"No Flow" in
the comment area of the form. The report shall be submitted to the Environmental
Sciences Branch at the address cited above.
Should the permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is
required,monitoring will be required during the following month.
Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North
Carolina Division of Water Quality indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream,
this permit may be re-opened and modified to include alternate monitoring
requirements or limits.
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as
minimum control organism survival, minimum control organism reproduction, and
appropriate environmental controls, shall constitute an invalid test and will require
immediate follow-up testing to be completed no later than the last day of the month
following the month of the initial monitoring.
5

Permit Number: NC0085839
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.
A (6). FLUORIDE REOPENER
This permit shall be modified, or revoked and reissued to incorporate new fluoride
effluent limitations in the event that acute or chronic bioassay testing or other studies
results in a change in the North Carolina Water Quality Standard for fluoride.
A (7). PERMIT MODIFICATIONS
This permit shall be modified,or revoked and reissued to incorporate new limitations
in the event that production changes are requested or should any new fluoride using
discharge request to locate on the North Toe River.
PART II
STORMWATER MONITORING,CONTROLS AND LIMITATIONS FOR
PERMITTED DISCHARGES
SECTION A: FINAL LIMITATIONS AND CONTROLS FOR STORMWATER
DISCHARGES
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until
expiration, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater and stormwater
associated with industrial activity. Such discharges shall be controlled, limited and
monitored as specified below.
6

Permit Number: NC0085839
1. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans
The permittee shall develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, herein after
referred to as the Plan. The Plan shall be considered public information in accordance
with Part III,Standard Conditions, Section E.10. of this permit. The Plan shall include,
at a minimum, the following items:
a. Site Plan: The site plan shall provide a description of the physical facility and the
potential pollutant sources which may be expected to contribute to
contamination of regulated stormwater discharges. The site plan shall contain
the following:
(1) A general location map (USGS quadrangle map, or appropriately drafted
equivalent map), showing the facility's location in relation to
transportation routes and surface waters, and the name of the receiving
water(s) to which the stormwater outfall(s) discharges. If the discharge is
to a municipal separate storm sewer system, the name of the municipality
and the ultimate receiving waters, and accurate latitude and longitude of
the point(s) of discharge must be shown.
(2) A narrative description of storage practices, loading and unloading
activities, outdoor process areas, dust or particulate generating or control
processes, and waste disposal practices.
(3) A site map (or series of maps) drawn to scale with the distance legend
indicating location of industrial activities (including storage of materials,
disposal areas,process areas, and loading and unloading areas), drainage
structures, drainage areas for each outfall and activities occurring in the
drainage area,building locations and impervious surfaces, the percentage
of each drainage area that is impervious. For each outfall, a narrative
description of the potential pollutants which could be expected to be
present in the regulated stormwater discharge.
(4) A list of significant spills or leaks of pollutants that have occurred at the
facility during the 3 previous years and any corrective actions taken to
mitigate spill impacts.
(5) Certification that the stormwater outfalls have been evaluated for the
presence of non-stormwater discharges. The certification statement will
be signed in accordance with the requirements found in Part III, Standard
Conditions,Section B.11.
b. Stormwater Management Plan: The stormwater management plan shall contain
a narrative description of the materials management practices employed which
control or minimize the exposure of significant materials to stormwater,
7

Permit Number: NC0085839
including structural and non-structural measures. The stormwater management
plan, at a minimum, shall incorporate the following:
(1) A study addressing the technical and economic feasibility of changing the
methods of operations and/or storage practices to eliminate or reduce
exposure of materials and processes to stormwater. Wherever practicable
the permittee should consider covering storage areas, material handling
operations, manufacturing or fueling operations to prevent materials
exposure to stormwater. In areas where elimination of exposure is not
practicable, the stormwater management plan shall document the
feasibility of diverting the stormwater runoff away from areas of potential
contamination.
(2) A schedule to 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 materials 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 prior to release of the accumulated stormwater. Accumulated
stormwater shall be released if found to be uncontaminated. Records
documenting the individual making the observation, the description of
the accumulated stormwater and the date and time of the release shall be
kept for a period of five years.
(3) A narrative description of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to be
considered such as,but not limited to,oil and grease separation, debris
control, vegetative filter strips, infiltration and stormwater detention or
retention, where necessary. The need for structural BMPs shall be based
on the assessment of potential of sources contributing significant
quantities of pollutants to stormwater discharges and data collected
through monitoring of stormwater discharges.
(4) Inspection schedules of stormwater conveyances and controls and
measures to be taken to limit or prevent erosion associated with the
stormwater systems.
c. Spill Prevention and Response Plan: The Spill Prevention and Response Plan
shall incorporate a risk assessment of potential pollutant sources based on a
materials inventory of the facility. Facility personnel (or team) responsible for
implementing the plan shall be identified in the plan. A responsible person shall
be on-site at all times during facility operations that have the potential to
contaminate stormwater runoff through spills or exposure of materials
associated with the facility operations.
8

Permit Number: NC0085839
d. Preventative Maintenance and Good Housekeeping Program: A preventative
maintenance program shall be developed. The program shall document
schedules of inspections and maintenance activities of stormwater control
systems,plant equipment and systems. Inspection of material handling areas
and regular cleaning schedules of these areas shall be incorporated into the
program.
e. Training schedules shall be developed and training provided at a minimum on
an annual basis on proper spill response and cleanup procedures and
preventative maintenance activities for all personnel involved in any of the
facility's operations that have the potential to contaminate stormwater runoff.
Facility personnel (or team) responsible for implementing the training shall be
identified in the plan.
f. The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan shall identify a specific position(s)
responsible for the overall coordination, development, implementation, and
revision to the Plan. Responsibilities for all components of the Plan shall be
documented and position(s) assignments provided.
g. Plan Amendment: The permittee shall amend the Plan whenever there is a
change in design,construction, operation,or maintenance which has a significant
effect on the potential for the discharge of pollutants via a point source to surface
waters. The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan shall be reviewed and
updated on an annual basis.
The director may notify the permittee when the Plan does not meet one or more
of the minimum requirements of the permit. Within 30 days of such notice, the
permittee shall submit a time schedule to the Director for modifying the Plan to
meet minimum requirements. The permittee shall provide certification in
writing (in accordance with Part III,Standard Conditions,Section B.11.) to the
Director that the changes have been made.
h. Facility Inspections: Inspections of the facility and all stormwater systems shall
occur at a minimum on a semiannual schedule, once in the fall (September-
November) and once during the spring(April-June). The inspection and any
subsequent maintenance activities performed shall be documented, recording
date and time of inspection, individual(s) making the inspection and a narrative
description of the facility's stormwater control systems,plant equipment and
systems. Records of these inspections shall be incorporated into the Stormwater
Pollution Prevention Plan.
Visual monitoring as required in Part II, Section A.3.b. shall be performed in
addition to facility inspections.
i. Implementation: Implementation of the Plan shall include documentation of all
monitoring, measurements, inspections,maintenance activities and training
9

Permit Number: NC0085839
provided to employees, including the log of the sampling data. Activities taken
to implement BMPs associated with the industrial activities, including vehicle
maintenance activities, must also be recorded. All required documentation shall
be kept on-site for a period of five years and made available to the Director or his
authorized representative immediately upon request.
2. Minimum Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
Minimum monitoring and reporting requirements are as follows unless otherwise
approved in writing by the Director of the Division of Water Quality:
a. If a facility has multiple discharge locations with substantially identical
stormwater discharges that are required to be sampled, the permittee may
petition the Director for representative outfall status. If it is established that the
stormwater discharges are substantially identical and the permittee is granted
representative outfall status, then sampling requirements may be performed at a
reduced number of outfalls.
b. Visual monitoring for color, odor, solids, foam,outfall staining, visible sheens
and dry weather flow shall be performed at all stormwater discharge outfall
locations. All visual monitoring shall be documented and records maintained
with the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. The initial visual monitoring
event shall be performed simultaneously with the first analytical monitoring
event and documentation of only this initial visual monitoring event shall be
submitted along with the required analytical monitoring submittal.
c. For purposes of the stormwater sampling required in this permit, all samples
shall be collected from a discharge resulting from a representative storm event
(See definitions in Part III, Standard Conditions). Failure to monitor storm
events in accordance with the specified frequency shall constitute a violation of
this permit. If the stormwater runoff is controlled by a detention pond, the
following sampling requirements shall apply:
(1) If the detention pond detains the runoff generated by one inch of rainfall
for 24 hours, visual observations for color, foam, outfall staining, visible
sheens and dry weather flow are required,but analytical sampling shall
not be required.
(2) If the detention pond discharges only in response to a storm event
exceeding a 25-year, 24-hour storm (See Part II, Standard Conditions,
Section A), the pond shall be considered a non-discharging stormwater
control system and not subject to NPDES requirements, unless the
discharge causes a violation of water quality standards.
d. Samples analyzed in accordance with the terms of this permit shall be submitted
on forms approved by the Director no later than January 31 for the previous year
in which sampling was required to be performed.
to

Permit Number: NC0085839
e. Analytical results from sampling during the final year of the permit term shall be
submitted with the permit renewal application.
f. This permit regulates stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity.
Non-stormwater discharges which shall be allowed in the stormwater
conveyance system are:
(1) All other discharges that are authorized by an NPDES permit.
(2) Foundation drains, air-conditioner condensate without added chemicals,
springs,waterline and fire hydrant, water from footing drains, flows from
riparian habits and wetlands, fire-fighting training and fire system testing.
(3) Discharges resulting from fire-fighting.
If the storm event monitored and reported in accordance with this permit
coincides with a non-stormwater discharge, the permittee shall separately
monitor and report all parameters as required under the non-stormwater portion
of this permit and provide this information with the stormwater discharge
monitoring report.
3. Stormwater Monitoring Requirements- FINAL
a. Analytical Monitoring.
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until
expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 002 - stormwater
from process wastewater areas and adjoining stormwater collection areas. Process
wastewater shall not be discharged from outfall 002. Stormwater discharges shall be
limited and monitored by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS MONITORING
EFFLUENT REQUIREMENTS
CHARACTERISTICS Monthly Daily Measureme Sample Sample
Average Maximum nt TyPe Location
Frs+rn�Pnry
Flow •
E
Total Rainfall (inches)
Event Duration (minutes)
Total Suspended Annual Grab E
Residue (mg/I)
Settleable Solids (mVl) Annual Grab E
Turbidity (NTU) Annual Grab E
pH (SU) Annual Grab E
Fluoride (mg/I) Annual Grab E
Chloride (mg/I) Annual Grab E
11

Permit Number: NC0085839
*
Sample location: E-Effluent
**
For each 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 rain event.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
b. Visual Monitoring
Visual monitoring requires a qualitative visual inspection of each stormwater outfall, regardless
of representative outfall status,for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and assessing new sources of stormwater pollution. No
analytical tests are required. Visual monitoring of stormwater outfalls does not need to be
performed during a representative storm event.
Stormwater Discharge Monitoring
Characteristics Frequency) Monitoring Location3
Type2
Color Semi-annual Visual SDO
Odor Semi-annual Observation SDO
Clarity Semi-annual Visual SDO
Floating Solids Semi-annual Visual SDO
Suspended Solids Semi-annual Visual SDO
Foam Semi-annual Visual SDO
Oil Sheen Semi-annual Visual SDO
Other obvious indicators of Semi-annual Visual SDO
stormwater pollution
1 Frequency:The first visual monitoring event during the term of the permit must be
performed during the initial analytical monitoring event. All subsequent visual
monitoring will be performed twice per year,once in the spring and once in the fall.
2 Monitoring Type: Monitoring requires a qualitative observation of each stormwater
outfall. No analytical testing or sampling is required.
3 Sample Location: Stormwater Discharge Outfall(SDO).
12

Permit Number: NC0085839
SECTION B: SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE
1. The permittee shall comply with stormwater monitoring requirements and
controls specified for stormwater discharges in accordance with the following
schedule:
The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan shall be developed and implemented
within 12 months of the effective date of this permit and updated thereafter on
an annual basis. Secondary containment, as specified in Part III,Section A.19. of
this permit,shall be accomplished within 12 months of the effective date of this
permit.
2. The permittee shall at all times provide the operation and maintenance necessary
to operate the permitted stormwater controls at optimum efficiency.
13

doom-44z,
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
r'' A 'u REGION 4
c;=< " ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER
61 FORSYTH STREET
4PRoO• ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960
JAN 1 4 2004
Ms.Jackie Nowell <i L C ''';
North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
NPDES Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1617
SUBJ: Draft NPDES Permits
Unimin - Crystal, Permit No. NC0084620
Unimin-Red Hill, Permit No: NC0085839 D
Dear Ms. Nowell:
In accordance with the EPA/NCDENR NPDES MOA, we have completed review of the draft
permits specified above and we have no comments or objections to their conditions. We request that
we be afforded an additional review opportunity only if significant change(s) are made to the draft
permit(s)prior to issuance or if significant comments objecting to the draft permit(s) are received.
Otherwise, please send us one copy of each final permit when issued.
If you have any questions,please call me at [phone].
Sincerely,
tl�t
Marshall Hyatt,Environmental Scientist
Permits, Grants, and Technical Assistance Branch
Water Management Division
Internet Address(URL)• http://www.epa.gov
Recycled/Recyclable•Primed wNh Vegetable Op Based Inks on Recycled Paper(Minimum 30%Postconsumer)

•
•
•
DENR/DWQ
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT
NPDES No. NC0085839
Facility Information
1Tnimin Co ration-Red Hill Quartz Plant
Applicant/Facility Name: flm
Applicant Address: P.U. Box 588 Spruce Pune NC 28177
Facility Address: Highway 197N Bakersville NC 28705
Permitted Flow 0.682
Type of Waste: Industrial
Facility/Permit Stttus: Renewal
Facility Classification Physical/Chemical Class 11
County: Mitchell
Miscellaneous
Receiving Stream: lforth Toe River Regional Office: < A�ieville
Stream Classification: C'Trout USGS Topo Quad: C:9S1r
303(d) Listed?: No Permit Writer: Jackie Nowell
Subbasin: 04-03-06 Date; 12/10/2003
Drainage Area (mi2): 340
Summer 7Q10 (cfs) 90.7
Winter 7Q10 (cfs): 125.6
Average Flow (cfs): 510 >'`
IWC (%): 1.2°l°
Primary SIC Code: 1499(Mining)
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(682560 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 landfilling.(per ARO staff report)
The facility adds lime, sulfuric acid, and sodium bicarbonate as needed for pH control. Also adds anionic and
cathodic polymers as needed for flocculation. Other chemicals used in the process are in HF, HCI, caustic and
sodium thiosulfate. Oil and grease are expected in small amounts from leaks and drips from mobile equipment.
Trace aluminum is used sometimes in the Research and Development facility.
The existing limits for the renewal permit are as follows:
Pollutant Mo. Avg. Da.Max.
Flow 0.682 MGD
Total Suspended Residue 142 lbs/day 284 lbs/day
Total Fluoride 200 lbs/day 400 lbs/day
Settleable Solids Daily monitoring
Turbidity Weekly
monitoring
Chloride Monthly
monitoring
pH 6-10 SU
Chronic Toxicity 1.2%
Unimin Corporation—Crystal Facility Sheet
NPDES Renewal
Page I

• . ..
RECEIVING STREAM INFORMATION:
The-North Toe River is not listed on North Carolina's 2002 303(d)list.
INSTREAM MONITORING:
Upstream: Upstream at least 50 feet
Downstream:Downstream at least 300 feet.
Parameters: Fluoride,Turbidity,pH
(see attached memo on North Toe Mines)
TOXICITY TEST RESULTS:
Quarterly Chronic P/F, 1.2%Ceriodaphnia test. JAN APR JUL OCT
Facility has passed all tests since 1999.
Recommendation: Renewal of quarterly chronic test @ 1.2%
PRIORITY POLLUTANT ANALYSIS RESULTS:
The following parameters are noted in the application as present in the effluent.
Sulfate,Chloride,Fluoride,Aluminum,Calcium,Sodium and Oil&Grease
Results of pollutant scan for 001 sampled on 7/6/2001
Barium 0.071 mg/1 NC Std does not apply to C Trout water
Nickel 0.010 mg/1 NC Std=88 ug/1; Allowable conc.=7639 ug/1
Chloride 710 mg/1 NC Action level=230 mg/1;Allowable conc.= 19,964mg/I
Fluoride 16 mg/1 NC Std= 1.8 mg/1; Allowable conc.= 156 mg/1
Aluminum 0.48 mg/1 No NC Std,EPA Criteria=750 ug/1,Allowable conc.=65,100 ug/1
None of the reported values exceed the allowable concentrations for those constituents. Recommendation:No
additional monitoring or limits is required for these parameters.
COMPLIANCE REVIEW:
Facility has been in compliance with all permit limits consistently in 2001,2002,and 2003. There was one
violation for TSS in Sept.2001.
PROPOSED CHANGES:
• None
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE:
Draft Permit to Public Notice: 12/17/2003
Permit Scheduled to Issue: 02/09/2003
Projected Effective Date of Permit: 03/01/2004
STATE CONTACT:
If you have any questions on any of the above information or on the attached permit, please contact Jackie Nowell
at(919)73 -5083 ext. 512.
NAME:/at , ,1"�` DATE: /0/ (>3
l
Unimin Corporation—Crystal Facility Sheet
NPDES Renewal
Page 2

i •
REGIONAL OFFICE COMMENT:
rAte;itALA.epe— itt clA,#/e
?flare 4 ti-.. a-ceG2. / .icy►-r�•�,,.cC ,4 ��.r me 6.L
•
NAME:13�i/ P._ DATE: _3 Lii t o 7
NPDES SUPERVISOR COMMENT:
NAME: DATE:
Unimin Corporation-Crystal Facility Sheet
NPDES Renewal
Page 3

• \ • • .
TOXICANT ANALYSIS
Facility Name Unimin Crystal P
NPDES# NC0085839
Qw(MGD) 0.682
7Q10s(cfs) 90.7
/WC(%) 1.15
Rec'ving Stream North Toe River
Stream Class C Trout
FINAL RESULTS
Chloride
Max. Pred Cw 0 ugh
Allowable Cw 19964178.4 ugh
Max.Value 0
Fluoride
Max. Pred Cw 0 ugh
Allowable Cw 156.2 ugh
Max.Value 0
Nickel
Max. Pred Cw 0 ugh
Allowable Cw 7638.5 ugh
Max.Value 0
Aluminum
Max.Pred Cw 0 ugh
Allowable Cw 65100.6 ugh
Max.Value 0
1 2/1 0/03

NOdraft rationale for fluoride mines •
Subject: NC draft rationale for fluoride mines
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2003 11:32:29 -0400
From: [e-mail]
To:[e-mail],[e-mail]
CC: [e-mail], [e-mail]
sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Chris Decker and I looked
at it. Based on the data provided and rationale, we can agree with your
conclusion that there is no need to change permit limits at this time.
1 of I 12/10/03 5:29 PM

Unimin-Red Hill Plant
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 0.48
IWC (%) 1.15 IWC (%) 1.15
Allowable Concentration (ug) 1475.61 Allowable Concentration (m 45.62
Ammonia as NH3
(winter)
7Q10 (CFS)
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
2/4/2004

ID �+ _�_ �J �t 1 PUBLIC NOTICE .ti
—� t I , STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
uu ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGE-
MENTt JAN -2 y 1 COMMISSION/NPDES ts tef infomlation m the NC
l _ € UNIT Division of Water Quality at the
above address or call,Ms.Valery
QcNRSOUR('Ot'._;TV -RALEIGH,
SERVICENC2769CENTER Stephens at(919)73ii 5083 ex-
NOTIFICATION
SOURCc.[+ NCH NOTIFICA IO 27F INTENT17
tension 520.Please include the
--'•"-� •- NOTIFICATIONOFIMENiTO ISSUE A NPDES WASTEWA-ERPERMIT NPDES permit number(at-
TER
tached)in any communication.
TER Interested persons may also visit-
i^2 On the basis of thorough staff the Division of Water Quality at
t 512 N.Salisbury Street.Raleig
c o.E review and application of NC h'
=g 9i \ 9 v U General Statute 143.21,Public NC 27604-1148,between the
3 2 a v Law 92-500 and other lawful hours of 8.00 a.m.and 5:00
to Q p.m.,to review information on
a 4• N. 8 _ Z5 O standards and regulations,the
c u o "A a z file:
• r, y 5 North Carolina Environmental
— InLT,-.1 E -- N.
Management Commission pro-
NPDES Permit Number
_-,.71:' • 3 u - J to issue a National Pollu-
G.
€ c £ tarn Discharge Elimination Sys• 900085839,Unimin Corpora-
a.,,, Z Z o N _ \ - E tion-Red HSI Quartz Plant,has
` m ; 1 8 tem(NPDES)wastewater dis-
charge perm t to the person(s) applied for renewal of its permit
Q O d 1 r A . Q a s X , Z Zfor a facility discharging treated
Id J listed below effective 45 days wastewaters the North Toe
�� lupi -�E .5 ao
v a horn the publish date of this no-
u= _y g JRiver in the French Broad River
F F °f a cJ a \ < a II
tri' •
Basin.Currently fluoride is water
ulz a O S g y ; T \ o Written comments regarding the quality limited.This discharge
—, mayaffect the future allocations
2 w v ti p '� ` ';= • • 3 E A proposed permit will be accept-
o •-•2
w F Y a; o$ _ a o u o w o • + ain this portion of the receiving
ed until 30 days after the pub-
9 .a �1I _ g i' U lish date of this notice.All corn- stream.
u U z 3 a e 3 v N i meats received prior to that date
3 are considered in the final de- NPDES Permit Number
terminations regarding the pro- NC0084620,Unimin Corpora-
posed permit.The Director of tion-Crystal Operation,has ap-
W ° 0 the NC Division of Water Qual• a� "�
a r:... 3 - charging treated wastewater to
de-
ity may decide to hold a public ��
("--'
meeltngfortheproposedpermit the North Toe River in the
should the Division race ve a sig- French Broad River Basin,Cur-
J' " - „.-t,— — rrif carrt degree of public interest. ren1N fluor de s water quality lim-
a _ O y 1� lied.This discharge may affect
' c u4 ds sfi 5s3 future allocations in this portion
(..-)
t n Copies of the draft permit and
.J u Z I v/ other supporting information on of the receiving stream.
iJ o Z E o file used to determine conditions #5191-12Y24/03
Z 8 z SI z present in the draft permit are
° ,(/) 0; available upon request and pay-
1� .; i► .� u lL merit of the costs of reprodurr
5 I a
a
$ 8 v
€.,
a.

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 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 PhysicaUChemical 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: 12/10/2003
Drainage Area (mi2): 340
Summer 7Q10 (cfs) 90.7i �
Winter 7Q10 (cfs): 125.6 • . _ ,"
Average Flow (cfs): 510 47,
IWC (%): 1.2%
Primary SIC Code: 1499(Mining)
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(682560 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 landfilling.(per ARO staff report)
The facility adds lime, sulfuric acid, and sodium bicarbonate as needed for pH control. Also adds anionic and
cathodic polymers as needed for flocculation. Other chemicals used in the process are in HF, HCI, caustic and
sodium thiosulfate. Oil and grease are expected in small amounts from leaks and drips from mobile equipment.
Trace aluminum is used sometimes in the Research and Development facility.
The existing limits for the renewal permit are as follows:
Pollutant Mo. Avg. Da. Max.
Flow 0.682 MGD
Total Suspended Residue 142 lbs/day 284 lbs/day
Total Fluoride 200 lbs/day 400 lbs/day
Settleable Solids Daily monitoring
Turbidity Weekly
monitoring
Chloride Monthly
monitoring
pH 6-10 SU
Chronic Toxicity 1.2%
Unimin Corporation—Crystal Facility Sheet
NPDES Renewal
Page 1

RECEIVING STREAM INFORMATION:
The North Toe River is not listed on North Carolina's 2002 303(d)list.
INSTREAM MONITORING:
Upstream: Upstream at least 50 feet
Downstream: Downstream at least 300 feet.
Parameters: Fluoride,Turbidity,pH
(see attached memo on North Toe Mines)
TOXICITY TEST RESULTS:
Quarterly Chronic P/F, 1.2%Ceriodaphnia test. JAN APR JUL OCT
Facility has passed all tests since 1999.
Recommendation: Renewal of quarterly chronic test @ 1.2%
PRIORITY POLLUTANT ANALYSIS RESULTS:
The following parameters are noted in the application as present in the effluent.
Sulfate,Chloride,Fluoride,Aluminum,Calcium, Sodium and Oil&Grease
Results of pollutant scan for 001,sampled on 7/6/2001
Barium 0.071 mg/I NC Std does not apply to C Trout water
Nickel 0.010 mg/I NC Std=88 ug/l; Allowable conc.=7639 ug/1
Chloride 710 mg/1 NC Action level=230 mg/I;Allowable conc.= 19,964mg/1
Fluoride 16 mg/I NC Std= 1.8 mg/1; Allowable conc.= 156 mg/1
Aluminum 0.48 mg/I No NC Std,EPA Criteria=750 ug/l,Allowable conc.=65,100 ug/1
None of the reported values exceed the allowable concentrations for those constituents. Recommendation:No
additional monitoring or limits is required for these parameters.
COMPLIANCE REVIEW:
Facility has been in compliance with all permit limits consistently in 2001,2002,and 2003. There was one
violation for TSS in Sept.2001.
PROPOSED CHANGES:
• None
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE:
Draft Permit to Public Notice: 12/17/2003
Permit Scheduled to Issue: 02/09/2003
Projected Effective Date of Permit: 03/01/2004
STATE CONTACT:
If you have any questions on any of the above information or on the attached permit, please contact Jackie Nowell
at(919)73 -5083 ext. 512.
NAME:/ , DATE: / / /f 03
Unimin Corporation—Crystal Facility Sheet
NPDES Renewal
Page 2

s
BG010ML OFFICE COMMENT
ijyJ� /i✓:eu+.oL � p� pr�7C � N� V
.lgarae.�- wo ksvtiG...
NAM£. A" / wt.CL DATE: j /11 ICY
NAME. DATE:
KZ-n 80/Nd Z9Z- L
Unlmin Corporal— - Cryaul rgtlugr sheet
NPbZG Ranwal
86091SZ8Z8 08 31IIn3HSV UN30ON-WO83 WST 60,-TE-EO

ADDENDUM TO FACTSHEET
2/4/03- Mr.Jeff Ferguson of Unimin called last week and talked about engineers wanted to use and
add NH3 to their process at the Red Hill plant. Would draft a letter to tell how much and how often
that they would use. After a brief review told him that the allowable concentration for NH3 was 45
mg/I in the summer and approximately 189 mg/1 in the winter. An effluent limit would probably not
be required.
Told him to submit the letter with details. Consultation with M.McIntire,he recommended adding
NH3 monitoring to the permit and issuing it, since it had gone through the notice process and had
received no comments. Will add NH3 monitoring to the final permit for the Red Hifi plant.
Uninzin Corporation-Red Hill Facility Sheet
NPDES Renewal
Page 4

PUBICNOTICE,-;;p.
STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA . -.
ENVIRONMENTAL
ri
�'!�MANGEMENT
COMMISSION/
NPDES UNIT
1617 MAIL AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
SERVICE CENTER
RNOTIIF CATIONOFNC 17
INTENT TO ISSUE A
NPDESWARSMI WATER
PEIT
On the basis of thorough BUNCOMBE COUNTY
staff review and applica-
tion of NC General Statute SS.
143.21, Public law 92-500
dodrdsou drregulaltio the NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina Environ-
mental Management
Commission Proposes to
issue a National Pollutant
Discharge elimination Before the undersigned, a Notary Public of said
System (NPDES) waste-
water discharge permit to County and State, duly commissioned, qualified and
the Person(s) listed below
effective 45 days from the authorized bylaw to administer oaths, personally
publish date of tats notice. P Y
Y r encomments, rd appeared Darryl Rhymes, who, being first duly
-2 be accented until sworn, deposes and says: that he is the Legal
1 days after the publish date
of this notice. An corn- BillingClerk of The Asheville Citizen-Times,
6 received,prior to
date are considered in engaged inpublication of a newspaper known as
final determinations
'-mit. T1e'the The Asheville Citizen-Times, published, issued,
NC Division of Water
Quality may decide to hold and entered as second class mail in the City of
ti public meetingfor the
proposed permit should Asheville, in said Countyand State; that he is
thennlfl Division
degree of PubUc
interest. authorized to make this affidavit and sworn
Copies of the draft permit statement; that the notice or other legal
and other,suPPorting,In-
two advertisement, a true copy of which is attached
f It thedratt permitoes
dvailaKle upon +'e4_Hes1 f • hereto, was published in The Asheville Citizen-
and
and payment of the poets
of reproduction. Mali Times on the following date: December 21, 2003.
i comments and/or requests
. for information to the NC And that the said newspaper in which said notice,
. Division of Water Quality
a►the above address or document or legal advertisement were
call Ms. VolerY Stepheris paper, g
at(919)733-5083,extension
520. Please include the published were, at the time of each and every
NPDES permit number
(attached) ilii,MY',corm publication, a newspaper meeting all of the
V
ision of wafer sons mM;also, it
visit requirements and qualifications of Section 1-597 of
Quality
cIll 612 N.Safisbury st►get the General Statues of North Carolina and was a
Raleigh,NC 27604.1148 be.
}ween the hours of 8.0?mtn
5-(0 pm to review in. qualified newspaper within the meaning of Section
• tan on file. _1 -597 of the General Statues of North Carolina.
s I`�ej§Yf(�-Nothhor
it c*,Vnimiit Cbr
ration - Red Hill Quartz
Plant,has applied f re Signed this 29th day of D„ tuber, 2003
neva,of its Permit fora '
facility discharging
treated wastewater to the y
WirtToe River in the
ch Broad River Bo- '
-firi..Currently,fluoride is - v .d Ar Ar.1: _Abri” 4,,./d1 qualify limited-This
waterarge may,affect fu- signature of perso aking,ffidavit)/
tore allocations(n this
stream.
NPDES Perri*,Number Sworn to and subscribed before me the 29th day of
NC0084620. Unimin-Cor-
poration-Crystal,Opera- December, 2003
-tion, has applied for re-
'newel
e-
`newel of its permit dis-
rging treated waste
to the North Foe ,,,,,waurp ��4.
River in the french Broad ? so° C)Y -• '•••
i� Bashi;: Currently A ti
irde is water quality , $q• CC��;�
�irreed. This discharge ,�
-Olin-affect'.future allow-
Akins.
llow- -Y ,
op • ?
ins lin this portion of the Q m
'receiving stream _
(Notary Pu lic)
r2i My C mission expires the 3 c1� f'l�f�
4
i . 2008. . G,� a:
tl .c0MBEO 0
, n ,
,,,rNn,» N
V

TOXICANT ANALYSIS
Facility Name Unimin Crystal P
NPDES# NC0085839
Qw(MGD) 0.682
7Q10s(cfs) 90.7
/WC(%) 1.15
Recving Stream North Toe River
Stream Class C Trout
FINAL RESULTS
Chloride
Max. Pred Cw 0 ug/I
Allowable Cw 19964178.4 ug/I
Max.Value 0
Fluoride
Max. Pred Cw 0 ug/I
Allowable Cw 156.2 ug/I
Max.Value 0
Nickel
Max. Pred Cw 0 ug/I
Allowable Cw 7638.5 ug/I
Max.Value 0
Aluminum
Max.Pred Cw 0 ug/I
Allowable Cw 65100.6 ug/I
Max.Value 0
•
12/10/03

NC drag rationale for fluoride mines
Subject: NC draft rationale for fluoride mines
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2003 11:32:29 -0400
From: [e-mail]
To:[e-mail], [e-mail]
CC: [e-mail],[e-mail]
sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Chris Decker and I looked
at it. Based on the data provided and rationale, we can agree with your
conclusion that there is no need to change permit limits at this time.
•
1 of 1 12/10/03 5:29 PM

DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
Point Source Branch
NPDES Unit
August 22, 2003
MEMORANDUM
To: Madolyn Dominy
Marshall Hyatt
EPA Region IV
Through: Dave Goodrichl)�
JA44
From: Jacquelyn M. Nowell v_
Subject: North Toe River Mining Dischargers
French Broad River Basin
Mitchell County, North Carolina
Background
There are six feldspar and quartz mines discharging into the North Toe River in the
French Broad River basin (subbasin 040306). The facilities are listed here in order, from
upstream to downstream:
• Unimin- Schoolhouse Facility (NC0000361) —2.16 MGD
• Feldspar Mines (NC0000353) —3.5 MGD
• Unimin-Crystal Facility (NC0084620) —0.36 MGD
• K-T Feldspar Mines (NC0000400) — 1.73 MGD
• Unimin—Quartz Facility (NC0000175) —3.6 MGD
• Unimin —Red Hill Facility (NC0085839) —0.682 MGD
Please see the attached schematic that represents the mine locations on the North Toe
River. Most of these facilities have been discharging since the early 1980's. The
exception is the Red Hill Facility that started discharging in 1995 and is located
approximately 20 miles downstream of the other mines and is not relevant to this
discussion from the standpoint that no interaction occurs between this plant and any
other. Therefore, this discussion will only include the mines above the confluence of the
South Toe River. It should also be noted that the Unimin — Crystal Facility discharges
effluent into the Feldspar Mines facility. There is the possibility of a separate discharge
in the future; therefore the facility has received a fluoride allocation.
The primary area of concern is the discharge of fluoride from these facilities. The North
Carolina water quality standard for fluoride is 1.8 mg/I. The allowable fluoride loading
for the North Toe River was determined in 1986 and has been allocated to these mines as
a group instead of individual allocations. This approach of allocating the total fluoride
1

Unimin- Unimin-
Quartz School
House
Unimin- cj 3.6 MGD ��qj Quartz
Red Hill �� 2.16 MGD
0.682
7MGD �9
N
o K-T Feldspar 1.73 MGD
North To �1 North Toe River
m
Unimin- Feldspar 3.5 MGD
Crystal
0.360 MGD
MINE DISCHARGES ON THE NORTH TOE RIVER

MINE DISCHARGES ON NORTH TOE RIVER
River Mile NPDES Permit number
41 .5 X NC0000361- Unimin-Schoolhouse Quartz
33.8
NC0000353- The Feldspar Corp.
�
NC0084620- Unimin-Crystal
31.4 HWY 19
29.2 X NC0000400- K-T Feldspar
28.6 X NC0000175- Unimin-Quartz
27.5 Ambient monitoring station
21 .6 X South Toe River junction
6.0 X NC0085839- Unimin-Red Hill

load to a section of the North Toe River is similar to other methods used by the Division,
including nutrient control strategies in the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico River basins. Similar
to a "bubble permit"(used in the Air Quality program), some discharges may cause
localized impacts. However, the overall goal of the allocation method is to protect water
quality while allowing some flexibility for the dischargers to maintain compliance. The
Division and EPA have approved this approach for 17 years.
The total pounds per day of fluoride allocated are 574. The permitted fluoride
allocations for each of the mines is as follows:
Fluoride Monthly Average Fluoride Daily Maximus
Facility Name : ` (lbs/day) ... (lbs/day)
Unimin-Schoolhouse 109 218
Feldspar Mines 174 348
Unimin-Crystal 50 100
K-T Feldspar 132 264
Unimin-Quartz 109 436
'I'dtal Allocatiotl ';`` 7 i'
These allocations for the mines have been assigned upon all past permit renewals. This
fluoride loading of 574 lbs/day is based on:
1) a summer 7Q10 flow of 45 cfs in the North Toe River just below Little Bear Creek,
2) the current water quality standard for fluoride of 1.8 mg/I, and
3) a background fluoride concentration of 0.05 mg/1.
The 1985 wasteflows for three of the quartz processing mines were used to develop the
fluoride loading:
1)Feldspar @ 1985 Qw = 3.50 MGD
2) KT Feldspar @ 1985 Qw = 2.02 MGD
3) Unimin-Quartz @ 1985 Qw = 4.32 MGD
9.84 MGD = 15.25 cfs
Fluoride loading = (45 cfs+ 15.25 cfs)(1.8 mg/1)— (45 cfs)(0.05 mg/1)
_ (60.25)(1.8)—2.25 cfs.mg/1
= 108.45 — 2.25 = 106.2 cfs.mg/1
= 106.2 cfs.mg/1 * 5.39 = 572 lbs/day — 574 lbs/day
(Assume the difference is attributable to rounding)
Water Quality Evaluation
There are no federal effluent guidelines for mines that discharge fluoride. The purpose of
this memorandum is to evaluate water quality as it relates to previous permit decisions
and propose a 2003 permit strategy.
2

The Division uses a weight of evidence approach when assessing water quality. That is,
all available data are reviewed and evaluated to determine the appropriateness of certain
actions. There are three categories of information in this case:
• Instream biological assessments
• Whole-effluent toxicity testing
• Instream chemical data
Instream biological data are the most directly reliable measurements of stream health and
are, therefore, given the greatest consideration. Whole-effluent toxicity testing also is
given a lot of weight during deliberations. It is not a direct measurement of stream
conditions, but it is a direct measurement of the interaction between wastewater and
species that inhabit the stream or river. The Division also considers comparison of
physical or chemical measurements to existing water quality standards. In the presence
of all three categories of information, contraventions of water quality standards, although
considered serious, are given the least amount of weight. The reason for this is that
comparisons to numeric criteria (which are based on whole-effluent toxicity testing) are
indirect measurements of the biota in the stream. All of this information is valuable, but
North Carolina chooses to make a comprehensive critical evaluation of all available data.
Use Support
There are no segments of the North Toe River listed on the North Carolina 2003 303(d)
impaired stream list. There are approximately 556 miles of the North Toe River that are
rated fully supporting designated uses including the river reaches receiving effluent from
these mines.
Instream Biological Assessment
The benthic macroinvertebrate data for the North Toe River below all the quartz mines
demonstrate good water quality. The most recent evaluation was in 1997 at State Road
1162 at Penland, Mitchell County. This is located just 0.5 miles downstream of the
Unimin-Quartz discharge. There has been improvement in the biological rating over the
years from a poor rating in August 1988 to a good-fair rating in 1989 and 1992.
Macroinvertebrate data for the most upstream station above the quartz mines, North Toe
River at US19E at Ingalls, Avery County, indicate a rating of excellent water quality as of
July 1997. The table below indicates North Toe River biological monitoring stations and
their biological ratings during the 10 year period between 1987 and 1997.
Biological Ratings
tation location 1987 19§8 19$9 1992 1997
North Toe R.,US 19E Good Good Good Good Excellent
at Ingalls
North Toe R., Fair Poor Good Good Good
SR1162, Penland —Fair -Fair
3

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

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

SOC PRIORITY PROJECT: Yes No XX
IF YES, SOC NUMBER
TO: PERMITS AND ENGINEERING UNIT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
ATTENTION: Charles Weaaver
DATE: August 21, 2001
NPDES STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
COUNTY Mitchell
PERMIT NUMBER NC0085839
PART I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1 . Facility and Address: Unimin Corporation-Red Hill Quartz Plant
Mailing: Post Office Box 588
Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777
2 . Date of Investigation: March 28, 2001
>v
3. Report Prepared By: Michael R. Parker o •
Environmental Chemist c. ,
c-2-9
4 . Persons Contacted and Telephone Number: Sandra Phi : ps
828/688-21
r ,
5. Directions to Site: From the intersection of N. C.
Highway 226 and North Carolina Secondary Highway 197,
travel west on NC Highway 197 approximately 1 . 0 mile to
intersection of private road on left to the Unimin
Corporation property. The wastewater treatment
facility is located adjacent to the manufacturing
plant.
6. Discharge Point(s) , List for all discharge points:
Latitude: 35° 00 ' 50" Longitude: 82° 16' 05"
Attach a USGS map extract and indicate treatment facility site and
discharge point on map.
U.S.G.S. Quad No. C9SE U.S.G.S. Quad Name Huntdale, N. C.
7 . Site size and expansion area consistent with application?
X Yes No If No, explain:

8 . Topography (relationship to flood plain included) : Treatment plant
not subject to flooding, located away from water.
9. Location of nearest dwelling: Greater than 500 feet.
10 . Receiving stream or affected surface waters: North Toe River
a. Classification: C- trout (proposed for B-trout)
b. River Basin and Subbasin No. :040306
c. Describe receiving stream features and pertinent downstream
uses: swimming, rafting, fishing, wading, canoeing,
industrial water supply, irrigation.
PART II - DESCRIPTION OF DISCHARGE AND TREATMENT WORKS
1. a. Volume of wastewater to be permitted 0 . 682 MGD (Ultimate
Design Capacity)
b. What' is the current permitted capacity of the Wastewater
Treatment facility? 0 . 682 MGD
c. Actual treatment capacity of the current facility (current
design capacity 0 . 682 MGD
d. Date(s) and construction activities allowed by previous
Authorizations to Construct issued in the previous two years:
NA
e. Please provide a description of existing or substantially
constructed wastewater treatment facilities: The wastewater
treatment system consist of the treatment of mined ore by
neutralization, precipitation, settling, vacuum filtering of
solids and disposal of solids by landfilling.
f. Please provide a description of proposed wastewater treatment
facilities : NA
g. Possible toxic impacts to surface waters: None anticipated.
h. Pretreatment Program (POTWs only) :
in development approved
should be required not needed
2 . Residuals handling and utilization/disposal scheme:

a. If residuals are being land applied, please specify DWQ
Permit Number
Residuals Contractor
Telephone Number
b. Residuals stabilization: PSRP PFRP OTHER
C. Landfill: Tailings will be disposed of in the landfill at
one of the other Unimin Plants.
d. Other disposal/utilization scheme (Specify) :
3. Treatment plant classification (attach completed rating sheet) :
Physical/Chemical Class II
4 . SIC Codes (s) : 3952
Primary 41 Secondary
Main Treatment Unit Code: 51002
PART III - OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
1 . Is this facility being constructed with Construction Grant Funds
or are any public monies involved. (municipals only) ? NA
2 . Special monitoring or limitations (including toxicity) requests:
3. Important SOC, JOC, or Compliance Schedule dates : (Please
indicate)
Date
Submission of Plans and Specifications
Begin Construction
Complete Construction
4 . Alternative Analysis Evaluation: Has the facility evaluated all
of the non-discharge options available. Please provide regional
perspective for each option evaluated. Staff of the Asheville
Regional Office are unaware of any alternative methods of
treatment of this wastewater.

•
Spray Irrigation:
Connection to Regional Sewer System:
Subsurface:
Other disposal options:
5. Other Special Items:
PART IV - EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS-
Unimin Corporation has requested renewal of NPDES
Permit No. NC0085839 to discharge 0.682 MGD to the
North Toe River.
Monitoring data indicates that the facility is in
compliance with its permit limits.
It is recommended that the permit be submitted to
notice and issued with the same limits and monitoring
requirements .
612.4„,Signature of Report Preparer
,
er
Wa er Quality Regional Supervisor
!/r4-1.(/42/
Date