96-30748. Final General NPDES Permit Modifications for Mechanical Placer Mining (No. AKG-37-0000), Medium-size Suction Dredge Placer Mining (No. AKG-37-1000), and Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining (No. AKG-37-5000) in the State of Alaska  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 236 (Friday, December 6, 1996)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 64796-64814]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-30748]
    
    
    
    [[Page 64795]]
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    Part II
    
    
    
    
    
    Environmental Protection Agency
    
    
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    Modification of the General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination 
    System Permit for Placer Mining in Alaska; Notice
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 236 / Friday, December 6, 1996 / 
    Notices
    
    [[Page 64796]]
    
    
    
    Environmental Protection Agency
    
    [FRL-5655-3]
    
    
    Final General NPDES Permit Modifications for Mechanical Placer 
    Mining (No. AKG-37-0000), Medium-size Suction Dredge Placer Mining (No. 
    AKG-37-1000), and Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining (No. AKG-37-5000) 
    in the State of Alaska
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Notice of final general NPDES permit modification.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The Director, Office of Water, EPA Region 10, is modifying the 
    General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit 
    for placer mining in Alaska pursuant to the provisions of the Clean 
    Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. EPA originally issued this general 
    permit (No. AKG-37-000) on May 13, 1994 [59 FR 28079]. On September 28, 
    1994, two environmental groups filed a petition for review of the 
    general permit in the Ninth Circuit. Without any admission or denial of 
    any of the Petitioners' allegations, EPA proposed to modify the general 
    permit on January 31, 1996 [61 FR 3403]. The original comment period on 
    the proposed modification began on January 31, 1996, and ended on March 
    15, 1996. Region 10 later extended the comment period to April 18, 
    1996. Public hearings were held in Anchorage on March 4 and in 
    Fairbanks on March 5, 1996.
        Based on the comments received, it was apparent that there was some 
    confusion regarding what conditions were applicable to which type of 
    facility (mechanical operations, medium-size suction dredges, or small 
    suction dredges). Therefore, the permit was split into three separate 
    general permits--one for each type of facility. The permit numbers of 
    the final permits are AKG-37-0000 (mechanical operations), AKG-37-1000 
    (medium-size suction dredge operations), and AKG-37-5000 (small suction 
    dredges).
        The general permit for mechanical operations authorizes discharges 
    from facilities that mine and process gold placer ores using gravity 
    separation methods to recover the gold metal contained in the ore, 
    open-cut gold placer mines except those open-cut mines that mine less 
    than 1,500 cubic yards of placer ore per mining season, and mechanical 
    dredge gold placer mines except those dredges that remove less than 
    50,000 cubic yards of placer ore per mining season or dredge in open 
    waters. The medium-size suction dredge permit authorizes discharges 
    from suction dredges with intake nozzles less than or equal to 8 inches 
    and greater than 4 inches, provided that hose size is not be greater 
    than 2 inches larger than the nozzle size. Placer mining by suction 
    dredges with intake nozzles equal to 10 inches for which Notices of 
    Intent were approved by August 13, 1996 are also covered. The small 
    suction dredge permit authorizes discharges from suction dredges with 
    intake nozzles less than or equal to 4 inches, provided that hose size 
    is not be greater than 2 inches larger than the nozzle size. None of 
    the permits authorize discharges from facilities for which Notices of 
    Intent (NOIs) were approved after August 13, 1996, which are proposed 
    to be located in National Park System Units (i.e., Parks and 
    Preserves), National Monuments, Sanctuaries, Wildlife Refuges, 
    Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, Critical Habitat Areas, or waters 
    within the boundaries of areas designated as wild under the Wild & 
    Scenic Rivers Act.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: These general NPDES permits shall become effective 
    April 7, 1997.
    
    ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise noted in the permit, correspondence 
    regarding this permit should be sent to Environmental Protection 
    Agency, Region 10, Attn: NPDES Permits Unit, OW-130, 1200 Sixth Avenue, 
    Seattle, Washington, 98101.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carla Fisher, of EPA Region 10, at the 
    address listed above or telephone (206) 553-1756. Copies of the final 
    general NPDES permit, response to public comments, and today's 
    publication will be provided upon request by EPA Region 10, Public 
    Information Center, at 1 (800) 424-4372 or (206) 553-1200.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA modified this general NPDES permit 
    pursuant to its authority under Sections 301(b), 304, 306, 307, 308, 
    402, 403, and 501 of the Clean Water Act. The fact sheet for the draft 
    permit modification, the response to comments document, the 
    certification issued by the State of Alaska, and the coastal zone 
    management plan consistency determination issued by the State of Alaska 
    set forth the principal facts and significant factual, legal, and 
    policy questions considered in the development of the terms and 
    conditions of the final permits presented below.
        The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation, has 
    certified that the subject discharges comply with the applicable 
    provisions of Sections 208(e), 301, 302, 306, and 307 of the Clean 
    Water Act.
        The State of Alaska, Office of Management and Budget, Division of 
    Governmental coordination, has certified that the general NPDES permits 
    are consistent with the approved Alaska Coastal Management Program.
        No comments were received from Office of Management and Budget on 
    the information collection requirements in these permits. Responses to 
    public comments appear in the Response to Comments.
        Changes have been made from the draft permit to the final permits 
    in response to public comments received on the draft permit and the 
    final coastal management plan consistency determination and 401 
    certification issued by the State of Alaska. The following is a summary 
    of some of the changes.
        For mechanical operations and medium-size suction dredge permits, 
    only permittees who do not use the Alaska Placer Mining Application 
    (APMA) are required to submit copies of their applications to agencies 
    other than Alaska Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, the 
    timing of the separation distance between operations was changed from 
    the entire season to requiring separation from operations which are 
    discharging or from which it is apparent that a discharge has occurred.
        For mechanical operations, the arsenic limitation was changed from 
    0.18 ug/l to 0.18 ug/l or natural background; turbidity monitoring was 
    changed from three times per season to monitoring of the first two 
    discharges of the season and one discharge per month for every month in 
    which there is a discharge thereafter; arsenic monitoring was changed 
    from three times per season to monitoring of the first three discharges 
    of the season and one discharge per month for every month in which 
    there is a discharge thereafter, and; the 500-foot separation distance 
    between operations was reduced to 300 feet.
        For medium and small suction dredges, size is determined by nozzle, 
    not hose, size, except that the hose must be less than or equal to two 
    inches larger than the nozzle, and; if a constrictor ring is 
    permanently attached to the nozzle, size may be determined by 
    constrictor ring size.
        For medium-size suction dredges, suction dredges with 10 inch 
    nozzles for which NOIs were approved by August 13, 1996, are also 
    covered under this permit; the provision regarding discharge to quiet 
    pools was deleted, the timing of separation from spawning areas was 
    changed to the times when fish are spawning; the separation
    
    [[Page 64797]]
    
    distance between operations was changed from 1000 feet to 800 feet; the 
    prohibition on dredging silt and clay was changed to a prohibition on 
    dredging concentrated silt and clay, and; the definition of ``active 
    stream channel'' was changed to included unvegetated gravel bars.
        For small suction dredges, coverage was simplified so that 
    submittal of a notice of intent to Alaska Department of Fish and Game 
    results in immediate coverage under the permit; a prohibition against 
    damming or diversions was added, and; the strict prohibition against 
    dredging of silt and clay was changed to advisory language.
        Within 120 days following this service of notice of EPA's final 
    permit decisions under 40 CFR 124.15, any interested person may appeal 
    these general NPDES permits in the Federal Court of Appeal in 
    accordance with Section 509(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act. Persons 
    affected by a general NPDES permit may not challenge the conditions of 
    the permit as a right of further EPA proceedings. Instead, they may 
    either challenge these permits in court or apply for an individual 
    NPDES permit and then request a formal hearing on the issuance or 
    denial of an individual permit.
    
        Dated: November 18, 1996.
    Philip G. Millam,
    Director, Office of Water.
    
    Authorization To Discharge Under the National Pollutant Discharge 
    Elimination System for Alaskan Mechanical Placer Miners
    
    [General Permit No.: AKG-37-0000]
        In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 
    U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq., as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, 
    Public Law 100-4, the ``Act'', owners and operators of facilities 
    engaged in the processing of placer gold are authorized to discharge to 
    waters of the United States, in accordance with effluent limitations, 
    monitoring requirements, and other conditions set forth herein.
        A COPY OF THIS GENERAL PERMIT MUST BE KEPT AT THE SITE WHERE 
    DISCHARGES OCCUR.
        The original version of this permit became effective June 30, 1994. 
    This permit as modified shall become effective April 7, 1997.
        This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire on June 
    30, 1999.
    
        Signed this 18th day of November, 1996.
    Philip G. Millam,
    Director, Office of Water, Region 10, U.S. Environmental Protection 
    Agency.
    
    Table of Contents
    
    Cover Page
    I. Coverage Under this Permit
        A. Coverage
        B. Authorized Placer Mining Operations
        C. Additional
        D. Prohibitions
        E. Requiring an Individual Permit
        F. Notification Requirements
        G. Permit Expiration
    II. Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements
        A. Effluent Limitations
        B. Monitoring Requirements
    III. Management Practices
    IV. Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
        A. Representative Sampling
        B. Reporting of Monitoring Results
        C. Monitoring
        D. Additional Monitoring by the Permittee
        E. Records Contents
        F. Retention of Records
        G. Notice of Noncompliance Reporting
        H. Other Noncompliance Reporting
    V. Compliance Responsibilities
        A. Duty to Comply
        B. Penalties for Violations of Permit Conditions
        C. Need to Halt or Reduce Activity not a Defense
        D. Duty to Mitigate
        E. Proper Operation and Maintenance
        F. Removed Substances
        G. Bypass of Treatment Facilities
        H. Upset Conditions
        I. Toxic Pollutants
    VI. General Requirements
        A. Changes in Discharge of Toxic Substances
        B. Planned Changes
        C. Anticipated Noncompliance
        D. Permit Actions
        E. Duty to Reapply
        F. Duty to Provide Information
        G. Other Information
        H. Signatory Requirements
        I. Availability of Reports
        J. Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability
        K. Property Rights
        L. Severability
        M. State Laws
        N. Paperwork Reduction Act
        O. Inspection and Entry
        P. Transfers
    VII. Reopener Clause
    VIII. Definitions
    Attachment 1
    Attachment 2
    Attachment 3
    
    I. Coverage Under this Permit
    
    A. Coverage
    
        1. Authorization to discharge requires written notification from 
    EPA that coverage has been granted and that a specific permit number 
    has been assigned to the operation.
        2. Existing Facilities (those mechanical operations facilities 
    having individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 
    [NPDES] permits or coverage under the existing Alaska placer miner 
    general permit). To gain coverage under this permit, existing 
    facilities which meet the criteria for coverage under Part I of this 
    permit must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI, OMB #2040-0086, expiration 
    date 8/31/98). Such facilities will be granted coverage according to 
    Permit Part F.
        3. Pending Applications: Mechanical operations facilities which 
    have submitted applications in accordance with 40 CFR 122.21(a) and 
    which meet the criteria for coverage under this permit will be granted 
    coverage according to Permit Part F.
        4. New Facilities: New mechanical operations facilities that are 
    determined to be new sources under the CWA will be required to have an 
    Environmental Assessment (EA) completed pursuant to the National 
    Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A finding of no significant impact 
    (FNSI) by EPA is necessary prior to receiving coverage under this 
    permit. A FNSI will become effective only after the public has had 
    notice of, and an opportunity to comment on, the FNSI including either 
    the accompanying Environmental Assessment or a summary of it, and the 
    EPA has fully considered all public comments submitted, pursuant to 40 
    CFR 6.400(d). If there may be a significant impact, the facility will 
    require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS will be issued 
    only after public notice and an opportunity for public comments on a 
    draft EIS pursuant to 40 CFR 6.403(a) and 1503.1(a).
        5. Expanding Facilities: Mechanical operations facilities that 
    contemplate expanding shall submit a new NOI that describes the new 
    discharge. The current permit will be terminated and a new permit, 
    reflecting the changes, issued in its place if the facility meets all 
    the necessary requirements of coverage.
        6. Coastal Zone Facilities: Mechanical operations facilities 
    located in the coastal zone as determined by the Alaska Coastal Zone 
    Management Act shall submit, with their Notice of Intent (NOI), an 
    individual consistency determination from Alaska Division of 
    Governmental Coordination (ADGC) unless ADGC makes an overall 
    determination on this General Permit after its issuance.
    
    B. Authorized Placer Mining Operations
    
        1. Facilities that mine and process gold placer ores using gravity 
    separation methods to recover the gold metal contained in the ore.
    
    [[Page 64798]]
    
        2. Open-cut gold placer mines except those open-cut mines that mine 
    less than 1,500 cubic yards of placer ore per mining season.
        3. Mechanical dredge gold placer mines except those dredges that 
    remove less than 50,000 cubic yards of placer ore per mining season or 
    dredge in open waters.
    
    C. Additional Requirements
    
        1. Many streams and stream reaches in Alaska have been designated 
    as part of the federal wild and scenic rivers system or as Conservation 
    System Units (CSUs) by the federal government. Permittees should 
    contact the district offices of the federal agencies that administer 
    the designated area for additional restrictions that may apply to 
    operating within the area. See part I.E.2.
        2. Many streams in Alaska where placer mining occurs have been 
    designated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) as 
    anadromous fish streams. Placer mining activities in these streams 
    require an ADF&G Fish Habitat Permit which may include additional 
    restrictions. The ``Atlas to the Catalog of Waters Important for the 
    Spawning, Rearing, or Migration of Anadromous Fish'' lists the streams 
    in the State which require prior ADF&G authorization. In addition, 
    placer mining activities in resident fish streams require an ADF&G Fish 
    Habitat Permit if the proposed activity will block or impede the 
    efficient passage of fish. Permittees operating in anadromous or 
    resident fish streams should contact the ADF&G to determine permitting 
    requirements and additional restrictions that may apply.
    
    D. Prohibitions
    
        1. Discharges from the following beneficiation processes are not 
    authorized under this permit: mercury amalgamation, cyanidation, froth 
    floatation, heap and vat leaching.
        2. Discharges from hydraulicking, as defined in Part VIII.E, are 
    not authorized under this permit.
        3. This general permit does not apply to facilities for which 
    Notices of Intent were approved after August 13, 1996, which are 
    proposed to be located in National Park System Units (i.e., Parks and 
    Preserves), National Monuments, Sanctuaries, Wildlife Refuges, 
    Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, Critical Habitat Areas, or waters 
    within the boundaries of areas designated as wild under the Wild & 
    Scenic Rivers Act.
        4. This permit does not apply to wetlands designated in the 1995 
    Anchorage Wetlands Management Plan.
    
    E. Requiring an Individual Permit
    
        1. The Regional Administrator may require any person authorized by 
    this permit to apply for and obtain an individual NPDES permit when:
        a. The single discharge or the cumulative number of discharges is/
    are a significant contributor of pollution;
        b. The discharger is not in compliance with the terms and 
    conditions of the general permit;
        c. A change has occurred in the availability of demonstrated 
    technology or practices for the control or abatement of pollutants 
    applicable to the point source;
        d. Effluent limitations guidelines are subsequently promulgated for 
    the point sources covered by the general permit;
        e. A Water Quality Management plan containing requirements 
    applicable to such point sources is approved;
        f. An Individual Control Strategy (ICS) is required under Section 
    304(L) of the Act;
        g. A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and corresponding wasteload 
    allocation has been completed for a waterbody or a segment of a 
    waterbody;
        h. A review of the facility shows that it is subject to the State 
    of Alaska's anti-degradation policy; or
        i. There are other federal or State legislation, rules or 
    regulations pertaining to a site directly or indirectly related to 
    water quality.
        2. The Regional Administrator may deny coverage under this permit 
    in the following circumstances:
        a. a land management agency with jurisdiction over affected 
    portions of the receiving water, bed, or uplands submits a request that 
    general permit coverage be denied to EPA within thirty (30) days of the 
    agency's receipt of an NOI; and,
        b. the land management agency's request includes proposed 
    additional or revised permit terms which the requesting agency 
    believes--based upon evidence attached to or cited in the request--are 
    necessary to protect the natural values of the affected location; and,
        c. the land management agency's request concerns a person who 
    either;
        i. seeks to discharge into U.S. waters located in National 
    Recreation Areas, or in State Refuges, Preserves, Sanctuaries, 
    Recreation Areas, Parks, or Critical Habitat Areas; or,
        ii. is in significant noncompliance with the terms and conditions 
    of the most recent applicable NPDES permit; or,
        iii. intends to discharge into waters designated as impaired or 
    polluted under the Clean Water Act.
        Any person denied coverage under this part must apply for and 
    obtain coverage under either (1) an individual permit, or (2) another 
    applicable watershed-specific general permit. Upon receipt of any such 
    application, EPA will determine whether the permit terms requested by 
    the land management agency should be included in the applicable permit.
        3. The Regional Administrator will notify the operator in writing 
    by certified mail that a permit application is required. If an operator 
    fails to submit, in a timely manner, an individual NPDES permit 
    application as required, then any applicability of this general permit 
    to the individual NPDES Permittee is automatically terminated at the 
    end of the day specified for application submittal.
        4. Any owner or operator authorized by this permit may request to 
    be excluded from the coverage of this permit by applying for an 
    individual permit. The owner or operator shall submit an individual 
    application (Form 1 and Form 2C or 2D) with reasons supporting the 
    request to the Regional Administrator.
        5. When an individual NPDES permit is issued to an owner or 
    operator otherwise covered by this permit, the applicability of this 
    permit to the facility is automatically terminated on the effective 
    date of the individual permit.
        6. When an individual NPDES permit is denied to an owner or 
    operator otherwise covered by this permit, the Permittee is 
    automatically reinstated under this permit on the date of such denial, 
    unless otherwise specified by the Regional Administrator. A new 
    facility can receive coverage under this general permit by submitting 
    an NOI. See Permit Part I.A.3. for details.
        7. A source excluded from a general permit solely because it 
    already has an individual permit may request that the individual permit 
    be revoked and that it be covered by the general permit. Upon 
    revocation of the individual permit, the general permit shall apply to 
    the source.
    
    F. Notification Requirements
    
        1. Owners or operators of facilities authorized by this permit 
    shall submit an NOI to be covered by this permit. The information 
    required for a complete NOI is in Appendix A of this permit. 
    Notification must be made:
        a. by January 1 of the year of discharge from a new facility or a 
    facility established since 1988 subject to New Source Performance 
    Standards (NSPS) that has not previously been covered by a permit; or
        b. 90 days prior to discharge from a new facility not subject to 
    NSPS; or
    
    [[Page 64799]]
    
        c. 90 days prior to the expiration of an existing individual 
    permit, or
        d. 90 days prior to discharge for any other facilities.
        2. Facilities covered under this permit that discharge to National 
    Park System Units (i.e., Parks and Preserves), National Monuments, 
    Sanctuaries, Wildlife Refuges, Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, 
    Critical Habitat Areas, or waters within the boundaries of areas 
    designated as wild under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act that wish to 
    retain coverage under the general permit until the effective date of a 
    new permit shall submit an application for an individual permit (EPA 
    Application Form 2c) no later than January 1, 1999.
        3. An Alaska Placer Mine Application (APMA) will be accepted as an 
    NOI if all the required information from Appendix A, including 
    information to determine site-specific turbidity limits, if applicable, 
    is included.
        4. The NOI shall be signed by the owner or other signatory 
    authority in accordance with Permit Part VI.H. (Signatory 
    Requirements), and a copy shall be retained on site in accordance with 
    Permit Part IV.F. (Retention of Records). The address for NOI 
    submission to EPA is: United States Environmental Protection Agency, 
    Region 10, 1200 Sixth Avenue, WD-134, Seattle, Washington 98101.
        5. A copy of the NOI must also be sent to the Alaska Department of 
    Environmental Conservation (ADEC). The address is: Alaska Department of 
    Environmental Conservation, 610 University Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 
    99709.
        6. Permittees who do not use the APMA procedure for filing their 
    NOI with Alaska Department of Natural Resources shall send a copy of 
    the NOI to the Federal, State, or local agency that manages or owns the 
    land in which the mine is located or proposed to be located. The 
    addresses are:
    
    Anchorage Area
        U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 222 
    West 7th Avenue, #13, Anchorage, AK 99513-7599
        U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E 
    Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99503.
        U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 605 West 
    4th Avenue, Suite 104, Anchorage, AK 99501.
    
    Fairbanks Area
        State of Alaska, Department of Fish & Game, 1300 College Road, 
    Fairbanks, AK 99701-1599.
        U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 1150 
    University Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
        U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, 101 
    12th Avenue, Box 19, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
        U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 250 
    Cushman, Suite 1A, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
    
    Glennallen Area
        U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. 
    Box 147, Glennallen, AK 99588.
        U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Wrangell 
    St. Alias, P.O. Box 439, Copper Center, AK 99573.
    
    Juneau Area
        U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, 3000 
    Vintage Blvd, Suite 201, Juneau, AK 99801.
        U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, P.O. Box 
    21089, Juneau, AK 99802-1089.
    
    Nome Area
        U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. 
    Box 925, Nome, AK 99762.
        U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, P.O. Box 
    220, Nome, AK 99762.
    
    Tok Area
        U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. 
    Box 309, Tok, AK 99780.
    
        7. A copy of the general permit will be sent to the Permittee when 
    it is determined that the facility can be granted coverage under this 
    general permit. If it is determined that coverage cannot be granted 
    under this permit, the applicant will be informed of this in writing.
    
    G. Permit Expiration
    
        1. This permit will expire on June 30, 1999. Except as provided in 
    paragraph F.2., for facilities submitting a new NOI 90 days prior to 
    expiration of this general permit, the conditions of the expired permit 
    continue in force until the effective date of a new permit.
        2. When a permittee has made timely and sufficient application for 
    a permit renewal or new permit in accordance with paragraph 1 of this 
    section, a permit with reference to an activity of a continuing nature 
    does not expire until the application has been finally determined by 
    EPA.
    
    II. Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements
    
    A. Effluent Limitations
    
        During the term of this permit, no wastewater discharges are 
    authorized except as specified below.
    1. Effluent Limitations
        a. The volume of wastewater which may be discharged shall not 
    exceed the volume of infiltration, drainage and mine drainage waters 
    which is in excess of the make-up water required for operation of the 
    beneficiation process.
        b. The wastewater discharged shall not exceed the following:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Effluent Characteristic               Instantaneous Maximum   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Settleable Solids.........................  0.2 ml/l.                   
    Turbidity.................................  5 NTUs above natural        
                                                 background \1\.            
    Arsenic, Total Recoverable................  0.18 g/l \2\.      
    Effluent Flow.............................  [Flow reported in NOI \3\]. 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Subject to Turbidity Mixing Zone outlined in Permit Part II.A.1.c.  
    \2\ See Part II.A.1.e. for details.                                     
    \3\ See Part II.A.1.d. for details.                                     
    
        c. Permittees may request a modified turbidity limit based upon a 
    mixing zone approved by the Alaska Department of Environmental 
    Conservation (ADEC) pursuant to 18 AAC 70.032. EPA will approve a 
    modified turbidity limit proposed by ADEC under this General Permit if 
    the modified limit and resulting mixing zone are consistent with the 
    Clean Water Act, EPA's regulations, and 18 AAC 70.032, and provided 
    that:
        i. the modified turbidity limit does not exceed 1500 NTUs;
        ii. the modified turbidity limit does not cause turbidity levels to 
    exceed 100 NTUs in at least one-half of the cross-sectional area of 
    resident and anadromous fish migration corridors;
        iii. the modified turbidity limit is to be calculated using (1) the 
    7-day, 10-year low flow (7Q10) as the chronic criteria design flow for 
    the protection of aquatic life; and (2) zero as the value for upstream 
    turbidity unless site-specific turbidity data are submitted to justify 
    a higher level;
        iv. the modified turbidity limit does not result in a mixing zone 
    in an area of anadromous fish spawning or resident fish spawning redds 
    for the fish species listed in 18 AAC 70.032(d)(3)(D)(ii) when eggs or 
    alevins are present;
        v. approved mixing zones do not overlap and the availability and 
    extent of approved mixing zones is limited as necessary to avoid 
    potentially harmful cumulative effects on the receiving environment; 
    and,
        vi. the public was provided reasonable notice of, and an 
    opportunity to comment on, the modified turbidity limit and associated 
    mixing zone, including site-specific assessments used
    
    [[Page 64800]]
    
    to calculate the limit and zone, prior to their approval by ADEC.
        d. The volume of discharge shall not exceed the volume reported by 
    the permittee on the NOI (Appendix A). If the permittee exceeds that 
    volume, EPA will not consider the permittee in violation of the flow 
    limit if:
        i. the permittee submits to EPA turbidity samples, flow 
    measurements/seepage estimates for the discharge, and flow measurements 
    for the upstream receiving water taken during the period of the flow 
    exceedence; and,
        ii. those samples show that the permittee's discharge did not cause 
    the standard of 5 NTU above background to be exceeded at the edge of 
    the mixing zone.
        The permittee must report all exceedences of the flow limit, 
    together with any turbidity and flow/seepage data which the permittee 
    intends to use to avoid being considered in violation of the flow 
    limit, pursuant to the reporting requirements in Part IV.G.
        e. Permittees may request a modified arsenic limit reflecting the 
    arsenic concentrations naturally present in the receiving waters as 
    determined by ADEC. EPA will approve a modified arsenic limit proposed 
    by ADEC under this General Permit provided:
        i. the modified limit is consistent with the Clean Water Act, EPA's 
    regulations, and state water quality standards regulations;
        ii. The arsenic concentration naturally present in the receiving 
    waters is determined upstream from any human-caused influence on, 
    discharge to, or addition of material to, the waterbody; and
        iii. the public was provided reasonable notice of, and an 
    opportunity to comment on, the modified arsenic limit, including all 
    data and other information used to calculate the limit, prior to its 
    approval by ADEC.
        Pending decision on the modified arsenic limit, the limit in part 
    II.A.1.b. applies.
        2. Effluent discharges are prohibited during periods when new water 
    is allowed to enter the plant site. Additionally, there shall be no 
    discharge as a result of the intake of new water.
    
    B. Monitoring Requirements
    
        1. During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit 
    and lasting until the expiration date, the following monitoring shall 
    be conducted:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Effluent characteristic           Monitoring  location     Monitoring frequency         Sample type      
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Settleable Solids (ml/l).............  effluent...............  once per day each day a  Grab                   
                                                                     discharge occurs.                              
    Turbidity (NTU)......................  effluent...............  (\1\)..................  Grab.                  
                                           background.............  (\1\)..................  Grab.                  
    Arsenic (g/l)...............  effluent...............  (\1\)..................  Grab \2\.              
    Flow (gpm)...........................  effluent...............  (\3\)..................  Instantaneous.         
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ See Part II B.3. & 4. for details.                                                                          
    \2\ Analyzed by EPA Method 206.2 with a detection limit of 1.0 g/l.                                    
    \3\ See Part II. B.6. for details.                                                                              
    
    2. Inspection Program
        The Permittee shall institute a comprehensive inspection program to 
    facilitate proper operation and maintenance of the recycle system and 
    the wastewater treatment system. The Permittee shall conduct a visual 
    inspection of the site once per day, while on site, during the mining 
    season. The Permittee shall maintain records of all information 
    resulting from any inspections in accordance with part IV.F. of this 
    permit. These records shall include an evaluation of the condition of 
    all water control devices such as diversion structures and berms and 
    all solids retention structures including, but not limited to, berms, 
    dikes, pond structures, and dams. The records shall also include an 
    assessment of the presence of sediment buildup within the settling 
    ponds. The Permittee shall examine all ponds for the occurrence of 
    short circuiting.
    3. Turbidity Monitoring
        Permittees shall monitor visually for turbidity at the edge of the 
    mixing zone, or at the point of discharge if no mixing zone is approved 
    by the State, once for each day during which a discharge occurs. The 
    Permittee shall maintain records of all information resulting from this 
    observation in accordance with part IV.F. of this permit.
        Permittees that have obtained a site-specific turbidity limit under 
    Permit Part II.A.1.c. shall take at least one turbidity sample per 
    discharge for the first two discharges of the season and one sample for 
    each calendar month in which there is a discharge thereafter.
        Those Permittees that do not obtain a site-specific turbidity limit 
    shall take at least one turbidity sample set (i.e. the discharge and 
    background samples referenced in Part IV.A.) per discharge for the 
    first two discharges of the season and one sample set for each calendar 
    month in which there is a discharge thereafter.
        A Permittee who has had less than two days of discharge over the 
    course of the mining season must submit one sample or sample set for 
    each day of discharge.
        All samples must be taken and stored in the manner set forth in 
    Attachment 1.
        Discharge and background samples shall be taken within a reasonable 
    time frame. The sample results shall be reported on the annual 
    Discharge Monitoring report (DMR). Monitoring shall be conducted in 
    accordance with accepted analytical procedures. See attachment 1 for 
    sampling protocol.
    4. Arsenic Monitoring
        Arsenic samples shall be representative of the discharge and shall 
    be taken at a point prior to entering the receiving stream. Monitoring 
    shall be conducted in accordance with accepted analytical procedures. 
    The Permittee shall report the sample results on the DMR. (See 
    attachment 2 for sampling protocol.) Because the water quality-based 
    effluent limit for arsenic (0.18 g/l) is below the MDL (1.0 
    g/l) using EPA Method 206.2, EPA has derived an interim 
    minimum level of 3 g/l (3.18  x  1.0 g/l = 3.18 
    rounded to 3) as the quantifiable level. For purposes of reporting 
    analytical results for arsenic in the DMR, results below the MDL will 
    be reported as ``less than 1.0 g/l''. Actual analytical 
    results shall be reported on the DMR when the results are greater than 
    the MDL. The permittee must also specify in the comment column of the 
    DMR that Method 206.2 was used for analysis.
        The Permittee shall take at least one arsenic sample per discharge 
    for the first three discharges of the season and one sample for each 
    calendar month in which there is a discharge thereafter.
    
    [[Page 64801]]
    
        A Permittee who has had less than three days of discharge over the 
    course of the mining season, must submit one sample for each day of 
    discharge.
        All samples must be taken and stored in the manner set forth in 
    Attachment 2.
    5. Settleable Solids Monitoring
        Settleable solids samples shall be representative of the discharge 
    and shall be taken at a point prior to entering the receiving stream. 
    Monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with accepted analytical 
    procedures (Standard Methods, 17th Edition, 1989). The Permittee shall 
    report the daily sample results on the annual DMR. See attachment 3 for 
    sampling and analysis protocol.
    6. Flow Monitoring
        Permittees shall measure the volume of intake water used as make-up 
    water. The intake flow for each day that water is taken in shall be 
    reported on the annual DMR.
        Effluent flow shall be measured at the discharge prior to entering 
    the receiving water. Effluent flow shall be measured at least once per 
    day each day discharge occurs. The operator must also make a good faith 
    effort to estimate seepage discharging to waters of the United States 
    each day that seepage occurs. Effluent flow and seepage flow shall be 
    reported in gallons per minute (gpm). The flow measurements and seepage 
    estimates, the number of discharge events, and the duration of each 
    discharge event shall be reported in the annual DMR for each day of the 
    mining season.
    
    III. Management Practices
    
        A. The flow of surface waters (i.e., creek, river, or stream) into 
    the plant site shall be interrupted and these waters diverted around 
    and away to prevent incursion into the plant site.
        B. Berms, including any pond walls, dikes, low dams, and similar 
    water retention structures shall be constructed in a manner such that 
    they are reasonably expected to reject the passage of water.
        C. Measures shall be taken to assure that pollutant materials 
    removed from the process water and wastewater streams will be retained 
    in storage areas and not discharged or released to the waters of the 
    United States.
        D. The amount of new water allowed to enter the plant site for use 
    in material processing shall be limited to the minimum amount required 
    as makeup water.
        E. All water control devices such as diversion structures and berms 
    and all solids retention structures such as berms, dikes, pond 
    structures, and dams shall be reasonably maintained to continue their 
    effectiveness and to protect from failure.
        F. The operator shall take whatever reasonable steps are 
    appropriate to assure that, after the mining season, all unreclaimed 
    mine areas, including ponds, are in a condition which will not cause 
    degradation to the receiving waters over those resulting from natural 
    causes.
        G. During each mining season, a permittee may not discharge into 
    the receiving stream within three hundred feet of any other upstream or 
    downstream placer mining operation which is discharging or from which 
    it is apparent that a discharge has occurred. Nor may a permittee 
    discharge at a point within three hundred feet of the downstream edge 
    of a mixing zone granted for any other upstream placer mining 
    operation.
    
    H. Other Requirements
    
        The operator shall maintain fuel handling and storage facilities in 
    a manner which will prevent the discharge of fuel oil into the 
    receiving waters or on the adjoining shoreline. A Spill Prevention 
    Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC Plan) shall be prepared and 
    updated as necessary in accordance with provisions of 40 CFR Part 112 
    for facilities storing 660 gallons in a single container above ground, 
    1320 gallons in the aggregate above ground, or 42,000 gallons below 
    ground.
        The Permittee shall indicate on the DMR if an SPCC Plan is 
    necessary and in place at the site and if changes were made to the Plan 
    over the previous year.
    
    I. Storm Exemption
    
        The Permittee may qualify for a storm exemption from the 
    technology-based effluent limitation for flow in Permit Part II.A.1.a. 
    of this NPDES general permit if the following conditions are met:
        1. The treatment system is designed, constructed and maintained to 
    contain the maximum volume of untreated process wastewater which would 
    be discharged, stored, contained and used or recycled by the 
    beneficiation process into the treatment system during a 4-hour 
    operating period without an increase in volume from precipitation or 
    infiltration, plus the maximum volume of water runoff (drainage waters) 
    resulting from a 5-year, 6-hour precipitation event. In computing the 
    maximum volume of water which would result from a 5-year, 6-hour 
    precipitation event, the operator must include the volume which should 
    result from the plant site contributing runoff to the individual 
    treatment facility.
        2. The operator takes all reasonable steps to maintain treatment of 
    the wastewater and minimize the amount of overflow.
        3. The source is in compliance with the Management Practices in 
    Permit Parts III.A. through G.
        4. The operator complies with the notification requirements of 
    Permit Parts IV.G. and IV.H.
    
    IV. Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
    
    A. Representative Sampling
        All samples for monitoring purposes shall be representative of the 
    monitored activity, 40 CFR 122.41(j). To determine compliance with 
    permit effluent limitations, ``grab'' samples shall be taken as 
    established under Permit Part II.B. Specifically, effluent samples for 
    settleable solids, turbidity, and arsenic shall be collected from the 
    settling pond outlet or other treatment systems' outlet prior to 
    discharge to the receiving stream. Additionally, turbidity background 
    samples shall be taken at a point that is representative of the 
    receiving stream just above the permittee's mining operation. Those who 
    receive a site-specific turbidity limit are not required to take 
    background turbidity samples. Samples for arsenic and turbidity 
    monitoring must be taken during sluicing at a time when the operation 
    has reached equilibrium. For example, samples should be taken when 
    sluice paydirt loading and effluent discharge are constant.
    B. Reporting of Monitoring Results
        Monitoring results shall be summarized each month and reported on 
    EPA Form 3320-1 (DMR, OMB #2040-0004, expiration date 5/31/98). The DMR 
    shall be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, 
    1200 Sixth Avenue, Enforcement Section WD-135, Seattle, Washington 
    98101-3188, no later than November 30 each year. If there is no mining 
    activity during the year or no wastewater discharge to a receiving 
    stream, the Permittee shall notify EPA of these facts no later than 
    November 30 of each year.
        The DMR shall also be sent to the ADEC office located in Fairbanks. 
    The address can be found in permit part I.F.4.
    C. Monitoring Procedures
        Monitoring must be conducted according to test procedures approved 
    under 40 CFR Part 136, unless other test
    
    [[Page 64802]]
    
    procedures have been specified in this permit.
    D. Additional Monitoring by the Permittee
        If the Permittee monitors any pollutant more frequently than 
    required by this permit, using test procedures approved under 40 CFR 
    136 or as specified in this permit, the results of this monitoring 
    shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the data 
    submitted in the DMR. Such increased frequency shall also be indicated.
    E. Records Contents
        Records of monitoring information shall include:
        1. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements;
        2. The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements;
        3. The date(s) analyses were performed;
        4. The individual(s) who performed the analyses;
        5. The analytical techniques or methods used; and
        6. The results of such analyses.
    F. Retention of Records
        The Permittee shall retain records of all monitoring information, 
    including all calibration and maintenance records and all original 
    strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, 
    copies of all reports required by this permit, and records of all data 
    used to complete the application for this permit, for a period of at 
    least three years from the date of the sample, measurement, report or 
    application. This period may be extended by request of the Director or 
    ADEC at any time. Data collected on-site, copies of DMRs, and a copy of 
    this NPDES permit must be maintained on-site during the duration of 
    activity at the permitted location.
    G. Notice of Noncompliance Reporting
        1. Any noncompliance which may endanger health or the environment 
    shall be reported as soon as the Permittee becomes aware of the 
    circumstance. A written submission shall also be provided in the 
    shortest reasonable period of time after the Permittee becomes aware of 
    the occurrence.
        2. The following occurrences of noncompliance shall also be 
    reported in writing in the shortest reasonable period of time after the 
    Permittee becomes aware of the circumstances:
        a. Any unanticipated bypass which exceeds any effluent limitation 
    in the permit (See Permit Part V.G., Bypass of Treatment Facilities.); 
    or
        b. Any upset which exceeds any effluent limitation in the permit 
    (See Permit Part V.H., Upset Conditions.).
        c. Any violation of a maximum daily discharge limitation for any of 
    the pollutants listed by the Director in the Permit to be reported 
    within 24 hours.
        3. The written submission shall contain:
        a. A description of the noncompliance and its cause;
        b. The period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times;
        c. The estimated time noncompliance is expected to continue if it 
    has not been corrected; and
        d. Steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent 
    reoccurrence of the noncompliance.
        4. The Director may waive the written report on a case-by-case 
    basis if an oral report has been received within 24 hours by the 
    Enforcement Section in Seattle, Washington, by phone, (206) 553-1213.
        5. Reports shall be submitted to the addresses in Permit Part 
    IV.B., Reporting of Monitoring Results.
    H. Other Noncompliance Reporting
        Instances of noncompliance not required to be reported in Permit 
    Part IV.G. above shall be reported at the time that monitoring reports 
    for Permit Part IV.B. are submitted. The reports shall contain the 
    information listed in Permit Part IV.G.3.
    
    V. Compliance Responsibilities
    
    A. Duty To Comply
        The Permittee must comply with all conditions of this permit. Any 
    permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the Act and is grounds 
    for enforcement action; for permit termination, revocation and 
    reissuance, or modification; or for denial of a permit renewal 
    application. The Permittee shall give advance notice to the Director 
    and ADEC of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity 
    which may result in noncompliance with permit requirements.
    B. Penalties for Violations of Permit Conditions
        1. Administrative Penalty. The Act provides that any person who 
    violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 
    308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be subject to an administrative 
    penalty, not to exceed $10,000 per day for each violation.
        2. Civil Penalty. The Act provides that any person who violates a 
    permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318, or 
    405 of the Act shall be subject to a civil penalty, not to exceed 
    $25,000 per day for each violation.
        3. Criminal Penalties:
        a. Negligent Violations. The Act provides that any person who 
    negligently violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be punished by a fine of 
    not less than $2,500 nor more than $25,000 per day of violation, or by 
    imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or by both.
        b. Knowing Violations. The Act provides that any person who 
    knowingly violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be punished by a fine of 
    not less than $5,000 nor more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by 
    imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or by both.
        c. Knowing Endangerment. The Act provides that any person who 
    knowingly violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act, and who knows at that time that 
    he thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or serious 
    bodily injury, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more 
    than $250,000 or imprisonment of not more than 15 years, or both. A 
    person which is an organization shall, upon conviction of violating 
    this subparagraph, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000,000.
        d. False Statements. The Act provides that any person who knowingly 
    makes any false material statement, representation, or certification in 
    any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or 
    required to be maintained under this Act or who knowingly falsifies, 
    tampers with, or renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method 
    required to be maintained under this Act, shall upon conviction, be 
    punished by a fine of not more that $10,000, or by imprisonment for not 
    more than 2 years, or by both.
        Except as provided in permit conditions in Permit Part V.G., Bypass 
    of Treatment Facilities and Permit Part V.H., Upset Conditions, nothing 
    in this permit shall be construed to relieve the Permittee of the civil 
    or criminal penalties for noncompliance.
    C. Need To Halt or Reduce Activity Not a Defense
        It shall not be a defense for a Permittee in an enforcement action 
    that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted 
    activity in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of this 
    permit.
    
    [[Page 64803]]
    
    D. Duty To Mitigate
        The Permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or 
    prevent any discharge in violation of this permit which has a 
    reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the 
    environment.
    E. Proper Operation and Maintenance
        The Permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all 
    facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related 
    appurtenances) which are installed or used by the Permittee to achieve 
    compliance with the conditions of this permit. Proper operation and 
    maintenance also includes adequate laboratory controls and appropriate 
    quality assurance procedures. This provision requires the operation of 
    back-up or auxiliary facilities or similar systems which are installed 
    by a Permittee only when the operation is necessary to achieve 
    compliance with the conditions of the permit.
    F. Removed Substances
        Solids, sludges, or other pollutants removed in the course of 
    treatment or control of wastewater's shall be disposed of in a manner 
    so as to prevent any pollutant from such materials from entering waters 
    of the United States.
    G. Bypass of Treatment Facilities
        1. Bypass not exceeding limitations. The Permittee may allow any 
    bypass to occur which does not cause effluent limitations to be 
    exceeded, but only if it also is for essential maintenance to assure 
    efficient operation. These bypasses are not subject to the provisions 
    of paragraphs 2 and 3 of this section.
        2. Notice:
        a. Anticipated bypass. If the Permittee knows in advance of the 
    need for a bypass, it shall submit prior notice, if possible at least 
    10 days before the date of the bypass.
        b. Unanticipated bypass. The Permittee shall submit notice of an 
    unanticipated bypass as required under Permit Part IV.G., Notice of 
    Noncompliance Reporting.
        3. Prohibition of bypass.
        a. Bypass is prohibited and the Director or ADEC may take 
    enforcement action against a Permittee for a bypass, unless:
        i. The bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal 
    injury, or severe property damage;
        ii. There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the 
    use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of untreated wastes, 
    or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime. This 
    condition is not satisfied if adequate back-up equipment should have 
    been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to 
    prevent a bypass which occurred during normal periods of equipment 
    downtime or preventive maintenance; and
        iii. The Permittee submitted notices as required under paragraph 2 
    of this section.
        b. The Director and ADEC may approve an anticipated bypass, after 
    considering its adverse effects, if the Director and ADEC determine 
    that it will meet the three conditions listed above in paragraph 3.a. 
    of this section.
    H. Upset Conditions
        1. Effect of an upset. An upset constitutes an affirmative defense 
    to an action brought for noncompliance with such technology based 
    permit effluent limitations if the requirements of paragraph 2 of this 
    section are met. An administrative review of a claim that noncompliance 
    was caused by an upset does not represent final administrative action 
    for any specific event. A determination is not final until formal 
    administrative action is taken for the specific violation(s).
        2. Conditions necessary for a demonstration of upset. A Permittee 
    who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of upset shall 
    demonstrate, through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs, 
    or other relevant evidence that:
        a. An upset occurred and that the Permittee can identify the 
    cause(s) of the upset;
        b. The permitted facility was at the time being properly operated;
        c. The Permittee submitted notice of the upset as required under 
    Permit Part IV.G., Notice of Noncompliance Reporting; and
        d. The Permittee complied with any remedial measures required under 
    Permit Part V.D., Duty to Mitigate.
        3. Burden of proof. In any enforcement proceeding, the Permittee 
    seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset has the burden of 
    proof.
    I. Toxic Pollutants
        The Permittee shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions 
    established under Section 307(a) of the Act for toxic pollutants within 
    the time provided in the regulations that establish those standards or 
    prohibitions, even if the permit has not yet been modified to 
    incorporate the requirement.
    
    VI. General Requirements
    
    A. Changes in Discharge of Toxic Substances
        Notification shall be provided to the Director and ADEC as soon as 
    the Permittee knows of, or has reason to believe:
        1. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result 
    in the discharge, on a routine or frequent basis, of any toxic 
    pollutant which is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will 
    exceed the highest of the following ``notification levels'':
        a. One hundred micrograms per liter (100 g/l);
        b. Two hundred micrograms per liter (200 g/l) for acrolein 
    and acrylonitrile; five hundred micrograms per liter (500 g/l) 
    for 2,4-dinitrophenol and for 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol; and one 
    milligram per liter (1 mg/l) for antimony;
        c. Five (5) times the maximum concentration value reported for that 
    pollutant in the permit application in accordance with 40 CFR 
    122.21(g)(7); or
        d. The level established by the Director in accordance with 40 CFR 
    122.44(f).
        2. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result 
    in any discharge, on a non-routine or infrequent basis, of a toxic 
    pollutant which is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will 
    exceed the highest of the following ``notification levels'':
        a. Five hundred micrograms per liter (500 g/l);
        b. One milligram per liter (1 mg/l) for antimony;
        c. Ten (10) times the maximum concentration value reported for that 
    pollutant in the permit application in accordance with 40 CFR 
    122.21(g)(7); or
        d. The level established by the Director in accordance with 40 CFR 
    122.44(f).
    B. Planned Changes
        The Permittee shall give notice to the Director and ADEC as soon as 
    possible of any planned physical alterations or additions to the 
    permitted facility. Notice is required only when:
        1. The alteration or addition to a permitted facility may meet one 
    of the criteria for determining whether a facility is a new source as 
    determined in 40 CFR 122.29(b); or
        2. The alteration or addition could significantly change the nature 
    or increase the quantity of pollutants discharged. This notification 
    applies to pollutants which are subject neither to effluent limitations 
    in the permit, nor to notification requirements under Permit Part 
    VI.A.1.
    
    [[Page 64804]]
    
        3. The alteration or addition will significantly change the 
    location, nature or volume of discharge or the quantity of pollutants, 
    subject to the effluent limitations, discharged.
    C. Anticipated Noncompliance
        The Permittee shall also give advance notice to the Director and 
    ADEC of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity which 
    may result in noncompliance with permit requirements.
    D. Permit Actions
        This permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated 
    for cause. The filing of a request by the Permittee for a permit 
    modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, or a 
    notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance, does not 
    stay any permit condition.
    E. Duty To Reapply
        If the Permittee wishes to continue an activity regulated by this 
    permit after the expiration date of this permit, the Permittee must 
    apply for and obtain a new permit. The NOI should be submitted at least 
    90 days before the expiration date of this permit.
    F. Duty To Provide Information
        The Permittee shall furnish to the Director and ADEC, within a 
    reasonable time, any information which the Director or ADEC may request 
    to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and 
    reissuing, or terminating this permit, or to determine compliance with 
    this permit. The Permittee shall also furnish to the Director or ADEC, 
    upon request, copies of records required to be kept by this permit.
    G. Other Information
        When the Permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any 
    relevant facts in a permit application, or submitted incorrect 
    information in a permit application or any report to the Director or 
    ADEC, it shall promptly submit such facts or information.
    H. Signatory Requirements
        All applications, reports or information submitted to the Director 
    and ADEC shall be signed and certified.
        1. All permit applications shall be signed as follows:
        a. For a corporation: by a responsible corporate officer.
        b. For a partnership or sole proprietorship: by a general partner 
    or the proprietor, respectively.
        c. For a municipality, state, federal, or other public agency: by 
    either a principal executive officer or ranking elected official.
        2. All reports required by the permit and other information 
    requested by the Director or ADEC shall be signed by a person described 
    above or by a duly authorized representative of that person. A person 
    is a duly authorized representative only if:
        a. The authorization is made in writing by a person described above 
    and submitted to the Director and ADEC, and
        b. The authorization specified either an individual or a position 
    having responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated 
    facility or activity, such as the position of plant manager, operator 
    of a well or a well field, superintendent, position of equivalent 
    responsibility, or an individual or position having overall 
    responsibility for environmental matters for the company. (A duly 
    authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or any 
    individual occupying a named position.)
        3. Changes to authorization. If an authorization under paragraph 
    IV.H.2. is no longer accurate because a different individual or 
    position has responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, 
    a new authorization satisfying the requirements of paragraph VI.H.2. 
    must be submitted to the Director and ADEC prior to or together with 
    any reports, information, or applications to be signed by an authorized 
    representative.
        4. Certification. Any person signing a document under this section 
    shall make the following certification:
        ``I certify under penalty of law that this document and all 
    attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 
    accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel 
    properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my 
    inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those 
    persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the 
    information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, 
    accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties 
    for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and 
    imprisonment for knowing violations.''
    I. Availability of Reports
        Except for data determined to be confidential under 40 CFR Part 2, 
    all reports prepared in accordance with the terms of this permit shall 
    be available for public inspection at the offices of the Director and 
    ADEC. As required by the Act, permit applications, permits and effluent 
    data shall not be considered confidential.
    J. Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability
        Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the 
    institution of any legal action or relieve the Permittee from any 
    responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the Permittee is 
    or may be subject under Section 311 of the Act.
    K. Property Rights
        The issuance of this permit does not convey any property rights of 
    any sort, or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury 
    to private property or any invasion of personal rights, nor any 
    infringement of federal, state or local laws or regulations.
    L. Severability
        The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision 
    of this permit, or the application of any provision of this permit to 
    any circumstance, is held invalid, the application of such provision to 
    other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit, shall not be 
    affected thereby.
    M. State Laws
        Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the 
    institution of any legal action or relieve the Permittee from any 
    responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant to any 
    applicable state law or regulation under authority preserved by Section 
    510 of the Act.
    N. Paperwork Reduction Act
        EPA has reviewed the requirements imposed on regulated facilities 
    in this final general permit under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 
    44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The information collection requirements of this 
    permit have already been approved by the Office of Management and 
    Budget in submission made for the NPDES permit program under the 
    provisions of the CWA.
    O. Inspection and Entry
        The Permittee shall allow the Director, ADEC, or an authorized 
    representative (including an authorized contractor acting as a 
    representative of the Administrator), upon the presentation of 
    credentials and other documents as may be required by law, to:
        1. Enter upon the Permittee's premises where a regulated facility 
    or activity is located or conducted, or where records must be kept 
    under the conditions of this permit;
        2. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that 
    must
    
    [[Page 64805]]
    
    be kept under the conditions of this permit;
        3. Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including 
    monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated 
    or required under this permit; and
        4. Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purpose of 
    assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the Act, any 
    substances or parameters at any location.
    P. Transfers
        This permit may be automatically transferred to a new permittee if:
        1. The current permittee notifies the Director at least 30 days in 
    advance of the proposed transfer date;
        2. The notice includes a written agreement between the existing and 
    new permittees containing a specific date for transfer of permit 
    responsibility, coverage, and liability between them; and
        3. The Director does not notify the existing permittee and the 
    proposed new permittee of his or her intent to modify, or revoke and 
    reissue the permit. If this notice is not received, the transfer is 
    effective on the date specified in the agreement mentioned in paragraph 
    2 above.
    
    VII. Reopener Clause
    
        If EPA-approved revisions to Alaska's water quality standards are 
    made, this permit may be reopened to include limits or requirements 
    based on the revised standards.
    
    VIII. Definitions
    
        A. ``Bypass'' means the intentional diversion of waste streams 
    around any portion of a treatment facility.
        B. ``Drainage Water'' means incidental surface waters from diverse 
    sources such as rainfall, snow melt or permafrost melt.
        C. ``Expanding Facility'' means any facility increasing in size 
    such as to affect the discharge but operating within the permit area 
    covered by its general permit.
        D. A ``Grab'' sample is a single sample or measurement taken at a 
    specific time.
        E. ``Hydraulicking'' means both the hydraulic removal of overburden 
    and the use of hydraulic power to move raw rock to the point of 
    processing (i.e. to the gate of the sluice or other processing 
    equipment).
        F. ``Infiltration Water'' means that water which permeates through 
    the earth into the plant site.
        G. ``Instantaneous Maximum'' means the maximum value measured at 
    any time.
        H. ``Mine Drainage'' means any water, not associated with active 
    sluice water, that is drained, pumped or siphoned from a mine.
        I. ``Mining Season'' means the time between the start of mining in 
    a calendar year and when mining has ceased for that same calendar 
    year.''
        J. ``Monitoring Month'' means the period consisting of the calendar 
    weeks which begin and end in a given calendar month.
        K. ``New Facility'' means a facility that has not operated in the 
    area specified in the NOI prior to the submission of the NOI.
        L. ``NTU'' (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) is an expression of the 
    optical property that causes light to be scattered and absorbed rather 
    than transmitted in a straight line through the water.
        M. ``Make-up Water'' means that volume of water needed to replace 
    process water lost due to evaporation and seepage in order to maintain 
    the quantity necessary for the operation of the beneficiation process.
        N. ``New Water'' means water from any discrete source such as a 
    river, creek, lake or well which is deliberately allowed or brought 
    into the plant site.
        O. ``Plant Site'' means the area occupied by the mine, necessary 
    haulage ways from the mine to the beneficiation process, the 
    beneficiation area, the area occupied by the wastewater treatment 
    storage facilities and the storage areas for waste materials and solids 
    removed from the wastewaters during treatment.
        P. ``Receiving Water'' means waters such as lakes, rivers, streams, 
    creeks, or any other surface waters which receive wastewater 
    discharges.
        Q. ``Severe property damage'' means substantial physical damage to 
    property, damage to the treatment facilities which causes them to 
    become inoperable, or substantial and permanent loss of natural 
    resources which can reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a 
    bypass. Severe property damage does not mean economic loss caused by 
    delays in production.
        R. ``Short circuiting'' means ineffective settling ponds due to 
    inadequate or insufficient retention characteristics, excessive 
    sediment deposition, embankment infiltration/percolation, lack of 
    maintenance, etc.
        S. ``Silt and Clay'' are soil particles having a diameter of less 
    than 0.002 mm (2 microns).
        T. ``Turbidity Modification'' means the procedures used to 
    calculate a higher turbidity limit based on a mass balance equation 
    which relates upstream receiving water flow and turbidity to effluent 
    flow and turbidity. The basic form of this equation is:
    
    Q1C1+Q2C2=Q3C3,
    
    Where C1=effluent turbidity;
    C2=natural background turbidity (zero, unless data are submitted 
    to justify a higher value)
    C3=receiving water downstream turbidity after mixing where the 
    allowable increase is 5 NTU above background (i.e. 5 NTU);
    Q1=effluent flow
    Q2=receiving water flow upstream from the discharge (i.e., 7Q10)
    Q3=total receiving water flow downstream from discharge after 
    complete mixing (Q1+Q2).
        U. ``Upset'' means an exceptional incident in which there is 
    unintentional and temporary noncompliance with technology-based permit 
    effluent limitations because of factors beyond the reasonable control 
    of the Permittee. An upset does not include noncompliance to the extent 
    caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, 
    inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or 
    careless or improper operation.
        V. ``Wastewater'' means all water used in and resulting from the 
    beneficiation process (including but not limited to the water used to 
    move the ore to and through the beneficiation process, the water used 
    to aid in classification, and the water used in gravity separation), 
    mine drainage, and infiltration and drainage waters which commingle 
    with mine drainage or waters resulting from the beneficiation process.
    
    Attachment 1
    
    Turbidity Sampling Protocol
    
        1. Grab samples shall be collected.
        2. Samples shall be collected in a sterile one liter polypropylene 
    or glass container.
        3. Samples must be cooled to 4 degrees Celsius (iced).
        4. Samples must be analyzed within 48 hours of sample collection.
    
    Attachment 2
    
    Arsenic Sampling Protocol
    
        1. Grab samples shall be collected.
        2. Samples shall be collected in a sterile one liter polypropylene 
    or glass container.
        3. Samples must be cooled to 4 degrees Celsius (iced).
        4. Samples must be acidified promptly with nitric acid (HNO3), to a 
    pH less than 2.*
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        * Samples that are not acidified promptly must be sent to a 
    laboratory within 48 hours of sample collection.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        5. Samples must be sent to a laboratory for analysis within 60 
    days.
        6. Samples must be acidified for at least 16 hours prior to 
    analysis.
    
    [[Page 64806]]
    
    Attachment 3
    
    Settleable Solids Sampling Protocol
    
        1. Grab samples shall be collected.
        2. Samples shall be collected in a sterile one liter polypropylene 
    or glass container.
        3. Samples must be cooled to 4 degrees Celsius (iced), if analysis 
    is not performed immediately.
        4. Samples must be analyzed within 48 hours of sample collection.
    
    Settleable Solids Analysis Protocol
    
        1. Fill an Imhoff cone to the liter mark with a thoroughly mixed 
    sample.
        2. Settle for 45 minutes, then gently stir the sides of the cone 
    with a rod or by gently spinning the cone.
        3. Settle 15 minutes longer, then record the volume of settleable 
    matter in the cone as milliliters per liter. Do not estimate any 
    floating material. The lowest measurable level on the Imhoff cone is 
    0.1 ml/l. Any settleable material below the 0.1 ml/l mark shall be 
    recorded as trace.
    
    Authorization to Discharge Under the National Pollutant Discharge 
    Elimination System for Alaskan Medium-Size Suction Dredge Placer Miners
    
    [General Permit No.: AKG-37-1000]
        In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 
    U.S.C. 1251 et seq., as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, 
    Public Law 100-4, the ``Act'', owners and operators of facilities 
    engaged in the processing of placer gold by suction dredging are 
    authorized to discharge to waters of the United States, in accordance 
    with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other 
    conditions set forth herein.
        A COPY OF THIS GENERAL PERMIT MUST BE KEPT AT THE SITE WHERE 
    DISCHARGES OCCUR.
        The original version of this permit became effective June 30, 1994. 
    This permit as modified shall become effective April 7, 1997.
        This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire on June 
    30, 1999.
    
        Signed this 18th day of November, 1996.
    Philip G. Millam,
    Director, Office of Water, Region 10, U.S. Environmental Protection 
    Agency.
    
    Table of Contents
    
    Cover Page
    I. Coverage Under this Permit
        A. Coverage and Eligibility
        B. Authorized Placer Mining Operations
        C. Prohibitions
        D. Additional Requirements
        E. Requiring an Individual Permit
        F. Notification Requirements
        G. Permit Expiration
    II. Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements
        A. Effluent Limitations
        B. Monitoring Requirements
    III. Management Practices
    IV. Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
        A. Representative Sampling
        B. Reporting of Monitoring Results
        C. Monitoring Procedures.
        D. Additional Monitoring by the Permittee
        E. Records Contents
        F. Retention of Records
        G. Notice of Noncompliance Reporting
        H. Other Noncompliance Reporting
    V. Compliance Responsibilities
        A. Duty to Comply
        B. Penalties for Violations of Permit Conditions
        C. Need to Halt or Reduce Activity not a Defense
        D. Duty to Mitigate
        E. Proper Operation and Maintenance
        F. Removed Substances
        G. Bypass of Treatment Facilities
        H. Upset Conditions
        I. Toxic Pollutants
    VI. General Requirements
        A. Changes in Discharge of Toxic Substances
        B. Planned Changes
        C. Anticipated Noncompliance
        D. Permit Actions
        E. Duty to Reapply
        F. Duty to Provide Information
        G. Other Information
        H. Signatory Requirements
        I. Availability of Reports
        J. Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability
        K. Property Rights
        L. Severability
        M. State Laws
        N. Paperwork Reduction Act
        O. Inspection and Entry
        P. Transfers.
    VII. Definitions
    
    I. Coverage Under This Permit
    
    A. Coverage and Eligibility
    
        1. Existing Facilities (those suction dredge facilities having 
    individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System [NPDES] 
    permits or coverage under the existing Alaska placer miner general 
    permit): Upon the submittal of a Notice of Intent (NOI, OMB #2040-0086, 
    expiration date 8/31/98) to gain coverage under this permit, existing 
    facilities which meet the criteria for coverage under Part I of this 
    permit will be granted coverage according to Permit Part E.5.
        2. Pending Applications: Upon submittal of an NOI, all suction 
    dredge facilities which have submitted applications in accordance with 
    40 CFR 122.21(a) and which meet the criteria for coverage under this 
    permit will be granted coverage according to Permit Part I.E.5.
        3. Expanding Facilities: Suction dredge facilities that contemplate 
    expanding shall submit a new NOI that describes the new discharge. The 
    current permit will be terminated and a new permit, reflecting the 
    changes, issued in its place if the facility meets all the necessary 
    requirements of coverage.
        4. Coastal Zone Facilities: Suction dredge facilities located in 
    the coastal zone as determined by the Alaska Coastal Zone Management 
    Act shall submit, with their Notice of Intent (NOI), an individual 
    consistency determination from Alaska Division of Governmental 
    Coordination (ADGC) unless ADGC makes an overall determination on this 
    General Permit after its issuance.
    
    B. Authorized Placer Mining Operations
    
        1. This permit authorizes:
        a. Placer mining by suction dredges with intake nozzles less than 
    or equal to 8 inches and greater than 4 inches; and
        b. Placer mining by suction dredges with intake nozzles equal to 10 
    inches for which Notices of Intent were received by August 13, 1996.
        2. Hose size shall not be greater than 2 inches larger than the 
    nozzle size. If a constrictor ring is used, nozzle size may be 
    determined based on the size of the constrictor ring, provided that the 
    ring is of solid, one-piece construction with no openings other than 
    the intake and openings not greater than one inch between the 
    constricting ring and nozzle, and that the ring is welded or otherwise 
    permanently attached over the end of the intake nozzle.
    
    C. Prohibitions
    
        1. This general permit does not apply to facilities for which 
    Notices of Intent were received after August 13, 1996, which are 
    proposed to be located in National Parks System Units (i.e., Parks and 
    Preserves), National Monuments, Sanctuaries, Wildlife Refuges, 
    Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, Critical Habitat Areas, or waters 
    within the boundaries of areas designated as wild under the Wild & 
    Scenic Rivers Act.
        2. This permit does not apply to wetlands designated in the 1995 
    Anchorage Wetlands Management Plan.
    
    D. Additional Requirements
    
        1. Many streams and stream reaches in Alaska have been designated 
    as part of the federal wild and scenic rivers system or as Conservation 
    System Units (CSUs) by the federal government. Permittees should 
    contact the district offices of the federal agencies that administer 
    the designated area for additional restrictions that may apply to 
    operating within the area.
    
    [[Page 64807]]
    
        2. Many streams in Alaska where placer mining occurs have been 
    designated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) as 
    anadromous fish streams. Placer mining activities in these streams 
    require an ADF&G Fish Habitat Permit which may include additional 
    restrictions. The ``Atlas to the Catalog of Waters Important for the 
    Spawning, Rearing, or Migration of Anadromous Fish'' lists the streams 
    in the State which require prior ADF&G authorization. In addition, 
    placer mining activities in resident fish streams require an ADF&G Fish 
    Habitat Permit if the proposed activity will block or impede the 
    efficient passage of fish. Permittees operating in anadromous or 
    resident fish streams should contact the ADF&G to determine permitting 
    requirements and additional restrictions that may apply.
    
    E. Requiring an Individual Permit
    
        1. The Regional Administrator may require any person authorized by 
    this permit to apply for and obtain an individual NPDES permit when:
        a. The single discharge or the cumulative number of discharges is/
    are a significant contributor of pollution;
        b. The discharger is not in compliance with the terms and 
    conditions of the general permit;
        c. A change has occurred in the availability of demonstrated 
    technology or practices for the control or abatement of pollutants 
    applicable to the point source;
        d. Effluent limitations guidelines are subsequently promulgated for 
    the point sources covered by the general permit;
        e. A Water Quality Management plan containing requirements 
    applicable to such point sources is approved;
        f. An Individual Control Strategy (ICS) is required under Section 
    304(l) of the Act;
        g. A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and corresponding wasteload 
    allocation has been completed for a waterbody or a segment of a 
    waterbody;
        h. A review of the facility shows that it is subject to the State 
    of Alaska's anti-degradation policy; or
        i. There are other federal or State legislation, rules or 
    regulations pertaining to a site directly or indirectly related to 
    water quality.
        2. The Regional Administrator may deny coverage under this permit 
    in the following circumstances:
        a. A land management agency with jurisdiction over affected 
    portions of the receiving water, bed or affected uplands submits a 
    request that general permit coverage be denied to EPA within thirty 
    (30) days of the agency's receipt of an NOI; and,
        b. The land management agency's request includes proposed 
    additional or revised permit terms which the requesting agency 
    believes--based upon evidence attached to or cited in the request--are 
    necessary to protect the natural values of the affected location; and,
        c. The land management agency's request concerns a person who 
    either;
        i. Seeks to discharge into U.S. waters located in National 
    Recreation Areas, or in State Refuges, Preserves, Sanctuaries, 
    Recreation Areas, Parks, or Critical Habitat Areas; or,
        ii. Is in significant noncompliance with the terms and conditions 
    of the most recent applicable NPDES permit; or,
        iii. Intends to discharge into waters designated as impaired or 
    polluted under the Clean Water Act.
        Any person denied coverage under this part must apply for and 
    obtain coverage under either (1) an individual permit, or (2) another 
    applicable watershed-specific general permit. Upon receipt of any such 
    application, EPA will determine whether the permit terms requested by 
    the land management agency should be included in the applicable permit.
        3. The Regional Administrator will notify the operator in writing 
    by certified mail that a permit application is required. If an operator 
    fails to submit, in a timely manner, an individual NPDES permit 
    application as required, then any applicability of this general permit 
    to the individual NPDES Permittee is automatically terminated at the 
    end of the day specified for application submittal.
        4. Any owner or operator authorized by this permit may request to 
    be excluded from the coverage of this permit by applying for an 
    individual permit. The owner or operator shall submit an individual 
    application (Form 1 and Form 2C or 2D) with reasons supporting the 
    request to the Regional Administrator.
        5. When an individual NPDES permit is issued to an owner or 
    operator otherwise covered by this permit, the applicability of this 
    permit to the facility is automatically terminated on the effective 
    date of the individual permit.
        6. When an individual NPDES permit is denied to an owner or 
    operator otherwise covered by this permit, the Permittee is 
    automatically reinstated under this permit on the date of such denial, 
    unless otherwise specified by the Regional Administrator. A new 
    facility can receive coverage under this general permit by submitting 
    an NOI. See Permit Part I.A.3. for details.
        7. A source excluded from a general permit solely because it 
    already has an individual permit may request that the individual permit 
    be revoked and that it be covered by the general permit. Upon 
    revocation of the individual permit, the general permit shall apply to 
    the source.
    
    F. Notification Requirements
    
        1. Owners or operators of facilities authorized by this permit 
    shall submit an NOI to be covered by this permit. The information 
    required for a complete NOI is in Appendix A of this permit. 
    Notification must be made:
        a. 90 days prior to discharge from a new facility; or
        b. 90 days prior to the expiration of an existing individual 
    permit, or
        c. 90 days prior to discharge for any other facilities.
        Authorization to discharge requires written notification from EPA 
    that coverage has been granted and that a specific permit number has 
    been assigned to the operation.
        2. Facilities covered under this permit that discharge to National 
    Park System Units (i.e., Parks and Preserves), National Monuments, 
    Sanctuaries, Wildlife Refuges, Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, 
    Critical Habitat Areas, or waters within the boundaries of areas 
    designated as wild under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act that wish to 
    retain coverage under the general permit until the effective date of a 
    new permit shall submit an application for an individual permit (EPA 
    Application Form 2c) no later than January 1, 1999.
        3. An Alaska Placer Mine Application (APMA) will be accepted as an 
    NOI if all the required information is included.
        4. The NOI shall be signed by the owner or other signatory 
    authority in accordance with Permit Part VI.H. (Signatory 
    Requirements), and a copy shall be retained on site in accordance with 
    Permit Part IV.F. (Retention of Records). The address for NOI 
    submission to EPA is: United States Environmental Protection Agency, 
    Region 10, 1200 Sixth Avenue, WD-134, Seattle, Washington 98101.
        5. A copy of the NOI must also be sent to the Alaska Department of 
    Environmental Conservation (ADEC). The address is: Alaska Department of 
    Environmental Conservation, 610 University Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 
    99709.
        6. Permittees who do not use the APMA procedure for filing their 
    NOI with Alaska Department of Natural Resources shall send a copy of 
    the NOI to
        a. The Federal, State, or local agency that manages or owns the 
    land in which
    
    [[Page 64808]]
    
    the mine is located or proposed to be located the addresses are:
    
    Anchorage Area
        U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 222 West 
    7th Avenue, #13, Anchorage, AK 99513-7599
        U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E 
    Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK 99503
        U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, 605 West 4th 
    Avenue, Suite 104, Anchorage, AK 99501
    
    Fairbanks Area
        State of Alaska, Department of Fish & Game, 1300 College Road, 
    Fairbanks, AK 99701-1599
        U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 1150 
    University Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99709
        U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, 101 12th 
    Avenue, Box 19, Fairbanks, AK 99701
        U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, 250 Cushman, 
    Suite 1A, Fairbanks, AK 99701
    
    Glennallen Area
        U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. Box 
    147, Glennallen, AK 99588
        U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, Wrangell St. 
    Alias, P.O. Box 439, Copper Center, AK 99573
    Juneau Area
        U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, 3000 
    Vintage Blvd, Suite 201, Juneau, AK 99801
        U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, P.O. Box 21089, 
    Juneau, AK 99802-1089
    
    Nome Area
        U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. Box 
    925, Nome, AK 99762
        U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, P.O. Box 220, 
    Nome, AK 99762
    
    Tok Area
        U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. Box 
    309, Tok, AK 99780
    
        b. The regional office of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game 
    (ADFG) nearest the location of the dredge. The addresses are:
    
    Anchorage Area
        333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, AK 99518
    
    Glennallen Area
        P.O. Box 47, Glennallen, AK 99588-0047
    
    Juneau Area
        P.O. Box 25526, Juneau, AK 99802-5526
    
    Nome Area
        Pouch 1148, Nome, AK 99762
    
    Tok Area
        P.O. Box 779, Tok, AK 99780
    
        7. A copy of the general permit will be sent to the Permittee when 
    it is determined that the facility can be granted coverage under this 
    general permit. If it is determined that coverage cannot be granted 
    under this permit, the applicant will be informed of this in writing.
    
    G. Permit Expiration
    
        1. This permit will expire on June 30, 1999. Except as provided in 
    paragraph F.2., for facilities submitting a new NOI 90 days prior to 
    expiration of this general permit, the conditions of the expired permit 
    continue in force until the effective date of a new permit.
        2. When a permittee has made timely and sufficient application for 
    a permit with reference to an activity of a continuing nature does not 
    expire until the application has been finally determined by EPA.
    
    II. Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements
    
    A. Effluent Limitations
    
        1. At all points in the receiving stream 500 feet downstream of the 
    dredge's discharge point, the maximum allowable increase in turbidity 
    over the natural receiving stream turbidity while operating is 5 NTUs.
        2. A visual increase in turbidity (any cloudiness or muddiness) 500 
    feet downstream of the suction dredge during operations is considered a 
    violation of this permit.
        3. If noticeable turbidity does occur 500 feet downstream of the 
    work site, operation of the suction dredge must decrease or cease so 
    that a violation as defined above does not exist.
    
    B. Monitoring Requirements
    
        1. Suction dredge operations shall visually monitor for turbidity 
    as described in Permit Part II.A. once per day of operation, in the 
    following manner: Operators shall mark the point 500 feet downstream of 
    the point of discharge from the suction dredge. With this 500 foot 
    point marked, individuals who conduct visual monitoring shall observe 
    the turbidity plume, where visible, immediately downstream until they 
    reach either the point at which the turbidity plume is no longer 
    visible, or the 500 foot mark, which ever point comes first. Monitors 
    shall record daily all turbidity monitoring results. The Permittee 
    shall maintain records of all information resulting from any visual 
    inspections.
        2. The Permittee will report the period of suction dredging on the 
    DMR. Visual violation occurrences will also be reported on the DMR 
    along with the measures taken to comply with the provisions of Permit 
    Part II.A.3.
    
    III. Management Practices
    
        A. Dredging is permitted only within the active stream channel. 
    Dredging within the active stream channel which results in undercutting 
    or excavating, or which otherwise results in erosion of a stream bank, 
    is prohibited.
        B. Dredging and discharging are prohibited within 500 feet of 
    locations where fish are spawning or where fish eggs or alevins are 
    known to exist at the time dredging occurs. Each Permittee shall 
    consult the regional office of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game 
    (ADFG) for the region in which the Permittee proposes to operate a 
    dredge in order to obtain the information necessary to comply with this 
    BMP. Each Permittee shall report the information obtained from ADFG, 
    and the name and title of the official contacted, to EPA concurrently 
    with the NOI.
        C. Winches or other motorized equipment shall not be used to move 
    boulders, logs, or other natural instream obstructions.
        D. No wheeled or tracked equipment may be used instream.
        E. Suction dredges shall not operate within 800 feet of:
        1. Another dredging operation occurring simultaneously or,
        2. A location where it is apparent that another operation has taken 
    place.
        F. Dredging of concentrated silt and clay is prohibited.
        G. Care shall be taken by the operator during refueling of the 
    dredge to prevent spillage into public waters or to groundwater.
    
    IV. Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
    
    A. Representative Sampling
        All samples for monitoring purposes shall be representative of the 
    monitored activity, 40 CFR 122.41 (j).
    B. Reporting of Monitoring Results
        Monitoring results shall be summarized each month and reported on 
    EPA Form 3320-1 (DMR, OMB #2040-0004, expiration date 5/31/98). The DMR 
    shall be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, 
    1200 Sixth Avenue, Enforcement Section WD-135, Seattle, Washington 
    98101-3188, no later than November 30 each year. If there is no mining 
    activity during the year or no wastewater discharge to a receiving 
    stream, the Permittee shall notify EPA of
    
    [[Page 64809]]
    
    these facts no later than November 30 of each year.
        The DMR shall also be sent to the ADEC office located in Fairbanks. 
    The address can be found in permit part I.E.4.
    C. Monitoring Procedures
        Monitoring must be conducted according to test procedures approved 
    under 40 CFR Part 136, unless other test procedures have been specified 
    in this permit.
    D. Additional Monitoring by the Permittee
        If the Permittee monitors any pollutant more frequently than 
    required by this permit, using test procedures approved under 40 CFR 
    136 or as specified in this permit, the results of this monitoring 
    shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the data 
    submitted in the DMR. Such increased frequency shall also be indicated.
    E. Records Contents
        Records of monitoring information shall include:
        1. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements;
        2. The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements;
        3. The date(s) analyses were performed;
        4. The individual(s) who performed the analyses;
        5. The analytical techniques or methods used; and
        6. The results of such analyses.
    F. Retention of Records
        The Permittee shall retain records of all monitoring information, 
    including all calibration and maintenance records and all original 
    strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, 
    copies of all reports required by this permit, and records of all data 
    used to complete the application for this permit, for a period of at 
    least three years from the date of the sample, measurement, report or 
    application. This period may be extended by request of the Director or 
    ADEC at any time. Data collected on-site, copies of DMRs, and a copy of 
    this NPDES permit must be maintained on-site during the duration of 
    activity at the permitted location.
    G. Notice of Noncompliance Reporting
        1. Any noncompliance which may endanger health or the environment 
    shall be reported as soon as the Permittee becomes aware of the 
    circumstance. A written submission shall also be provided in the 
    shortest reasonable period of time after the Permittee becomes aware of 
    the occurrence.
        2. The following occurrences of noncompliance shall also be 
    reported in writing in the shortest reasonable period of time after the 
    Permittee becomes aware of the circumstances:
        a. Any unanticipated bypass which exceeds any effluent limitation 
    in the permit (See Permit Part V.G., Bypass of Treatment Facilities.); 
    or
        b. Any upset which exceeds any effluent limitation in the permit 
    (See Permit Part V.H., Upset Conditions.).
        c. Any violation of a maximum daily discharge limitation for any of 
    the pollutants listed by the Director in the Permit to be reported 
    within 24 hours.
        3. The written submission shall contain:
        a. A description of the noncompliance and its cause;
        b. The period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times;
        c. The estimated time noncompliance is expected to continue if it 
    has not been corrected;
        d. Steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent 
    reoccurrence of the noncompliance;
        4. The Director may waive the written report on a case-by-case 
    basis if an oral report has been received within 24 hours by the 
    Enforcement Section in Seattle, Washington, by phone, (206) 553-1213.
        5. Reports shall be submitted to the addresses in Permit Part 
    IV.B., Reporting of Monitoring Results.
    H. Other Noncompliance Reporting
        Instances of noncompliance not required to be reported in Permit 
    Part IV.G. above shall be reported at the time that monitoring reports 
    for Permit Part IV.B. are submitted. The reports shall contain the 
    information listed in Permit Part IV.G.3.
    
    V. Compliance Responsibilities
    
    A. Duty to Comply
        The Permittee must comply with all conditions of this permit. Any 
    permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the Act and is grounds 
    for enforcement action; for permit termination, revocation and 
    reissuance, or modification; or for denial of a permit renewal 
    application. The Permittee shall give advance notice to the Director 
    and ADEC of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity 
    which may result in noncompliance with permit requirements.
    B. Penalties for Violations of Permit Conditions
        1. Administrative Penalty. The Act provides that any person who 
    violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 
    308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be subject to an administrative 
    penalty, not to exceed $10,000 per day for each violation.
        2. Civil Penalty. The Act provides that any person who violates a 
    permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318, or 
    405 of the Act shall be subject to a civil penalty, not to exceed 
    $25,000 per day for each violation.
        3. Criminal Penalties:
        a. Negligent Violations. The Act provides that any person who 
    negligently violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be punished by a fine of 
    not less than $2,500 nor more than $25,000 per day of violation, or by 
    imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or by both.
        b. Knowing Violations. The Act provides that any person who 
    knowingly violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be punished by a fine of 
    not less than $5,000 nor more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by 
    imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or by both.
        c. Knowing Endangerment. The Act provides that any person who 
    knowingly violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act, and who knows at that time that 
    he thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or serious 
    bodily injury, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more 
    than $250,000 or imprisonment of not more than 15 years, or both. A 
    person which is an organization shall, upon conviction of violating 
    this subparagraph, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000,000.
        d. False Statements. The Act provides that any person who knowingly 
    makes any false material statement, representation, or certification in 
    any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or 
    required to be maintained under this Act or who knowingly falsifies, 
    tampers with, or renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method 
    required to be maintained under this Act, shall upon conviction, be 
    punished by a fine of not more that $10,000, or by imprisonment for not 
    more than 2 years, or by both.
        Except as provided in permit conditions in Permit Part V.G., Bypass 
    of Treatment Facilities and Permit Part V.H., Upset Conditions, nothing 
    in this permit shall be construed to relieve the Permittee of the civil 
    or criminal penalties for noncompliance.
    
    [[Page 64810]]
    
    C. Need to Halt or Reduce Activity Not a Defense
        It shall not be a defense for a Permittee in an enforcement action 
    that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted 
    activity in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of this 
    permit.
    D. Duty to Mitigate
        The Permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or 
    prevent any discharge in violation of this permit which has a 
    reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the 
    environment.
    E. Proper Operation and Maintenance
        The Permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all 
    facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related 
    appurtenances) which are installed or used by the Permittee to achieve 
    compliance with the conditions of this permit. Proper operation and 
    maintenance also includes adequate laboratory controls and appropriate 
    quality assurance procedures. This provision requires the operation of 
    back-up or auxiliary facilities or similar systems which are installed 
    by a Permittee only when the operation is necessary to achieve 
    compliance with the conditions of the permit.
    F. Removed Substances
        Solids, sludges, or other pollutants removed in the course of 
    treatment or control of wastewater's shall be disposed of in a manner 
    so as to prevent any pollutant from such materials from entering waters 
    of the United States.
    G. Bypass of Treatment Facilities
        1. Bypass not exceeding limitations. The Permittee may allow any 
    bypass to occur which does not cause effluent limitations to be 
    exceeded, but only if it also is for essential maintenance to assure 
    efficient operation. These bypasses are not subject to the provisions 
    of paragraphs 2 and 3 of this section.
        2. Notice:
        a. Anticipated bypass. If the Permittee knows in advance of the 
    need for a bypass, it shall submit prior notice, if possible at least 
    10 days before the date of the bypass.
        b. Unanticipated bypass. The Permittee shall submit notice of an 
    unanticipated bypass as required under Permit Part IV.G., Notice of 
    Noncompliance Reporting.
        3. Prohibition of bypass.
        a. Bypass is prohibited and the Director or ADEC may take 
    enforcement action against a Permittee for a bypass, unless:
        i. The bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal 
    injury, or severe property damage;
        ii. There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the 
    use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of untreated wastes, 
    or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime. This 
    condition is not satisfied if adequate back-up equipment should have 
    been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to 
    prevent a bypass which occurred during normal periods of equipment 
    downtime or preventive maintenance; and
        iii. The Permittee submitted notices as required under paragraph 2 
    of this section.
        b. The Director and ADEC may approve an anticipated bypass, after 
    considering its adverse effects, if the Director and ADEC determine 
    that it will meet the three conditions listed above in paragraph 3.a. 
    of this section.
    H. Upset Conditions
        1. Effect of an upset. An upset constitutes an affirmative defense 
    to an action brought for noncompliance with such technology based 
    permit effluent limitations if the requirements of paragraph 2 of this 
    section are met. An administrative review of a claim that noncompliance 
    was caused by an upset does not represent final administrative action 
    for any specific event. A determination is not final until formal 
    administrative action is taken for the specific violation(s).
        2. Conditions necessary for a demonstration of upset. A Permittee 
    who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of upset shall 
    demonstrate, through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs, 
    or other relevant evidence that:
        a. An upset occurred and that the Permittee can identify the 
    cause(s) of the upset;
        b. The permitted facility was at the time being properly operated;
        c. The Permittee submitted notice of the upset as required under 
    Permit Part IV.G., Notice of Noncompliance Reporting; and
        d. The Permittee complied with any remedial measures required under 
    Permit Part V.D., Duty to Mitigate.
        3. Burden of proof. In any enforcement proceeding, the Permittee 
    seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset has the burden of 
    proof.
    I. Toxic Pollutants
        The Permittee shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions 
    established under Section 307(a) of the Act for toxic pollutants within 
    the time provided in the regulations that establish those standards or 
    prohibitions, even if the permit has not yet been modified to 
    incorporate the requirement.
    
    VI. General Requirements
    
    A. Changes in Discharge of Toxic Substances
        Notification shall be provided to the Director and ADEC as soon as 
    the Permittee knows of, or has reason to believe:
        1. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result 
    in the discharge, on a routine or frequent basis, of any toxic 
    pollutant which is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will 
    exceed the highest of the following ``notification levels'':
        a. One hundred micrograms per liter (100 g/l);
        b. Two hundred micrograms per liter (200 g/l) for acrolein 
    and acrylonitrile; five hundred micrograms per liter (500 g/l) 
    for 2,4-dinitrophenol and for 2-methyl-4, 6-dinitrophenol; and one 
    milligram per liter (1 mg/l) for antimony;
        c. Five (5) times the maximum concentration value reported for that 
    pollutant in the permit application in accordance with 40 CFR 
    122.21(g)(7); or
        d. The level established by the Director in accordance with 40 CFR 
    122.44(f).
        2. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result 
    in any discharge, on a non-routine or infrequent basis, of a toxic 
    pollutant which is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will 
    exceed the highest of the following ``notification levels'':
        a. Five hundred micrograms per liter (500 g/l);
        b. One milligram per liter (1 mg/l) for antimony;
        c. Ten (10) times the maximum concentration value reported for that 
    pollutant in the permit application in accordance with 40 CFR 
    122.21(g)(7); or
        d. The level established by the Director in accordance with 40 CFR 
    122.44(f).
    B. Planned Changes
        The Permittee shall give notice to the Director and ADEC as soon as 
    possible of any planned physical alterations or additions to the 
    permitted facility. Notice is required only when:
        1. The alteration or addition to a permitted facility may meet one 
    of the criteria for determining whether a facility is a new source as 
    determined in 40 CFR 122.29(b); or
    
    [[Page 64811]]
    
        2. The alteration or addition could significantly change the nature 
    or increase the quantity of pollutants discharged. This notification 
    applies to pollutants which are subject neither to effluent limitations 
    in the permit, nor to notification requirements under Permit Part 
    VI.A.1.
        3. The alteration or addition will significantly change the 
    location, nature or volume of discharge or the quantity of pollutants, 
    subject to the effluent limitations, discharged.
    C. Anticipated Noncompliance
        The Permittee shall also give advance notice to the Director and 
    ADEC of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity which 
    may result in noncompliance with permit requirements.
    D. Permit Actions
        This permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated 
    for cause. The filing of a request by the Permittee for a permit 
    modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, or a 
    notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance, does not 
    stay any permit condition.
    E. Duty to Reapply
        If the Permittee wishes to continue an activity regulated by this 
    permit after the expiration date of this permit, the Permittee must 
    apply for and obtain a new permit. The NOI should be submitted at least 
    90 days before the expiration date of this permit.
    F. Duty to Provide Information
        The Permittee shall furnish to the Director and ADEC, within a 
    reasonable time, any information which the Director or ADEC may request 
    to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and 
    reissuing, or terminating this permit, or to determine compliance with 
    this permit. The Permittee shall also furnish to the Director or ADEC, 
    upon request, copies of records required to be kept by this permit.
    G. Other Information
        When the Permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any 
    relevant facts in a permit application, or submitted incorrect 
    information in a permit application or any report to the Director or 
    ADEC, it shall promptly submit such facts or information.
    H. Signatory Requirements
        All applications, reports or information submitted to the Director 
    and ADEC shall be signed and certified.
        1. All permit applications shall be signed as follows:
        a. For a corporation: by a responsible corporate officer.
        b. For a partnership or sole proprietorship: by a general partner 
    or the proprietor, respectively.
        c. For a municipality, state, federal, or other public agency: by 
    either a principal executive officer or ranking elected official.
        2. All reports required by the permit and other information 
    requested by the Director or ADEC shall be signed by a person described 
    above or by a duly authorized representative of that person. A person 
    is a duly authorized representative only if:
        a. The authorization is made in writing by a person described above 
    and submitted to the Director and ADEC, and
        b. The authorization specified either an individual or a position 
    having responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated 
    facility or activity, such as the position of plant manager, operator 
    of a well or a well field, superintendent, position of equivalent 
    responsibility, or an individual or position having overall 
    responsibility for environmental matters for the company. (A duly 
    authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or any 
    individual occupying a named position.)
        3. Changes to authorization. If an authorization under paragraph 
    IV.H.2. is no longer accurate because a different individual or 
    position has responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, 
    a new authorization satisfying the requirements of paragraph VI.H.2. 
    must be submitted to the Director and ADEC prior to or together with 
    any reports, information, or applications to be signed by an authorized 
    representative.
        4. Certification. Any person signing a document under this section 
    shall make the following certification:
        ``I certify under penalty of law that this document and all 
    attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 
    accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel 
    properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my 
    inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those 
    persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the 
    information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, 
    accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties 
    for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and 
    imprisonment for knowing violations.''
    I. Availability of Reports
        Except for data determined to be confidential under 40 CFR Part 2, 
    all reports prepared in accordance with the terms of this permit shall 
    be available for public inspection at the offices of the Director and 
    ADEC. As required by the Act, permit applications, permits and effluent 
    data shall not be considered confidential.
    J. Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability
        Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the 
    institution of any legal action or relieve the Permittee from any 
    responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the Permittee is 
    or may be subject under Section 311 of the Act.
    K. Property Rights
        The issuance of this permit does not convey any property rights of 
    any sort, or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury 
    to private property or any invasion of personal rights, nor any 
    infringement of federal, state or local laws or regulations.
    L. Severability
        The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision 
    of this permit, or the application of any provision of this permit to 
    any circumstance, is held invalid, the application of such provision to 
    other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit, shall not be 
    affected thereby.
    M. State Laws
        Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the 
    institution of any legal action or relieve the Permittee from any 
    responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant to any 
    applicable state law or regulation under authority preserved by Section 
    510 of the Act.
    N. Paperwork Reduction Act
        EPA has reviewed the requirements imposed on regulated facilities 
    in this final general permit under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 
    44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The information collection requirements of this 
    permit have already been approved by the Office of Management and 
    Budget in submission made for the NPDES permit program under the 
    provisions of the CWA.
    O. Inspection and Entry
        The Permittee shall allow the Director, ADEC, or an authorized 
    representative (including an authorized contractor acting as a 
    representative of the Administrator), upon the presentation of 
    credentials and other documents as may be required by law, to:
    
    [[Page 64812]]
    
        1. Enter upon the Permittee's premises where a regulated facility 
    or activity is located or conducted, or where records must be kept 
    under the conditions of this permit;
        2. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that 
    must be kept under the conditions of this permit;
        3. Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including 
    monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated 
    or required under this permit; and
        4. Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purpose of 
    assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the Act, any 
    substances or parameters at any location.
    P. Transfers
        This permit may be automatically transferred to a new permittee if:
        1. The current permittee notifies the Director at least 30 days in 
    advance of the proposed transfer date;
        2. The notice includes a written agreement between the existing and 
    new permittees containing a specific date for transfer of permit 
    responsibility, coverage, and liability between them; and
        3. The Director does not notify the existing permittee and the 
    proposed new permittee of his or her intent to modify, or revoke and 
    reissue the permit. If this notice is not received, the transfer is 
    effective on the date specified in the agreement mentioned in paragraph 
    2 above.
    
    VII. Definitions
    
        A. ``Active Stream Channel'' means that part of the channel that is 
    below the level of the water. Unvegetated gravel bars are considered 
    part of the active stream channel.
        B. ``Bypass'' means the intentional diversion of waste streams 
    around any portion of a treatment facility.
        C. ``Expanding Facility'' means any facility increasing in size 
    such as to affect the discharge but operating within the permit area 
    covered by its general permit.
        D. A ``Grab'' sample is a single sample or measurement taken at a 
    specific time.
        E. ``Mining Season'' means the time between the start of mining in 
    a calendar year and when mining has ceased for that same calendar 
    year.''
        F. ``New Facility'' means a facility that has not operated in the 
    area specified in the NOI prior to the submission of the NOI.
        G. ``Receiving Water'' means waters such as lakes, rivers, streams, 
    creeks, or any other surface waters which receive wastewater 
    discharges.
        H. ``Severe property damage'' means substantial physical damage to 
    property, damage to the treatment facilities which causes them to 
    become inoperable, or substantial and permanent loss of natural 
    resources which can reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a 
    bypass. Severe property damage does not mean economic loss caused by 
    delays in production.
        I. ``Silt and Clay'' are soil particles having a diameter of less 
    than 0.002 mm (2 microns).
        J. ``Upset'' means an exceptional incident in which there is 
    unintentional and temporary noncompliance with technology-based permit 
    effluent limitations because of factors beyond the reasonable control 
    of the Permittee. An upset does not include noncompliance to the extent 
    caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, 
    inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or 
    careless or improper operation.
    
    Authorization to Discharge Under the National Pollutant Discharge 
    Elimination System for Alaskan Small Suction Dredge Placer Miners
    
    [General Permit No.: AKG-37-5000]
        In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 
    U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq., as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, 
    Public Law 100-4, the ``Act'', owners and operators of facilities 
    engaged in the processing of placer gold are authorized to discharge to 
    waters of the United States, in accordance with effluent limitation, 
    monitoring requirements, and other conditions set forth herein.
        A COPY OF THIS GENERAL PERMIT MUST BE KEPT AT THE SITE WHERE 
    DISCHARGES OCCUR.
        This permit as shall become effective on April 7, 1997.
        This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire on 
    April 9, 2002.
    
        Signed this 18th day of November, 1996.
    Philip G. Millam,
    Director, Office of Water, Region 10, U.S. Environmental Protection 
    Agency.
    
    I. Coverage Under This Permit
    
    A. Coverage and Eligibility
    
        Upon the submittal of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to Alaska Department 
    of Fish and Game to gain coverage under this permit, facilities which 
    meet the criteria for coverage under Part I of this permit will be 
    granted coverage.
    
    B. Authorized Placer Mining Operations
    
        This permit authorizes placer mining by suction dredges with intake 
    nozzles less than or equal to 4 inches. Hose size shall not be greater 
    than 2 inches larger than the nozzle size. If a constrictor ring is 
    used, nozzle size may be determined based on the size of the 
    constrictor ring, provided that the ring is of solid, one-piece 
    construction with no openings other than the intake and openings not 
    greater than one inch between the constricting ring and nozzle, and 
    that the ring is welded or otherwise permanently attached over the end 
    of the intake nozzle.
    
    C. Additional Requirements
    
        Many streams and stream reaches in Alaska have been designated as 
    part of the federal wild and scenic rivers system or as Conservation 
    System Units (CSUs) by the federal government. Permittees should 
    contact the district offices of the federal agencies that administer 
    the designated area for additional restrictions that may apply to 
    operating within the area.
    
    D. Prohibitions
    
        1. This general permit does not apply to facilities located or 
    proposed to be located in National Parks System Units (i.e., Parks and 
    Preserves), National Monuments, Sanctuaries, Wildlife Refuges, 
    Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, Critical Habitat Areas, or waters 
    within the boundaries of areas designated as wild under the Wild & 
    Scenic Rivers Act.
        2. This permit does not apply to wetlands designated in the 1995 
    Anchorage Wetlands Management Plan.
    
    E. Permit Expiration
    
        This permit will expire on April 9, 2002. For facilities submitting 
    a new NOI 90 days prior to expiration of this general permit, the 
    conditions of the expired permit continue in force until the effective 
    date of a new permit.
    
    II. Management Practices
    
        A. Streambanks shall not be mined or otherwise disturbed. Dredging 
    is permitted within only the existing wetted perimeter (waterline) in 
    the active stream channel. This provision does not apply to suction 
    dredges operating within mine cuts located above the ordinary high 
    water line or disconnected ponds and meander cutoffs.
        B. Dredging and discharging are prohibited in locations where fish 
    are spawning or where fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the 
    time dredging occurs. Each Permittee shall consult the regional office 
    of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADFG) for the region in which 
    the Permittee proposes to operate a dredge in order to obtain the
    
    [[Page 64813]]
    
    information necessary to comply with this BMP.
        C. Winches or other motorized equipment shall not be used to move 
    boulders, logs, or other natural instream obstructions.
        D. No wheeled or tracked equipment may be used instream.
        E. No damming or diversions are authorized.
        F. Dredging of concentrated silt and clay should be avoided. The 
    permittee shall use reasonable care to avoid dredging silt and clay 
    materials that would result in a significant increase in turbidity. 
    Reasonable care includes moving the dredge to a new location, or 
    reducing the volume of effluent discharged by limiting the operating 
    speed of the suction dredge.
    
    III. Compliance Responsibilities
    
    A. Duty to Comply
        The Permittee must comply with all conditions of this permit. Any 
    permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the Act and is grounds 
    for enforcement action; for permit termination, revocation and 
    reissuance, or modification; or for denial of a permit renewal 
    application. The Permittee shall give advance notice to the Director 
    and ADEC of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity 
    which may result in noncompliance with permit requirements.
    B. Penalties for Violations of Permit Conditions
        1. Administrative Penalty. The Act provides that any person who 
    violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 
    308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be subject to an administrative 
    penalty, not to exceed $10,000 per day for each violation.
        2. Civil Penalty. The Act provides that any person who violates a 
    permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318, or 
    405 of the Act shall be subject to a civil penalty, not to exceed 
    $25,000 per day for each violation.
        3. Criminal Penalties:
        a. Negligent Violations. The Act provides that any person who 
    negligently violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be punished by a fine of 
    not less than $2,500 nor more than $25,000 per day of violation, or by 
    imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or by both.
        b. Knowing Violations. The Act provides that any person who 
    knowingly violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act shall be punished by a fine of 
    not less than $5,000 nor more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by 
    imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or by both.
        c. Knowing Endangerment. The Act provides that any person who 
    knowingly violates a permit condition implementing Sections 301, 302, 
    306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act, and who knows at that time that 
    he thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or serious 
    bodily injury, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more 
    than $250,000 or imprisonment of not more than 15 years, or both. A 
    person which is an organization shall, upon conviction of violating 
    this subparagraph, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000,000.
        d. False Statements. The Act provides that any person who knowingly 
    makes any false material statement, representation, or certification in 
    any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or 
    required to be maintained under this Act or who knowingly falsifies, 
    tampers with, or renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method 
    required to be maintained under this Act, shall upon conviction, be 
    punished by a fine of not more that $10,000, or by imprisonment for not 
    more than 2 years, or by both.
    C. Need to Halt or Reduce Activity not a Defense
        It shall not be a defense for a Permittee in an enforcement action 
    that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted 
    activity in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of this 
    permit.
    D. Duty to Mitigate
        The Permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or 
    prevent any discharge in violation of this permit which has a 
    reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the 
    environment.
    
    IV. General Requirements
    
    A. Anticipated Noncompliance
        The Permittee shall also give advance notice to the Director and 
    ADEC of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity which 
    may result in noncompliance with permit requirements.
    B. Permit Actions
        This permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated 
    for cause. The filing of a request by the Permittee for a permit 
    modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, or a 
    notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance, does not 
    stay any permit condition.
    C. Duty to Reapply
        If the Permittee wishes to continue an activity regulated by this 
    permit after the expiration date of this permit, the Permittee must 
    apply for and obtain a new permit. The NOI should be submitted at least 
    90 days before the expiration date of this permit.
    D. Duty to Provide Information
        The Permittee shall furnish to the Director and ADEC, within a 
    reasonable time, any information which the Director or ADEC may request 
    to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and 
    reissuing, or terminating this permit, or to determine compliance with 
    this permit.
    E. Other Information
        When the Permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any 
    relevant facts in a permit application, or submitted incorrect 
    information in a permit application or any report to the Director or 
    ADEC, it shall promptly submit such facts or information.
    F. Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability
        Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the 
    institution of any legal action or relieve the Permittee from any 
    responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the Permittee is 
    or may be subject under Section 311 of the Act.
    G. Property Rights
        The issuance of this permit does not convey any property rights of 
    any sort, or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury 
    to private property or any invasion of personal rights, nor any 
    infringement of federal, state or local laws or regulations.
    H. Severability
        The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision 
    of this permit, or the application of any provision of this permit to 
    any circumstance, is held invalid, the application of such provision to 
    other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit, shall not be 
    affected thereby.
    I. State Laws
        Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the 
    institution of any legal action or relieve the Permittee from any 
    responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant to any 
    applicable state law or regulation under authority preserved by Section 
    510 of the Act.
    
    [[Page 64814]]
    
    J. Paperwork Reduction Act
        EPA has reviewed the requirements imposed on regulated facilities 
    in this final general permit under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 
    44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The information collection requirements of this 
    permit have already been approved by the Office of Management and 
    Budget in submission made for the NPDES permit program under the 
    provisions of the CWA.
    K. Inspection and Entry
        The Permittee shall allow the Director, ADEC, or an authorized 
    representative (including an authorized contractor acting as a 
    representative of the Administrator), upon the presentation of 
    credentials and other documents as may be required by law, to:
        1. Enter upon the Permittee's premises where a regulated facility 
    or activity is located or conducted, or where records must be kept 
    under the conditions of this permit;
        2. Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including 
    monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated 
    or required under this permit; and
        3. Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purpose of 
    assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the Act, any 
    substances or parameters at any location.
    L. Transfers
        This permit may be automatically transferred to a new permittee if:
        1. The current permittee notifies the Director at least 30 days in 
    advance of the proposed transfer date;
        2. The notice includes a written agreement between the existing and 
    new permittees containing a specific date for transfer of permit 
    responsibility, coverage, and liability between them; and
        3. The Director does not notify the existing permittee and the 
    proposed new permittee of his or her intent to modify, or revoke and 
    reissue the permit. If this notice is not received, the transfer is 
    effective on the date specified in the agreement mentioned in paragraph 
    2 above.
    
    V. Definitions
    
        A. ``Active Stream Channel'' means that part of the channel that is 
    below the level of the water. Unvegetated gravel bars are considered 
    part of the active stream channel.
        B. ``Silt and Clay'' are soil particles having a diameter of less 
    than 0.002 mm (2 microns).
    [FR Doc. 96-30748 Filed 12-5-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
4/7/1997
Published:
12/06/1996
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice of final general NPDES permit modification.
Document Number:
96-30748
Dates:
These general NPDES permits shall become effective April 7, 1997.
Pages:
64796-64814 (19 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FRL-5655-3
PDF File:
96-30748.pdf