ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM PERMIT FOR DISCHARGE INTO WATERS
OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS
The following applicants have applied for an NPDES permit to discharge treated wastewater into waters of the State of Alabama:
MINERAL EXTRACTION FACILITIES
PUBLIC NOTICE – 210
Walker County
Quality Coal Co., Inc. - Sparks Branch Mine, Post Office Box 1565, Jasper, Alabama 35502, NPDES Permit No. AL0078972, located on Hillard Loop, Townley, Walker County, Alabama, for modification of a permit that limits discharges of treated drainage from a wet and dry preparation coal and fire clay mining operation and associated areas, discharging to Lost Creek, an unnamed tributary to Lost Creek, Sparks Branch, an unnamed tributary to Sparks Branch, Rocky Branch, an unnamed tributary to Rocky Branch, an unnamed tributary to Cane Creek, and Queen Branch, all classified as Fish and Wildlife, in the Black Warrior River Basin.
The Department has tentatively determined that the proposed actions described in this notice are consistent with the Water Quality Rules and Regulations; and are consistent with the Department’s Anti-Degradation Rules; and for those in the coastal area, are consistent with the Alabama Coastal Management Program.
Copies of the draft permits, conditions, limitations, and a fact sheet as applicable describing the methodology for setting the limitations and conditions and other applicable NPDES forms and related documents are available for public inspection electronically via http://www.adem.alabama.gov/newsEvents/PublicNotices.cnt, and at the following location Monday – Friday (except legal holidays), 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. A nominal fee for copying and/or mailing may be charged. Arrangements for copying should be made in advance.
Russell A. Kelly, Chief
Permits and Services Division
ADEM
1400 Coliseum Blvd.
[Mailing address: PO Box 301463; Zip 36130-1463]
Montgomery, Alabama 36110-2400
(334) 271-7714
Persons wishing to comment may do so, in writing, to the Department's named contact above within 30 days following the publication date of this notice. COMMENTERS SHOULD IDENTIFY THE APPROPRIATE NPDES NUMBER ON THE FIRST PAGE OF THEIR COMMENTS. In order to affect final decisions, comments must offer technically substantial information that is applicable to the proposed permit.
A written request for a public hearing may also be filed within that 30-day period and must state the nature of the issues proposed to be raised in the hearing. The Director shall hold a public hearing whenever it is found, on the basis of hearing requests, that there exists a significant degree of public interest in the permit application or draft permit. The Director may also hold a hearing if he determines that it would clarify one or more issues involved in the permit decision.
After consideration of all written comments, review of any public hearing record, and consideration of the requirements of the Alabama Water Pollution Control Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and applicable regulations, the Department will make a final determination. The Department will develop a response to comments, which will become part of the public record and will be available to persons upon request. Notice will be sent to any person requesting notice of the final action.
The Department maintains a list of interested individuals who are mailed legal notices regarding proposed permits. If you wish to receive such notices, contact the Permits & Services Division via telephone at (334-271-7714), e-mail (permitsmail@adem.alabama.gov), or postal service (P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, AL 36130-1463).
This notice is hereby given this 31st day of May, 2019, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
_____________________
Lance R. LeFleur
Director
Discrimination Statement: The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in the administration of its programs.