ANTIDEGRADATION and THE BENEFITS OF PUMP LOGS FOR BATCH DISCHARGES Given by: Dan Murray, Terrell Hendren and Josh Frazier

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED What are pump logs. How do they work. How do they apply to the mining industry. Why do they apply to the mining industry. What is antidegradation.

ANTIDEGRADATION ANTIDEGRADATION STATEMENT (1) General (a) It is the purpose of Tennessee’s standards to fully protect existing uses of all surface waters as established under the Act. Existing uses are those actually attained in the waterbody on or after November 28, Additionally, the Tennessee Water Quality Standards shall not be construed as permitting the degradation (see definition) of high quality surface waters. Where the quality of Tennessee waters is better than the level necessary to support propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, or recreation in and on the water, that quality will be maintained and protected unless the Department finds, after intergovernmental coordination and public participation, that lowering water quality is necessary to accommodate important economic or social development in the area in which the waters are located. Sources exempted from permit requirements under the Water Quality Control Act should utilize all cost-effective and reasonable best management practices. Where new or increased temperature alterations are proposed, a successful demonstration as determined by the Department under Section 316(a) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §1326, shall be considered to be in compliance with this rule.

HOW DO PUMP LOGS APPLY TO THE MINING INDUSTRY?

WHAT ARE PUMP LOGS? They are a tool to calculate sediment load from a permitted site. They are utilized in conjunction with batch or pump discharge activities.

HOW DO PUMP LOGS WORK? They work by simply reporting TSS (mg/L), discharge in either CFS or GPM, and the duration of the pumping activity.

EXAMPLE

WHY DO PUMP LOGS APPLY TO THE MINING INDUSTRY? They are actually required in your permit. This spreadsheet just centralizes all required reporting information and provides sediment input knowledge.

BATCH OR PUMP DISCHARGES AS DEFINED IN A NPDES PERMIT. To determine the quality of the wastewater prior to the batch or pump discharge, one (1) sample shall be collected within the treatment structure. The results of this sample shall be recorded in a log to be maintained by the operator on the site or at a nearby office. Turbidity and/or visual inspections shall also be conducted on a daily basis and the results recorded in the log. The in- pond sampling and testing are to be used for internal quality control. Pump or batch discharge of water from treatment structures is a prohibited bypass if the sampling procedures as stated herein and the following monitoring schedule are not followed: A minimum of one (1) sample from the discharge shall be collected. The sample shall be collected within one (1) hour prior to cessation of the discharge. Duration of the discharge shall be noted on the Discharge Monitoring Report. Each batch or pump discharge lasting more than seventy-two (72) hours shall be sampled once daily for each additional discharge beyond the seventy-two (72) hours. A batch discharge log shall be kept for each discharge that occurs. The log should contain the following information; date, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) concentration, flow, and duration. The batch discharge log is to be submitted annually to the Division.

AND TO AVOID THIS…

QUESTIONS?