FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

4/29/2005 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 3 

GENERAL INFORMATION....................................................................................................................... 3 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION.............................................................................................................. 4 

DESCRIPTION OF THE FACILITY.............................................................................................. 4 

Discharge Outfalls .............................................................................................................. 4

PERMIT STATUS........................................................................................................................... 4 

SUMMARY OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE PREVIOUS PERMIT............................................ 5 

WASTEWATER CHARACTERIZATION....................................................................................................... 5 

PROPOSED PERMIT LIMITATIONS........................................................................................................ 7 

TECHNOLOGY-BASED EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS ................................................................ 7 

SURFACE WATER QUALITY-BASED EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS........................................ 8 

Narrative Criteria ................................................................................................................ 8 

Antidegradation .................................................................................................................. 9 

Description of the Receiving Water.................................................................................... 9 

Surface Water Quality Criteria ........................................................................................... 9 

Human Health ..................................................................................................................... 9 

GROUND WATER QUALITY LIMITATIONS............................................................................ 9 

COMPARISON OF EFFLUENT LIMITS WITH THE EXISTING PERMIT ISSUED 

JUNE 9, 2000.................................................................................................................... 10 

MONITORING requirements..................................................................................................................... 10 

LAB ACCREDITATION .............................................................................................................. 10 

OTHER PERMIT CONDITIONS .............................................................................................................. 10 

REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING ..................................................................................... 10 

SPILL PLAN ................................................................................................................................. 10 

GENERAL CONDITIONS............................................................................................................ 10 

PERMIT ISSUANCE PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................... 10 

PERMIT MODIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................ 10 

RECOMMENDATION FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE .................................................................... 11 

REFERENCES FOR TEXT AND APPENDICES..................................................................................... 12 

APPENDIX A--PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT INFORMATION ................................................................. 13 

APPENDIX B--GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................... 14 

Page 2 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

INTRODUCTION 

The Federal Clean Water Act (FCWA, 1972, and later modifications, 1977, 1981, and 1987) established 

water quality goals for the navigable (surface) waters of the United States. One of the mechanisms for 

achieving the goals of the Clean Water Act is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

(NPDES) of permits which is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA 

has delegated responsibility to administer the NPDES permit program to the state of Washington on the 

basis of Chapter 90.48 RCW which defines the Department of Ecology's (Department) authority and 

obligations in administering the wastewater discharge permit program. 

The regulations adopted by the state include procedures for issuing permits (Chapter 173-220 WAC), 

water quality criteria for surface and ground waters (Chapters 173-201A and 200 WAC), and sediment 

management standards (Chapter 173-204 WAC). These regulations require that a permit be issued before 

discharge of wastewater to waters of the state is allowed. The regulations also establish the basis for 

effluent limitations and other requirements which are to be included in the permit. One of the 

requirements (WAC 173-220-060) for issuing a permit under the NPDES permit program is the 

preparation of a draft permit and an accompanying fact sheet. Public notice of the availability of the draft 

permit is required at least thirty days before the permit is issued (WAC 173-220-050). The fact sheet and 

draft permit are available for review (see Appendix A--Public Involvement of the fact sheet for more 

detail on the Public Notice procedures). 

The fact sheet and draft permit have been reviewed by the Permittee. Errors and omissions identified in 

this review have been corrected before going to public notice. After the public comment period has 

closed, the Department will summarize the substantive comments and the response to each comment. The 

summary and response to comments will become part of the file on the permit and parties submitting 

comments will receive a copy of the Department's response. The fact sheet will not be revised. 

Comments and the resultant changes to the permit will be summarized in Appendix D--Response to 

Comments.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Applicant: TransAlta Utilities Corporation 

110 12th Avenue SW 

Box 1900, Station M 

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P-2MI 

Facility Name and 

Address: 

TransAlta Centralia Mining LLC 

1015 Big Hanaford Road 

Centralia, WA 98531-9100 

USA 

Type of Facility: Surface Coal Mine 

SIC Code: 1221 

Discharge Location: Hanaford Creek System

Outfall 001 Latitude: 46° 45' 08" N Longitude: 122° 49' 47" W 

Outfall 002 Latitude: 46° 45' 47" N Longitude: 122° 49' 42" W 

Outfall 003 Latitude: 46° 45' 45" N Longitude: 122° 49' 45" W 

Outfall 004 Latitude: 46° 45' 27" N Longitude: 122° 49' 56" W 

Outfall 005 Latitude: 46° 45' 42" N Longitude: 122° 49' 59" W 

Outfall 006 Latitude: 46° 45' 42" N Longitude: 122° 49' 36" W 

Outfall 008 Latitude: 46° 45' 23" N Longitude: 122° 49' 04" W 

Outfall 009 Latitude: 46° 30' 00" N Longitude: 122° 51' 00" W 

Mitchell Creek System

Outfall 011 Latitude: 46° 41' 45" N Longitude: 122° 45' 31" W 

Water Body ID Number: WA-23-1040 

Page 3 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

Department on June 21, 2004. 

Hanaford Creek is a tributary of the Skookumchuck River, a tributary of the Chehalis River. Mitchell 

Creek is a tributary of the north fork of the Newaukum River, a tributary of the Chehalis River. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

DESCRIPTION OF THE FACILITY 

History: The TransAlta Centralia Mining LLC is located in an area where coal has been mined for over 

100 years. When the price of electricity made large scale steam electric generation economically feasible 

in the early 1970s, this facility was opened and actively mined to provide coal to the adjacent generating 

station. It has been mined since 1971 when electrical generation began. The Department archives show 

that the mine has had a NPDES permit since at least the early 1980s. This mine is a NPDES major 

facility. The treatment system for the mine consists of sedimentation ponds built under the supervision of 

the federal Office of Surface Mining and the Washington State Department of Ecology Dam Safety

section. Due to the ongoing mining, these ponds are built as excavation progresses and abandoned (at 

least as outfalls) as reclamation progresses. 

At this site approximately 6 million tons of coal is mined and processed annually for use in the adjacent 

steam electric generating facility. The coal is washed to improve its quality as fuel by removing nonflammable minerals. Since the existing permit was issued, the coal washing facility has been revised with 

a new clarifier installed. Coal is brought to the processing facility in trucks where it is washed for use in 

the boilers. The facility employs approximately 565 workers operating 24 hours a day, seven days a 

week in three shifts. The mining permit covers 14,450 acres. The mine stores the usual petroleum

products for the operation of diesel engine powered mining equipment and coal processing machinery.

Of the ten outfalls from sedimentation ponds, all treat runoff from active or partially reclaimed mining 

areas and two (#001 and #002 ) treat runoff from both the surface and coal wash water from the coal 

processing area (see discharge outfalls below). 

DISCHARGE OUTFALLS

There are several outfalls in this system. All of these outfalls discharge runoff from the mined areas 

which is treated by flocculation and sedimentation. Outfall 001 and 002 may discharge storm runoff in 

excess of the hydraulic capacity of the storm runoff ponds in the vicinity which are also used to treat coal 

washing water from the coal washing system. The hydraulic capacity of the Pond 3 System is designed to 

carry the average yearly rainfall and use this water in a recirculating system that treats the coal without 

discharge except during storm events. The discharge outfalls are all overflow structures from treatment 

ponds. The receiving waters are Hanaford Creek and its tributaries and Mitchell Creek and its tributaries. 

Hanaford Creek drains to the Skookumchuck River which in turn drains to the main stem of the Chehalis 

River. Mitchell Creek is a tributary of the north fork of the Newaukum River, a tributary of the Chehalis 

River. See the processing and pond flow schematics in Appendix C. 

PERMIT STATUS 

The previous permit for this facility was issued on June 9, 2000, and modified on November 30, 2000, 

and December 12, 2003. The previous permit placed effluent limitations on turbidity, total suspended 

solids (TSS), pH, dissolved oxygen, total petroleum hydrocarbons, temperature, and total iron. 

An application for permit renewal was submitted to the Department on June 3, 2004 and accepted by the 

Page 4 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

SUMMARY OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE PREVIOUS PERMIT 

The facility last received an inspection on April 4, 1994. 

Performance Summary, Violations 

Begin 

Date 

Monitoring 

PT 

Parameter Value Type

1-Mar-02 9 IRON, TOTAL (AS FE) AVM 

1-Dec-01 9 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Jan-02 9 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Mar-02 9 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Dec-02 9 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Jan-03 9 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Feb-03 9 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Dec-01 9 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED MXD 

1-Jan-02 9 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED MXD 

1-Mar-02 9 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED MXD 

1-Jan-02 10 IRON, TOTAL (AS FE) AVM 

1-Dec-00 10 OXYGEN, DISSOLVED (DO) MIN 

1-Jan-02 10 PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS, TOTAL RECOVERABLE AVM 

1-Dec-00 10 PH MAX

1-Dec-00 10 PH MIN

1-Dec-00 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Nov-01 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Dec-01 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Jan-02 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Feb-02 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Mar-02 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED AVM 

1-Dec-00 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED MXD 

1-Nov-01 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED MXD 

1-Dec-01 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED MXD 

1-Jan-02 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED MXD 

1-Feb-02 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED MXD 

1-Mar-02 10 SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED MXD 

1-Dec-00 10 TEMPERATURE , WATER (DEG C) AVM 

1-Dec-00 10 TURBIDITY AVM

1-Nov-01 10 TURBIDITY AVM

1-Dec-01 10 TURBIDITY AVM

WASTEWATER CHARACTERIZATION 

OUTFALL NUMBER 001 

Temperature 

°C 

pH 

S.U. 

D.O. 

mg/L

Total Iron 

mg/L

TPH 

mg/L

TSS 

mg/L

Turbidity

NTU 

Average 9.7 7.04 10.4 0.24 <0.25 6.29 4.90

Maximum 16.2 7.98 13 0.60 <0.30 21.85 18.34

Page 5 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

UTFALL NUM

Tem ture

°C . /L

Total Iron 

/L g/L

Turbidity

TU

O BER 002

pera pH 

S.U

D.O. 

mg mg

TPH 

mg/L

TSS 

m N

Average 10.1 7.16 10.7 0.18 <0.25 5.0 4.76

Maximum 16.5 8.15 13.6 0.40 <0.30 11.7 10.72 

OUTFALL NUM

Tem ture

°C . /L

Total Iron 

/L /L

Turbidity

TU

BER 003

pera pH 

S.U

D.O. 

mg mg

TPH 

mg/L

TSS 

mg N

Average 9.9 7.06 10.3 0.26 < 0.25 3.56 3.45

Maximum 16.8 7.95 12.1 0.40 < 0.30 6.69 6.96 

OUTFALL NUM

Tem ture

°C . /L

Total Iron 

/L /L

Turbidity

U

BER 004

pera pH 

S.U

D.O. 

mg mg

TPH 

mg/L

TSS 

mg NT

Average 9.6 7.2 10.7 0.18 <0.25 2.58 2.26

Maximum 16.9 8,26 12.8 0.30 < 0.30 6.2 4.93 

OUTFALL NU

 Tem ture

°C /L

Total Iron 

/L /L

Turbidity

MBER 005

pera pH 

S.U.

D.O. 

mg mg

TPH 

mg/L

TSS 

mg NTU 

Average 10.5 7.82 12.9 Not Measured 1.83 1.4

Maximum 17.8 7.82 12.9 3.8 3.9 

OUTFALL NU

 Tem ture

°C /L

Total Iron 

/L /L

Turbidity

U

MBER 006

pera pH 

S.U.

D.O. 

mg mg

TPH 

mg/L

TSS 

mg NT

Average 8.1 7.29 10.8 Not Measured 2.72 1.98

Maximum 17.0 7.72 12.6 5.5 2.98 

OUTFALL NU

ture

°C /L

n

/L /L U

MBER 008

Tempera pH

S.U.

D.O.

mg

Total

g

Iro

m

TPH

mg/L

TSS

mg

Turbidity

NT

Average 9.6 6.56 10.6 1.02 <0.25 4.37 4.42

Maximum 16.5 7.27 13.6 2.8 < 0.30 7.95 8.04 

OUTFALL NU

perature

°C 

.

/L

Iron

/L L

dity

U

MBER 009

Tem pH

S.U.

D.O

mg

Total

mg

TPH

mg/L

TSS

mg/

Turbi

NT

Average 7.1 6.99 10.3 0.88 <0.25 24.33 13.12 

Maximum 10.0 7.8 13.0 1.9 < 0.30 39.39 21.9 

Page 6 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

OUTFALL NUMBER 010 

perature

°C .

.

/L

Iron

g/L

S

/L

idity

U

Tem pH

S.U

D.O

mg

Total

m

TPH

mg/L

TS

mg

Turb

NT

Average 9.3 7.05 10.1 0.30 <0.25 3.86 2.96 

Maximum 17.1 7.7 13.6 0.7 < 0.30 8.71 7.26 

OUTFALL NUMBER 011 

°C 

pH 

S.U. 

D.O. 

mg/L mg/L

TPH 

mg/L

TSS 

mg/L

Turbidity

NTU 

Temperature Total Iron 

Average No Discharge 

Maximum 

Volume 57, No. 246, Tuesday, December 22, 1992). The more 

 pollutants are not treatable at the concentrations reported 

and they are not controllable at the source and they do not have a reasonable potential to cause a water 

ermittee is required to notify the Department. 

ECHNOLOGY-BASED EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS

Technology Based Standards used in this permit for daily maximums are: 

tant

PROPOSED PERMIT LIMITATIONS 

Federal and state regulations require that effluent limitations set forth in a NPDES permit must be either 

technology- or water quality-based. Technology-based limitations are based upon the treatment methods 

available to treat specific pollutants. Technology-based limitations are set by regulation or developed on 

a case-by-case basis (40 CFR 125.3, and Chapter 173-220 WAC). Water quality-based limitations are 

based upon compliance with the Surface Water Quality Standards (Chapter 173-201A WAC), Ground 

Water Standards (Chapter 173-200 WAC), Sediment Quality Standards (Chapter 173-204 WAC) or the 

National Toxics Rule (Federal Register,

stringent of these two limits must be chosen for each of the parameters of concern. Each of these types of 

limits is described in more detail below. 

The limits in this permit are based in part on information received in the application. The effluent 

constituents in the application were evaluated on a technology- and water quality-basis and the limits 

necessary to meet the rules and regulations of the state of Washington were determined and included in 

this permit. The Department does not develop effluent limits for all pollutants that may be reported on 

the application as present in the effluent. Some

quality violation. If significant changes occur in any constituent, as described in 40 CFR 122.42(a), the 

P

T

Pollu Daily Max Monthly A

TSS 40 mg/L 20 mg/L 

imum verage

Iron 3.5 mg/L 3.5 mg/L 

pH Range 6 to 9 S.U. Range 6 to 9 S.U. 

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons 15 mg/L 15 mg/L 

The limits for pH are based on the categorical limits shown in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, 

Part 434, subpart B. This regulation also establishes a limit for iron and TSS, but this permit (and the

Page 7 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

ent Manual for the Puget Sound Basin,

previous permit) uses a more restrictive limit based on prior demonstrated performance. The limit for 

iron is 3.5 mg/L for the daily maximum. The limit for TSS is 40 mg/L. The limit for Total Petroleum

Hydrocarbons is based on the 1992 Stormwater Managem

Washington Department of Ecology which sets these attainable limits based on prior experience for oil 

is same limit is attainable for total 

petroleum hydrocarbons, the only oily substance of concern. 

s of the state. Surface water quality-based effluent limitations may be based on an 

individual waste load allocation (WLA) or on a WLA developed during a basin wide total maximum

its that stated as an increase over background only apply when the background 

ampled just upstream and downstream of the point where the discharge enters 

affected ater bo y. For Outfall 011, UMTC is the upstream sample point and LMTC is the 

int. For Outfall 003, USHC is the upstream sample point and MSHC is the 

rrative criteria protect the specific beneficial uses of all fresh (WAC 

3-201A-130) and marine (WAC 173-201A-140) waters in the state of Washington. The following 

s the limits placed on this effluent that is based on narrative criteria. These limits are identical 

xisting

Pollutant

and grease removal. Best professional judgment assumes that th

SURFACE WATER QUALITY-BASED EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS 

In order to protect existing water quality and preserve the designated beneficial uses of Washington's 

surface waters, WAC 173-201A-060 states that waste discharge permits shall be conditioned such that the 

discharge will meet established Surface Water Quality Standards. The Washington State Surface Water 

Quality Standards (Chapter 173-201A WAC) is a state regulation designed to protect the beneficial uses 

of the surface water

daily loading study (TMDL). Turbidity, temperature and dissolved oxygen are regulated based on water 

quality limitations. 

The temperature lim

temperature is over 18 degrees Celsius. In this case the treatment ponds outlets are shut off during hot 

weather so that the site becomes non-discharging. As a result, the temperature limit is set at 18 degrees 

Celsius. 

The turbidity limit is set as an incremental increase at all levels of turbidity. As with temperature, the 

incremental approach to limit setting is sometimes made impractical due to the inaccessibility of the 

stream and the location of the sampling points at a considerable setback from the stream. The limits here 

are set based on the premise that if the turbidity at any one of the outfall locations set back from the main 

stem of the affected streams is less than the turbidity at a background point on the main stem, the treated 

effluent at the outfall cannot increase the turbidity of the main stem. To this end, background sampling 

points are set at Sample Point UNHC2 for Outfall 004 on North Hanaford Creek and Sample Point USHC 

for Outfalls 001,002, 005, 006,008, 009, 010 on Big Hanaford Creek. Outfalls 003 and 011 can, 

however, be conveniently s

the w d

downstream sample po

downstream sample point. 

NARRATIVE CRITERIA

In addition to numerical criteria, "narrative" water quality criteria (WAC 173-201A-030) limit toxic, 

radioactive, or deleterious material concentrations below those which have the potential to adversely

affect characteristic water uses, cause acute or chronic toxicity to biota, impair aesthetic values, or 

adversely affect human health. Na

17

table show

to the limits in the e permit. 

. 

Limit

Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved Oxygen shall not fall below 8 mg/L 

Temperature Temperature shall not exceed 18°C due to human activities. Incremental 

temperature increases shall not at any time exceed t+28/(t+7). 

Page 8 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

The Department has reviewed existing records and is unable to determine if ambient water quality is 

ted classification criteria given in Chapter 173-201A WAC; 

therefore, the Department will use the designated classification criteria for this water body in the proposed 

The fac naford

Creek, P in the

vicinity airies.

Charact

strial, agricultural); stock watering; fish migration; fish 

rearing, spawning and harvesting; wildlife habitat; primary contact recreation; sport 

URFACE WATER QUALITY CRITERIA

a are defin In addition, U.S. EPA has

health pollutants (EPA 1992). Criteria for this discharge are 

low:

Fecal Coliforms: 100 organisms/100 ml maximum geometric mean 

Dissolved Oxygen: 8 mg/L minimum 

18 degrees Celsius maximum or incremental increases above background 

er quality standards now include 91 numeric health-based criteria that must be 

a were promulgated for the state by the U.S. EPA in its 

e 57, No. 246, Tuesday, December 22, 1992). 

mulgated Ground Water Quality Standards (Chapter 173-200 WAC) to protect 

manner 

his Permittee has no discharge to ground and therefore no limitations are required based on potential 

effects to ground water. 

ANTIDEGRADATION 

either higher or lower than the designa

permit. The discharges authorized by this proposed permit should not cause a loss of beneficial uses. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING WATER

ility discharges to Big Hanaford Creek and its tributaries, North Hanaford Creek, South Ha

ackwood Creek, and Mitchell Creek, which are designated as “Class A” receiving waters

of the outfalls. Significant nearby non-point sources of pollutants possibly include d

eristic uses include the following:

water supply (domestic, indu

fishing; boating and aesthetic enjoyment; commerce and navigation. Water quality of 

this class shall exceed the requirements for all or substantially all uses. 

S

Applicable criteri ed in Chapter 173-201A WAC for aquatic biota.

promulgated human criteria for toxic

summarized be

Temperature: 

pH: 6.0 to 9.0 standard units 

Toxics: No toxics in toxic amounts 

HUMAN HEALTH

Washington’s wat

considered in NPDES permits. These criteri

National Toxics Rule (Federal Register, Volum

The Department has determined that the applicant's discharge is unlikely to contain chemicals regulated 

for human health. 

GROUND WATER QUALITY LIMITATIONS 

The Department has pro

beneficial uses of ground water. Permits issued by the Department shall be conditioned in such a

so as not to allow violations of those standards (WAC 173-200-100). 

T

Page 9 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

COMPARISON OF EFFLUENT ISSUED June 9, 2000.

20-210 and 40 CFR 122.41) to verify that 

the treatment process is functioning correctly and the effluent limitations are being achieved. 

The monitoring schedule is detailed in the proposed permit under Condition S.1. Specified monitoring 

ount the quantity and variability of the discharge, the treatment method, past 

compliance, significance of pollutants, and cost of monitoring. 

ION

With the exception of certain par itoring data to be prepared by a 

laboratory registered or accredited under the provisions of Chapter 173-50 WAC, Accreditation of 

atory at this facility is accredited for: Total Suspended Solids, 

AND RECORDKEEPING

the Permittee 

to develop best management plans to prevent this accidental release under section 402(a)(1) of the Federal 

t (FWPCA) and RCW 90.48.080.

itted and accepted. 

GENERAL CONDITIONS 

directly on state and federal law and regulations and have been standardized 

for all individual industrial NPDES permits issued by the Department. 

er

Quality Standards for Surface Waters, Sediment Quality Standards, or Water Quality Standards for 

LIMITS WITH THE EXISTING PERMIT

No change in limits. 

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS 

Monitoring, recording, and reporting are required (WAC 173-2

frequencies take into acc

Monitoring frequency has been simplified to two separate intervals, monthly and once every two months. 

LAB ACCREDITAT

ameters the permit requires all mon

Environmental Laboratories. The labor

Turbidity, and pH. 

OTHER PERMIT CONDITIONS 

REPORTING

The conditions of S2 are based on the authority to specify any appropriate reporting and recordkeeping 

requirements to prevent and control waste discharges (WAC 273-220-210). 

SPILL PLAN 

The Department has determined that the Permittee stores a quantity of chemicals that have the potential to 

cause water pollution if accidentally released. The Department has the authority to require

Water Pollution Control Ac

The Permittee has developed a plan for preventing the accidental release of pollutants to state waters and 

for minimizing damages if such a spill occurs. This plan has been subm

General Conditions are based

PERMIT ISSUANCE PROCEDURES 

PERMIT MODIFICATIONS 

The Department may modify this permit to impose numerical limitations, if necessary to meet Wat

Page 10 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

tained from sources such as inspections, effluent 

monitoring, outfall studies, and effluent mixing studies. 

This proposed permit meets all statutory requirements for authorizing a wastewater discharge, including 

those limitations and conditions believed necessary to control toxics, protect human health, aquatic life, 

and the beneficial uses of waters of the state of Washington. The Department proposes that this proposed 

permit be issued for a period corresponding to the watershed approach re-permitting cycle, that is to say

until June 30, 2010. 

Ground Waters, based on new information ob

The Department may also modify this permit as a result of new or amended state or federal regulations. 

RECOMMENDATION FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE 

Page 11 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

REFERENCES FOR TEXT AND APPENDICES 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

1992. National Toxics Rule. Federal Register, V. 57, No. 246, Tuesday, December 22, 1992. 

1991. Technical Support Document for Water Quality-based Toxics Control. EPA/505/2-90-001. 

1988. Technical Guidance on Supplementary Stream Design Conditions for Steady State Modeling. 

USEPA Office of Water, Washington, D.C. 

1985. Water Quality Assessment: A Screening Procedure for Toxic and Conventional Pollutants in 

Surface and Ground Water. EPA/600/6-85/002a. 

1983. Water Quality Standards Handbook. USEPA Office of Water, Washington, D.C. 

Tsivoglou, E.C., and J.R. Wallace. 

1972. Characterization of Stream Reaeration Capacity. EPA-R3-72-012. (Cited in EPA 1985 op.cit.) 

Washington State Department of Ecology. 

1994. Permit Writer’s Manual. Publication Number 92-109 

Wrig

19

ht, R.M., and A.J. McDonnell.

79. In-stream Deoxygenation Rate Prediction. Journal Environmental Engineering Division, 

ASCE. 105(EE2). (Cited in EPA 1985 op.cit.) 

Page 12 of 23 
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT NO. WA0037338 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA MINING LLC 

APPENDIX A--PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT INFORMATION 

The Department has tentatively determined to reissue a permit to the applicant listed on page 1 of this fact 

sheet. The permit contains conditions and effluent limitations which are described in the rest of this fact 

sheet. 

Public notice of application was published on March 20, 2004 and March 27, 2004, in the Daily 

Chronicle to inform the public that an application had been submitted and to invite comment on the 

reissuance of this permit. 

The Department will publish a Public Notice of Draft (PNOD) on February 16, 2005, in the Daily 

Chronicle to inform the public that a draft permit and fact sheet are available for review. Interested 

persons are invited to submit written comments regarding the draft permit. The draft permit, fact sheet, 

and related documents are available for inspection and copying between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 

p.m. weekdays, by appointment, at the regional office listed below. Written comments should be mailed 

to: 

Industrial Unit Permit Coordinator 

Department of Ecology 

Southwest Regional Office – Water Quality

 P.O. Box 47775 

Olympia, WA 98504-7775. 

Any interested party may comment on the draft permit or request a public hearing on this draft permit 

within the thirty (30) day comment period to the address above. The request for a hearing shall indicate 

the interest of the party and reasons why the hearing is warranted. The Department will hold a hearing if 

it determines there is a significant public interest in the draft permit (WAC 173-220-090). Public notice 

regarding any hearing will be circulated at least thirty (30) days in advance of the hearing. People 

expressing an interest in this permit will be mailed an individual notice of hearing (WAC 173-220-100). 

The Department will consider all comments received within thirty (30) days from the date of public notice 

of draft indicated above, in formulating a final determination to issue, revise, or deny the permit. The 

Department's response to all significant comments is available upon request and will be mailed directly to 

people expressing an interest in this permit. 

Further information may be obtained from the Department by telephone, (360) 407-6285 or by writing to 

the address listed above. 

This permit and fact sheet were written by Gary Anderson, P.E. 

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Com

of

each aliquot as the flow increased while maintaining a constant time interval between the aliquots. 

APPENDIX B--GLOSSARY 

Acute Toxicity--The lethal effect of a compound on an organism that occurs in a short period of time, 

usually 48 to 96 hours. 

AKART-- An acronym for “all known, available, and reasonable methods of treatment”. 

Ambient Water Quality--The existing environmental condition of the water in a receiving water body. 

Ammonia--Ammonia is produced by the breakdown of nitrogenous materials in wastewater. Ammonia 

is toxic to aquatic organisms, exerts an oxygen demand, and contributes to eutrophication. It also 

increases the amount of chlorine needed to disinfect wastewater. 

Best Management Practices (BMPs)--Schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance 

procedures, and other physical, structural and/or managerial practices to prevent or reduce the 

pollution of waters of the state. BMPs include treatment systems, operating procedures, and practices 

to control: plant site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material 

storage. BMPs may be further categorized as operational, source control, erosion and sediment 

control, and treatment BMPs. 

BOD5--Determining the Biochemical Oxygen Demand of an effluent is an indirect way of measuring the 

quantity of organic material present in an effluent that is utilized by bacteria. The BOD5 is used in 

modeling to measure the reduction of dissolved oxygen in a receiving water after effluent is 

discharged. Stress caused by reduced dissolved oxygen levels makes organisms less competitive and 

less able to sustain their species in the aquatic environment. Although BOD is not a specific 

compound, it is defined as a conventional pollutant under the federal Clean Water Act. 

Bypass--The intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of a treatment facility. 

Chlorine--Chlorine is used to disinfect wastewaters of pathogens harmful to human health. It is also 

extremely toxic to aquatic life. 

Chronic Toxicity--The effect of a compound on an organism over a relatively long time, often 1/10 of an 

organism's lifespan or more. Chronic toxicity can measure survival, reproduction or growth rates, or 

other parameters to measure the toxic effects of a compound or combination of compounds. 

Clean Water Act (CWA)--The Federal Water Pollution Control Act enacted by Public Law 92-500, as 

amended by Public Laws 95-217, 95-576, 96-483, 97-117; USC 1251 et seq. 

Compliance Inspection - Without Sampling--A site visit for the purpose of determining the compliance 

of a facility with the terms and conditions of its permit or with applicable statutes and regulations. 

Compliance Inspection - With Sampling--A site visit to accomplish the purpose of a Compliance 

Inspection - Without Sampling and as a minimum, sampling and analysis for all parameters with 

limits in the permit to ascertain compliance with those limits; and, for municipal facilities, sampling 

of influent to ascertain compliance with the 85 percent removal requirement. Additional sampling 

may be conducted. 

posite Sample--A mixture of grab samples collected at the same sampling point at different times,

formed either by continuous sampling or by mixing discrete samples. May be "timecomposite"(collected at constant time intervals) or "flow-proportional" (collected either as a constant 

sample volume at time intervals proportional to stream flow, or collected by increasing the volume

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such factors as flow volume, toxic pollutant potential, and public health impact. 

Mix

n a facility's permit and follows 

procedures outlined in state regulations (Chapter 173-201A WAC). 

Monthly Average --The average of the measured values obtained over a calendar month's time. 

Construction Activity--Clearing, grading, excavation and any other activity which disturbs the surface of 

the land. Such activities may include road building, construction of residential houses, office 

buildings, or industrial buildings, and demolition activity. 

Critical Condition--The time during which the combination of receiving water and waste discharge 

conditions have the highest potential for causing toxicity in the receiving water environment. This 

situation usually occurs when the flow within a water body is low, thus, its ability to dilute effluent is 

reduced. 

Daily Maximum Discharge Limitation--The highest allowable daily discharge of a pollutant measured 

during a calendar day or any 24-hour period that reasonably represents the calendar day for purposes 

of sampling. The daily discharge is calculated as the average measurement of the pollutant over the 

day. 

Dilution Factor--A measure of the amount of mixing of effluent and receiving water that occurs at the 

boundary of the mixing zone. Expressed as the inverse of the percent effluent fraction e.g., a dilution 

factor of 10 means the effluent comprises 10 percent by volume and the receiving water 90 percent. 

Engineering Report--A document which thoroughly examines the engineering and administrative 

aspects of a particular domestic or industrial wastewater facility. The report shall contain the 

appropriate information required in WAC 173-240-060 or 173-240-130. 

Fecal Coliform Bacteria--Fecal coliform bacteria are used as indicators of pathogenic bacteria in the 

effluent that are harmful to humans. Pathogenic bacteria in wastewater discharges are controlled by

disinfecting the wastewater. The presence of high numbers of fecal coliform bacteria in a water body

can indicate the recent release of untreated wastewater and/or the presence of animal feces. 

Grab Sample--A single sample or measurement taken at a specific time or over as short period of time as 

is feasible. 

Industrial Wastewater--Water or liquid-carried waste from industrial or commercial processes, as 

distinct from domestic wastewater. These wastes may result from any process or activity of industry,

manufacture, trade or business, from the development of any natural resource, or from animal 

operations such as feed lots, poultry houses, or dairies. The term includes contaminated storm water 

and, also, leachate from solid waste facilities. 

Major Facility--A facility discharging to surface water with an EPA rating score of > 80 points based on 

such factors as flow volume, toxic pollutant potential, and public health impact. 

Method Detection Level (MDL)--The minimum concentration of a substance that can be measured and 

reported with 99 percent confidence that the analyte concentration is above zero and is determined 

from analysis of a sample in a given matrix containing the analyte. 

Minor Facility--A facility discharging to surface water with an EPA rating score of < 80 points based on 

ing Zone--An area that surrounds an effluent discharge within which water quality criteria may be 

exceeded. The area of the authorized mixing zone is specified i

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gable waters of the

authority to 

s are joint

pH easures its acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7 is defined as neutral, and large 

Qua

Tec

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)--Total suspended solids is the particulate material in an effluent. Large 

n depletion.

Sto

rface water body, or a constructed infiltration facility. 

e noncompliance to the extent caused by operational error, 

improperly designed treatment facilities, lack of preventative maintenance, or careless or improper 

operation. 

Water Quality-based Effluent Limit--A limit on the concentration of an effluent parameter that is 

intended to prevent the concentration of that parameter from exceeding its water quality criterion after 

it is discharged into a receiving water. 

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)--The NPDES (Section 402 of the Clean 

Water Act) is the federal wastewater permitting system for discharges to navi

United States. Many states, including the state of Washington, have been delegated the

issue these permits. NPDES permits issued by Washington state permit writer

NPDES/State permits issued under both state and federal laws. 

--The pH of a liquid m

variations above or below this value are considered harmful to most aquatic life. 

ntitation Level (QL)-- A calculated value five times the MDL (method detection level). 

hnology-based Effluent Limit--A permit limit that is based on the ability of a treatment method to 

reduce the pollutant. 

quantities of TSS discharged to a receiving water may result in solids accumulation. Apart from any

toxic effects attributable to substances leached out by water, suspended solids may kill fish, shellfish, 

and other aquatic organisms by causing abrasive injuries and by clogging the gills and respiratory

passages of various aquatic fauna. Indirectly, suspended solids can screen out light and can promote 

and maintain the development of noxious conditions through oxyge

State Waters--Lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, inland waters, underground waters, salt waters, and all other 

surface waters and watercourses within the jurisdiction of the state of Washington. 

rmwater--That portion of precipitation that does not naturally percolate into the ground or evaporate, 

but flows via overland flow, interflow, pipes, and other features of a storm water drainage system into 

a defined su

Upset--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 includ

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APPENDIX C – FLOW DIAGRAMS 

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APPENDIX D – RESPONSE TO COMMENTS 

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APPENDIX D-RESPONSE TO COMMENTS 

TRANSALTA CENTRALIA COAL MINE 

NPDES PERMIT NUMBER WA0037338 

Comment 1. 

Ecology does not show the results of the priority pollutants required by the permit application form for this facility. 

Response 1. 

A pollutant scan has been done for the facility. A table showing the potentially toxic substances detected is shown 

below:

DETECTED SUBSTANCES CONCENTRATION

Units in μg/L 

Substance Outfall

002 

Outfall 

003 

Outfall 

004 

Statutory Limit,

WAC 173-201A 

National Toxics 

Rule, FR 64, 

Nov 9, 1999 

EPA 822-R-02-

47 

Nitrate/Nitrite 1300 600 ND

N., Ttl Org. 600 500 300 

Phosphorus 20 20 40

Sulfate 212,000 339,000 330,000

Aluminum 383 468 549 750

Barium 48 49.8 12.2

Boron 3380 130 206

Cobalt 4.2 9.58 1.33

Magnesium 12,200 16,800 24,200

Molybdenum 6.4 0.1 0.6

Manganese 414 876 210 50

Tin 0.1 0.1 0.1 

Titanium 26.8 22.2 28.8

Antimony 0.15 0.05 0.07 14

Arsenic 0.5 0.5 0.5 190

Beryllium 0.04 0.04 0.03

Cadmium 0.07 0.18 0.11 0.37

Chromium 0.3 0.6 0.6 57

Copper 2.3 2.6 3.4 3.5

Lead 0.06 0.13 0.08 0.5

Mercury 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.012

Nickel 10.8 21.3 10.2 49

Selenium 1.3 1.0 1.0 5

Silver 0.02 0.02 0.05 1

Thallium 0.02 0.02 0.02 1.7

Zinc 11.1 13.8 10.0 32

Of the above, obviously, there are several that have no official limits. Only manganese has a published limit and 

that limit is for potable water. 

Comment 2. 

Federal Regulation 40 CFR 424.23 requires that when pH of the wastewater is less than 6.0, that the concentration 

of manganese be limited. 

Response 2. 

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a. A steam electric power generating point source is considerably different from a covered electric 

furnace or other smelting operation with wet air pollution control equipment. It is a considerable 

stretch to require the former to meet the requirements of the latter. 

b. The Washington Department of Ecology is authorized by law to only enforce state laws. 

c. The tabulation below shows that the minimum pH of the three outfall tested has not fallen below 6.6 

in the period from July 1, 200 until January 1, 2005. Months not tabulated were months of zero 

discharge. 

Outfall Parameter Unit Type Reading Date

2 PH S.U. MIN 6.9 1-Oct-00

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.1 1-Nov-00

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.4 1-Dec-00

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.4 1-Jan-01

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.5 1-Feb-01

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.2 1-Mar-01

2 PH S.U. MIN 8.1 1-Apr-01

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.7 1-May-01

2 PH S.U. MIN 8 1-Jun-01

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.1 1-Nov-01

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.2 1-Dec-01

2 PH S.U. MIN 6.6 1-Jan-02

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.35 1-Feb-02

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.3 1-Mar-02

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.3 1-Apr-02

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.37 1-May-02

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.16 1-Dec-02

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.14 1-Jan-03

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.05 1-Feb-03

2 PH S.U. MIN 6.6 1-Mar-03

2 PH S.U. MIN 6.8 1-Apr-03

2 PH S.U. MIN 7 1-May-03

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.72 1-Oct-03

2 PH S.U. MIN 6.6 1-Nov-03

2 PH S.U. MIN 6.6 1-Dec-03

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.01 1-Jan-04

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.62 1-Feb-04

2 PH S.U. MIN 8.15 1-Mar-04

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.3 1-Apr-04

Outfall Parameter Unit Type Reading Date

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.65 1-May-04

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.35 1-Sep-04

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.66 1-Oct-04

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.43 1-Nov-04

2 PH S.U. MIN 6.8 1-Dec-04

2 PH S.U. MIN 7.2 1-Jan-05

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.6 1-Dec-00

3 PH S.U. MIN 8.46 1-Jan-01

3 PH S.U. MIN 8.6 1-Feb-01

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.8 1-Mar-01

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.4 1-Apr-01

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.8 1-May-01

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3 PH S.U. MIN 7.7 1-Oct-01

3 PH S.U. MIN 7 1-Nov-01

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.2 1-Dec-01

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.7 1-Jan-02

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.46 1-Feb-02

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.82 1-Mar-02

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.63 1-Apr-02

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.15 1-May-02

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.4 1-Dec-02

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.75 1-Jan-03

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.1 1-Feb-03

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.9 1-Mar-03

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.35 1-Apr-03

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.84 1-May-03

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.8 1-Oct-03

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.32 1-Nov-03

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.6 1-Dec-03

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.81 1-Jan-04

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.9 1-Feb-04

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.95 1-Mar-04

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.9 1-Apr-04

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.6 1-May-04

3 PH S.U. MIN 7.3 1-Sep-04

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.8 1-Oct-04

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.8 1-Nov-04

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.78 1-Dec-04

3 PH S.U. MIN 6.94 1-Jan-05

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.6 1-Nov-00

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.6 1-Dec-00

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.2 1-Jan-01

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.6 1-Feb-01

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.1 1-Mar-01

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.8 1-Apr-01

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.8 1-May-01

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.9 1-Jun-01

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.3 1-Oct-01

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.3 1-Nov-01

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.1 1-Dec-01

4 PH S.U. MIN 6.8 1-Jan-02

Outfall Parameter Unit Type Reading Date

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.4 1-Feb-02

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.9 1-Mar-02

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.2 1-Apr-02

4 PH S.U. MIN 8.26 1-May-02

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.12 1-Nov-02

4 PH S.U. MIN 6.92 1-Dec-02

4 PH S.U. MIN 6.73 1-Jan-03

4 PH S.U. MIN 6.7 1-Feb-03

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.4 1-Mar-03

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.3 1-Apr-03

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.5 1-May-03

4 PH S.U. MIN 6.95 1-Oct-03

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4 PH S.U. MIN 6.7 1-Nov-03

4 PH S.U. MIN 6.92 1-Dec-03

4 PH S.U. MIN 6.73 1-Jan-04

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.6 1-Feb-04

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.72 1-Mar-04

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.5 1-Apr-04

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.4 1-May-04

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.9 1-Sep-04

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.26 1-Oct-04

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.25 1-Nov-04

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.21 1-Dec-04

4 PH S.U. MIN 7.07 1-Jan-05

Comment 3. 

Given that sampling for background is mostly awkward if not impossible at most of the outfalls, it would be 

advantageous to assign a single maximum limit for turbidity for all but periods of excessive rainfall at outfalls 

where active mining operations are under way. 

Response 3. 

A performance limit based on the Ecology sand and gravel general permit AKART determination gives a limit of 25 

NTU for inactive mining areas (outfalls 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 008, and 011) and a limit of 50 NTU for areas 

of active mining (outfalls 009 and 010). When a rainstorm of greater intensity than one and one-half inches in 24 

hours occurs, the limit for the areas of active mining (outfalls 009 and 010) shall revert to a ten percent increase 

over background limit.