INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER
FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-
Related Facilities
U.S. EPA Office of Water
EPA-833-F-06-023
December 2006
What is the NPDES stormwater permitting program for industrial
activity?
Activities, such as material handling and storage, equipment maintenance and cleaning, industrial
processing or other operations that occur at industrial facilities are often exposed to stormwater. The
runoff from these areas may discharge pollutants directly into nearby waterbodies or indirectly via
storm sewer systems, thereby degrading water quality.
In 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed permitting regulations under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to control stormwater discharges associated
with eleven categories of industrial activity. As a result, NPDES permitting authorities, which may be
either EPA or a state environmental agency, issue stormwater permits to control runoff from these
industrial facilities.
What types of industrial facilities are required to obtain permit
coverage?
This fact sheet specifically discusses stormwater discharges from coal mines and coal mining-related
facilities as defined by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Major Group Code 12. Facilities and
products in this group fall under the following categories, all of which require coverage under
an industrial stormwater permit if discharges of stormwater have come into contact with any
overburden, raw material, intermediate products, finished product, byproduct or waste products
located on the site of such operations:
4 Bituminous coal and lignite surface mining (SIC 1221)
4 Bituminous coal underground mining (SIC 1222)
4 Anthracite mining (SIC 1231)
4 Coal mining services (SIC 1241)
An industrial stormwater permit is required for stormwater discharges associated with coal mining
activities from the following areas:
4 Haul roads
4 Access roads
4 Railroad spurs, sidings, and internal haulage lines
4 Conveyor belts, chutes, and aerial tramway haulage areas
4 Equipment storage and maintenance yards
4 Coal handling buildings and structures
4 Inactive coal mines and related areas
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
A stormwater permit generally is not appropriate for the following types of coal mines:
4 Sites or parts of sites which are determined to cause or contribute to water quality standards
violations
4 Active facilities and those under reclamation, which have discharges subject to effluent
limitation guidelines under NPDES, including other non-stormwater discharges such as from
floor drains in maintenance buildings and preparation plant areas
4 Inactive coal mines located on Federal lands, unless an operator can be identified
4 Pollutant seeps or underground drainage from inactive coal mines and refuse disposal areas
that do not result from precipitation events.
For these types of sites, contact the EPA or state NPDES permitting authority to determine if and what
type of discharge permit may be necessary.
What does an industrial stormwater permit require?
Common requirements for coverage under an industrial stormwater permit include development of a
written stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), implementation of control measures, and sub-
mittal of a request for permit coverage, usually referred to as the Notice of Intent or NOI. The SWPPP
is a written assessment of potential sources of pollutants in stormwater runoff and control measures
that will be implemented at your facility to minimize the discharge of these pollutants in runoff from
the site. These control measures include site-specific best management practices (BMPs), maintenance
plans, inspections, employee training, and reporting. The procedures detailed in the SWPPP must be
implemented by the facility and updated as necessary, with a copy of the SWPPP kept on-site. The in-
dustrial stormwater permit also requires collection of visual, analytical, and/or compliance monitoring
data to determine the effectiveness of implemented BMPs. For more information on EPA's industrial
stormwater permit and links to State stormwater permits, go to www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater
and click on "Industrial Activity."
What pollutants are associated with activities at my facility?
Pollutants conveyed in stormwater discharges from active haul roads, access roads, and rail lines;
inactive coal mines; and coal mining-related facilities will vary. There are a number of factors that
influence to what extent significant materials from coal mines and coal mining-related facilities can
affect water quality.
4 Geographic location
4 Hydrogeology
4 Topography
4 Extent of impervious surfaces (e.g., concrete or asphalt)
4 Type of ground cover (e.g., vegetation, crushed stone, or dirt)
4 Outdoor activities (e.g., material storage, loading/unloading, vehicle maintenance)
4 Type of coal extracted
4 Mineralogy of the extracted resource and the surrounding rock (overburden)
4 How the coal was extracted
4 Size of the operation
4 Type, duration, and intensity of precipitation events
4 Historical activities (e.g., past mining activities)
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
The activities, pollutant sources, and pollutants detailed in Table 1 are commonly found at coal mines
and coal mining-related facilities.
Table 1. Common Activities, Pollutant Sources, and Associated Pollutants at Coal Mine and Coal
Mining-Related Facilities
Activity
Road and Rail Construction and
Maintenance - Active Sites
Raw or Waste Material Transportation
Mining and Processing Activities at
Inactive Coal Mines
EquipmentA/ehicle Maintenance
Reclamation Activities
Pollutant Source
Surface grading and exposure of
soils
Material spills
Raw Material Storage
Overburden Storage
Disposal Areas
Surface and Underground Mines
Materials Handling and Loading/
Unloading
Fueling Activities
Parts cleaning
Waste disposal of oily rags, oil
and gas filters, batteries, coolants,
decreases
Site preparation for stabilization
Pollutant
Dust, Total suspended solids (TSS),
Total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity,
pH and oil and grease
Dust, TSS, TDS, turbidity, sulfates, and
iron
Dust, TSS, TDS, turbidity, pH sulfates,
iron
Dust, TSS, TDS, turbidity, sulfates, iron,
PH
Dust, TSS, TDS, turbidity, pH, oil &
grease
Dust, TSS, TDS, turbidity, pH sulfates,
iron
Dust, TSS, TDS, turbidity, pH sulfates,
iron
Diesel fuel, gasoline, oil, chemical
oxygen demand (COD)
Solvents, oil, heavy metals, acid/
alkaline wastes
Oil, heavy metals, solvents, acids, COD
Dust, TSS, TDS, turbidity, pH
Acid mine drainage can be a problem at coal mining operations in certain areas. In general,
the problems of acid mine drainage are confined to western Maryland, northern West Virginia,
Pennsylvania, western Kentucky, and along the Illinois-Indiana border. Acid mine drainage from
coal mines is not a problem in the West because the coals and overburden contain little pyrite, the
precursor for acid mine drainage, and because of low annual precipitation.
Stormwater discharges from inactive and abandoned coal mines, preparation, refuse disposal
sites, haul roads, and other inactive mining-related areas may also contain substantial amounts of
pollutants including acids, suspended solids, dissolved solids, iron, manganese, and traces of other
metals due to the lack of sediment and erosion control measures.
What BMPs can be used to minimize contact between stormwater
and potential pollutants at my facility?
A variety of BMP options may be applicable to eliminate or minimize the presence of pollutants
in stormwater discharges from coal mines and coal mining-related facilities. However, mining
facilities are often dissimilar to other types of industrial facilities because they may be situated in
remote locations, and/or operate only seasonally or intermittently, yet need year-round stormwater
management controls. You will likely need to implement a combination or suite of BMPs to address
stormwater runoff at your facility. Your first consideration should be for pollution prevention BMPs,
which are designed to prevent or minimize pollutants from entering stormwater runoff and/or reduce
the volume of stormwater requiring management. Prevention BMPs can include cleanup, collection
and containment of debris in storage areas, and other housekeeping practices, spill control, and
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
employee training. It may also be necessary to implement treatment BMPs, which are engineered
structures intended to treat stormwater runoff and/or mitigate the effects of increased stormwater
runoff peak rate, volume, and velocity. Treatment BMPs are generally more expensive to install and
maintain and include oil-water separators, wet ponds, and proprietary filter devices.
BMPs must be selected and implemented to address the following:
Good Housekeeping Practices
Good housekeeping is a practical, cost-effective way to maintain a clean and orderly facility to prevent
potential pollution sources from coming into contact with stormwater. It includes establishing protocols
to reduce the possibility of mishandling materials or equipment and training employees in good
housekeeping techniques. Common areas where good housekeeping practices should be followed
include trash containers and adjacent areas, material storage areas, vehicle and equipment maintenance
areas, and loading docks. Good housekeeping practices must include a schedule for regular pickup
and disposal of garbage and waste materials and routine inspections of drums, tanks, and containers
for leaks and structural conditions. Practices also include containing and covering garbage, waste
materials, and debris. Involving employees in routine monitoring of housekeeping practices has proven
to be an effective means of ensuring the continued implementation of these measures.
4 Sweeping (where practical)
4 Covering storage areas
4 Immediately clean up leaks and spills
4 Watering haul roads to minimize dust generation
4 Conserving/preserving vegetation
4 Regularly scheduled inspections of potential problem areas
Minimizing Exposure
Where feasible, minimizing exposure of potential pollutant sources to precipitation is an important
control option. Minimizing exposure prevents pollutants, including debris, from coming into contact
with precipitation and can reduce the need for BMPs to treat contaminated stormwater runoff. It can
also prevent debris from being picked up by stormwater and carried into drains and surface waters.
Examples of BMPs for exposure minimization include covering materials or activities with temporary
structures (e.g., tarps) when wet weather is expected or moving materials or activities to existing
or new permanent structures (e.g., buildings, silos, sheds). Even the simple practice of keeping a
dumpster lid closed can be a very effective pollution prevention measure.
Erosion and Sediment Control
BMPs must be selected and implemented to limit erosion on areas of your site that, due to
topography, activities, soils, cover, materials, or other factors are likely to experience erosion. Erosion
control BMPs such as seeding, mulching, and sodding prevent soil from becoming dislodged and
should be considered first. Sediment control BMPs such as silt fences, sediment ponds, and stabilized
entrances trap sediment after it has eroded. Sediment control BMPs should be used to back-up
erosion control BMPs.
Most active coal mining areas are subject to the sediment and erosion control requirements under the
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA).
SMCRA Requirements
Hydrologic Balance (30 CFR 816.42): discharges from areas disturbed by surface mining activities must
meet all applicable State and Federal water quality laws and regulations including effluent limitations
promulgated by EPA under 40 CFR Part 434.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
Sediment control measures(30 CFR 816.45): must be designed, constructed and maintained using
the best technology currently available to prevent, to the extent possible, additional contributions
of sediment to streamflow or to runoff outside the permit area. The regulations note that sediment
control methods should include but not be limited to: retaining sediment within disturbed areas;
diverting runoff away from disturbed areas; diverting runoff using protected channels or pipes
through disturbed areas so as not to cause additional erosion; and using straw dikes, riprap, check
dams, mulches, vegetative sediment filters, dugout ponds, and other measures that reduce overland
flow velocity, reduce runoff volume, or trap sediment.
Discharge structures (30 CFR 816.47): Discharges from sediment ponds, impoundments, and diversions
must be controlled by energy dissipaters, riprap channels, and other devices, where necessary, to
minimize disturbance to the hydrologic balance.
These primary requirements for mining related areas are subject to SMCRA authority. For more
information contact your state regulatory authority or the Office of Surface Mining
(www.osmre.gov/osm.htm).
Management of Runoff
Your SWPPP must contain a narrative evaluation of the appropriateness of stormwater management
practices that divert, infiltrate, reuse, or otherwise manage stormwater runoff so as to reduce the
discharge of pollutants. Appropriate measures are highly site-specific, but may include, among others,
vegetative swales, collection and reuse of stormwater, inlet controls, snow management, infiltration
devices, and wet retention measures.
A combination of preventive and treatment BMPs will yield the most effective stormwater
management for minimizing the offsite discharge of pollutants via stormwater runoff. Though not
specifically outlined in this fact sheet, BMPs must also address preventive maintenance records or
logbooks, regular facility inspections, spill prevention and response, and employee training.
BMPs Focused on Coal Mines and Related Facilities
EPA has identified a wide variety of BMPs that may be used specifically to mitigate discharges of
contaminants at coal mines. Many of the practices focus on sediment and erosion control and are similar
to BMPs used in the construction industry. For more details on the use and implementation of these
practices you are encouraged to obtain a copy of one or more the many good sediment and erosion
control books available on the market. The following categories describe best management practice
options for reducing pollutants in stormwater discharges at active coal mines and for inactive mines.
4 Discharge Diversions. Discharge diversions provide the first line of defense in preventing the
contamination of discharges. Discharge diversions are temporary or permanent structures
installed to divert flow, store flow, or limit stormwater run-on and runoff.
Diversion structures have several objectives. First, they should be designed to prevent
otherwise uncontaminated (or less contaminated) water from crossing disturbed areas or areas
containing significant amounts of contaminated materials, reducing contact between run-on
and pollutants. These measures may be particularly effective for inactive coal mine sites by
directing flows away from potential contaminants. Second, diversion structures can be used to
collect or divert waters for later treatment, if necessary. Factors such as the size of the area to
be controlled and the type and nature of materials exposed and nature of precipitation events
limit the usefulness of these control measures.
Diversion dikes, curbs, and berms are temporary or permanent diversion structures that contain
or direct the flow of runoff. These structures may be used to surround and isolate areas of
concern, diverting flow around piles of overburden and storage areas, to minimize discharge
contact with pollutants and to limit the volume of contaminated water discharged from the
confined areas.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
Drainage/Stormwater Conveyance Systems. Drainage or stormwater conveyance systems can
provide either a temporary or a permanent management practice that functions to channel
water away from eroded or unstabilized areas without causing erosion. The use of drainage
systems as a permanent measure may be most appropriate in areas with extreme slopes,
areas subject to high velocity runoff, and other areas where the establishment of substantial
vegetation is infeasible or impractical. Some examples of drainage/stormwater conveyance
systems include:
- Lined channels or gutters
- Open top box culverts and waterbars
- Rolling dips and road sloping
- Roadway surface water deflectors
- Culverts
Runoff Dispersion. Drainage systems are most effective when used in conjunction with runoff
dispersion devices designed to slow the flow of water discharged from a site. These devices
also aid stormwater infiltration into the soil and flow attenuation. Some examples of velocity
dissipation devices include:
- Check dams
- Rock outlet protection
- Level spreaders
- Serrated slopes and benched slopes
- Contouring
- Drop structures
Sediment Control and Collection. Structural practices are used to control and collect sediment,
limiting or preventing its transportation offsite. Several methods of removing sediment from
site runoff involve methods previously discussed, supplemented by a trapping or storage
device. Structural practices such as straw bale dikes, silt fences, brush barriers or vegetated
areas can be used temporarily to filter or diffuse stormwater runoff.
Structural practices are typically low in cost; however, they require periodic maintenance
and removal of sediment to remain functional. As such, they may not be appropriate for
permanent use at inactive mines. These practices may be effectively used as temporary
measures along haul roads and access roads. Several examples of sediment control and
collection BMPs include:
- Geotextiles (plastic matting, plastic netting, erosion control blankets)
- Mulching (mulch-straw, wood chips)
- Gabions, riprap, and native rock retaining walls
- Biotechnical stabilization
- Vege ta ted b uffer strips
- Silt fence/filter fence
- Siltation berms
- Brush sediment barriers
- Sediment traps or catch basins
- Sediment/settling ponds
Vegetation Practices. Vegetation practices involve establishing a sustainable ground cover by
temporary or permanent seeding, mulching, sodding, and other such practices. A vegetative
cover reduces the potential for erosion of a site by: absorbing the kinetic energy of raindrops
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
which would otherwise impact soil; intercepting water so it can infiltrate into the ground
instead of running off and carrying contaminated discharges; and by slowing the velocity of
runoff to promote on-site deposition of sediment.
Typically, the costs of vegetative controls are low relative to other discharge mitigation
practices. Given the limited capacity to accept large volumes of runoff, and potential erosion
problems associated with large concentrated flows, vegetative controls should typically be used
in combination with other management practices.
Capping. Capping or sealing of waste materials is designed to prevent infiltration, as well as to
limit contact between discharges and potential sources of contamination. Ultimately, capping
should reduce or eliminate the presence of capped materials or byproducts (e.g. acid mine
drainage) in the discharges. Reducing infiltration also reduces the potential for seepage and
leachate generation.
In some cases, capping contaminant sources may be the most cost effective control measure for
some discharges from inactive coal facilities. Depending on the type of management practices
chosen the cost to eliminate the pollutant source may be very high. Once completed, however,
maintenance costs will range from low to nonexistent.
The use of capping depends on the level of control desired, the materials available, and cost
considerations. Many common materials may be effective including common soil, clay, and/or
synthetic liners. Generally, soil will provide appreciable control for the lowest cost. Synthetic
liners or clay may be appropriate to cover materials known to have a significant potential to
impact water quality.
Treatment. In some cases (e.g., low pH and/or high metals concentrations), sediment and
erosion controls BMPs may not be adequate to produce an acceptable quality of stormwater
discharge. Under those circumstances additional physical or chemical treatment systems may
be necessary to protect the receiving waters. Treatment focuses on reducing or removing
pollutants from a discharge as opposed to BMPs that emphasize keeping the water from
becoming contaminated. These practices are usually the most resource intensive as they often
entail significant construction costs and require monitoring and maintenance on a frequent
and regular basis.
The amount of maintenance required for treatment would depend on the method selected.
High maintenance treatment techniques require periodic manpower to operate and maintain
but may be lower in initial costs. Low maintenance cost techniques may have higher initial
capital costs but operate with little long-term maintenance after they are implemented.
An example of a high maintenance technology that is found at coal mining facilities is
chemical/physical treatment. The most common type of chemical/physical treatment involves
the addition of limestone to reduce the acidity of the discharge and/or remove metals. Metals
may be removed from stormwater by raising the pH of the stormwater to precipitate them out
as hydroxides. Typically, the pH of the wastewater must be raised to 9 to 12 standard units in
order to achieve the desired precipitation of metals. After metals precipitation, the addition
of some form of acid or carbon dioxide may be required to reduce the pH to acceptable
levels. Polymer addition may be required to enhance the settling characteristics of the metal
hydroxide precipitate and sludge generated in the process must be periodically removed from
the treatment unit. In general, this practice requires significant operator participation to
ensure proper neutralization and/or precipitation and thus may not be cost effective for most
stormwater discharges.
The use of artificial wetlands is another method of treating stormwater from inactive coal
mines. There has been extensive research on the use of artificial wetlands as a means of
mitigating acid mine drainage. They can be an effective system for improving water quality
either alone or in conjunction with other treatment practices. The complex hydrologic,
biological, physical, and chemical interactions that take place within a wetland result in a
natural reduction and cleansing of influent pollutants. Wetland processes are able to filter
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
sediments, and absorb and retain chemical and heavy metal pollutants through biological
degradation, transformation, and plant uptake.
Artificial wetlands are designed to maintain a permanent pool of water. Properly installed
and maintained retention structures (also known as wet ponds) and artificial wetlands will be
most cost-effective when used to control runoff from larger, intensively developed sites. These
artificial wetlands are created to provide treatment can also provide a wildlife habitat, and
may enhance recreation and landscape amenities.
The use of natural wetlands as part of the treatment system is inappropriate because many are
considered to be waters of the United States. Discharges to natural wetlands in this category
must meet the requirements of the permit at the outfall. Therefore, the necessary controls, or
BMPs, must be provided prior to discharging the stormwater runoff to natural wetlands or any
other receiving waters.
BMPs for Site Activities
The following four areas include those land disturbance areas at active and inactive coal mining
facilities that require the implementation of BMPs.
4 Haul Roads and Access Roads. Placement of haul roads or access roads should occur as far
as possible from natural drainage areas, lakes, ponds, wetlands or floodplains where soil
will naturally be less stable for heavy vehicle traffic. If a haul road must be constructed
near water, as little vegetation as possible should be removed from between the road and
the waterway, as vegetation is a useful buffer against erosion and is an efficient sediment
collection mechanism. The width and grade of haul or access roads should be minimal and
should be designed to match natural contours of the area. Construction of haul roads should
be supplemented by BMPs that divert runoff from road surfaces, minimize erosion, and direct
flow to appropriate channels for discharge to treatment areas. Existing haul roads and nearby
ditches, without BMPs, can be altered or modified to accommodate the construction of BMPs.
4 Equipment/Vehicle Fueling and Maintenance. Fueling and maintenance activities should be
conducted indoors or under cover on an impermeable surface. Berms, curbs, or similar means
should be used to ensure that stormwater runoff from other parts of the facility does not flow
over maintenance and fueling areas. Runoff from fueling and maintenance areas should be
collected and treated or recycled. Proper waste management and spill prevention and response
procedures should be implemented. Select good housekeeping procedures to minimize the
amount of contaminated runoff generated (e.g., use dry cleanup methods, use drip pans, and
drain parts of fluids before disposal). Conduct inspections of fueling areas to prevent problems
before they occur.
4 Surface Mines. BMPs can be used to control total suspended solids levels in runoff from
unvegetated areas. These can include sediment/settling ponds, check dams, silt fences, and
straw bale barriers.
4 Overburden and Raw Material Piles. Overburden and topsoil should be stabilized, recontoured
if necessary, and vegetated (even if only on a temporary basis). Surface waters and stormwater
should be diverted around the piles.
4 Reclamation Activities. When a coal seam is depleted and operations cease, a mine site must
be reclaimed according to appropriate state or federal standards. Closure activities typically
include restabilization of disturbed areas such as access or haul roads, pits, and sedimentation
ponds. Overburden and topsoil stockpiles may be used to fill in a pit. Recontouring and
revegetation should be performed to stabilize soils and prevent erosion.
All BMPs require regular maintenance to function as intended. Some management measures have
simple maintenance requirements, others are quite involved. You must regularly inspect all BMPs to
ensure they are operating properly, including during runoff events. As soon as a problem is found,
action to resolve it should be initiated immediately.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
Implement BMPs, such as those listed below in Table 2 for the control of pollutants at coal mines and
coal mining-related facilities, to minimize and prevent the discharge of pollutants in stormwater.
Identifying weaknesses in current facility practices will aid the permittee in determining appropriate
BMPs that will achieve a reduction in pollutant loadings. BMPs listed in Table 2 are broadly applicable
to coal mines and coal mining-related facilities; however, this is not a complete list and you are
recommended to consult with regulatory agencies or a stormwater engineer/consultant to identify
appropriate BMPs for your facility.
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Coal Mine and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
Activity
BMPs
Site preparation:
haul roads and
access roads
Construction of haul roads should be supplemented by BMPs that divert runoff from road
surfaces, minimize erosion, and direct flow to appropriate channels for discharge to treatment
areas:
- Install dikes, curbs, and berms for discharge diversions.
- Install conveyance systems such as channels, gutters, culverts, rolling dips and road sloping,
and roadway water deflectors.
- Install turnouts (i.e., extensions of roadside ditches) to direct stormwater into well stabilized
areas.
- Use check dams, rock outlet protection, level spreaders, stream alternation, and drop
structures for runoff dispersion.
Install gabions, riprap, native rock retaining walls, straw bale barriers, sediment traps/catch
basins, and vegetated buffer strips for sediment control and collection.
Keep as much vegetation as possible when building roads and seed as necessary.
Place as far as possible from natural drainage areas, lakes, ponds, wetlands, or floodplains.
Width and grade of roads should be as small as possible to meet regulatory requirements and
designed to match the natural contours of the area.
Frequently inspect all stabilization and structural erosion control measures and perform all
necessary maintenance and repairs.
Mineral extraction:
Pits/quarries or
underground mines
Install dikes, curbs, and berms for discharge diversions to control run-off and run-on.
Install conveyance systems such as channels and gutters to control run-off and run-on.
Use serrated slopes, benched slopes, contouring, and stream alteration to avoid discharge
from, a pit.
Install sediment ponds, check dams, straw bale barrier, and siltation berms.
Keep as much vegetation as possible when excavating and seed as necessary to minimize the
amount of exposed soils.
Mineral extraction
and processing:
Overburden, waste
rock, and raw
material piles
Overburden, topsoil, raw material, intermediate and final product stockpiles should be located
away from surface waters and other sources of run-on, as well as geologically unstable areas.
Install dikes, curbs, and berms for discharge diversions to control run-off and run-on.
Install conveyance systems such as channels and gutters to control run-off and run-on.
Use serrated slopes, benched slopes, contouring, and stream alteration around piles for runoff
dispersion.
Install plastic matting and netting, erosion control blankets, mulch straw, and/or compaction to
control erosion.
Stabilize and recontour piles as necessary.
Vegetate as many piles as possible, even if temporary (involves topsoiling, seedbed
preparation, and/or seeding).
Install sediment/settling ponds, silt fences, and siltation berms to control sediment transport.
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Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Coal Mine and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
(continued)
Activity
BMPs
Reclamation
FJ Install dikes, curbs, and berms for discharge diversions.
FJ Install conveyance systems such as channels and gutters.
FJ Use check dams, rock outlet protection, level spreaders, stream alternation, drop structures,
serrated slopes, benched slopes, contouring, and stream alteration for runoff dispersion.
Q Install gabions, riprap, native rock retaining walls, straw bale barriers, sediment traps/catch
basins, biotechnical stabilization, silt fences, siltation berms, brush sediment barriers and
vegetated buffer strips for sediment control and collection.
FJ Recontouring and vegetation should be performed to stabilize soils and prevent erosion in
mined out portions or inactive areas of the site as active mining moves to new areas (includes
topsoiling, seedbed preparation, and seeding).
FJ If a quarry is being converted into a reservoir or recreational area, disturbed areas above the
quarry rim must still be reclaimed.
Q Use containment (capping, plugging, and grouting).
Q Use overburden and topsoil stockpiles to fill in a pit/quarry (when practical).
Fueling activities
Conduct fueling operations (including the transfer of fuel from tank trucks) on an impervious
or contained pad or under a roof or canopy where possible. Covering should extend beyond
spill containment pad to prevent rain from entering.
When fueling in uncovered area, use a concrete pad (not asphalt which is not chemically
resistant to the fuels being handled).
Use drip pans where leaks or spills of fuel can occur and where making and breaking hose
connections.
Use fueling hoses with check valves to prevent hose drainage after filling.
Keep spill cleanup material readily available. Clean up spills and leaks immediately.
Minimize/eliminate run-on onto fueling areas with diversion dikes, berms, curbing, surface
grading or other equivalent measures.
FJ Collect stormwater runoff and provide treatment or recycling.
Q Use dry cleanup methods for fuel area rather than hosing the fuel area down. Follow
established practices for sweeping up absorbents as soon as spilled substances have been
absorbed.
Q Perform preventive maintenance on storage tanks to detect potential leaks before they occur.
Q Inspect the fueling area to detect and correct potential problems, including routine
maintenance on equipment.
FJ Train personnel on fueling procedures established in the SWPPP.
FJ Provide curbing or posts around fuel pumps to prevent collisions during vehicle ingress and
egress.
FJ Discourage "topping off" of fuel tanks.
Equipment/vehicle
maintenance
Good Housekeeping
Q Eliminate floor drains that are connected to the storm or sanitary sewer; if necessary, install
a sump that is pumped regularly. Collected wastes should be pumped to a wastewater
treatment system or removed from the site by a licensed waste hauler.
Use drip plans, drain boards, and drying racks to direct drips back into a fluid holding tank for
reuse.
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Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Coal Mine and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
(continued)
Activity
BMPs
Equipment/vehicle
maintenance
(continued)
Good Housekeeping (continued)
Q Drain all parts of fluids prior to disposal. Oil filters can be crushed and recycled. Promptly
transfer used fluids to the appropriate waste container(s); do not leave full drip pans or other
open containers around the shop. Empty and clean drip pans and containers.
FJ Dispose of greasy rags, oil filters, air filters, batteries, spent coolant, and degreasers properly.
FJ Store batteries and other significant materials inside.
FJ Label and track the recycling of waste material (e.g., used oil, spent solvents, batteries).
Q Maintain an organized inventory of materials.
Q Eliminate or reduce the amount of hazardous materials used and amount of waste by
substituting nonhazardous or less hazardous materials.
Q Clean up leaks, drips, and other spills without using large amounts of water.
Q Prohibit the practice of hosing down an area where the practice would result in the exposure
of pollutants to stormwater.
FJ Clean without using liquid cleaners whenever possible.
FJ Do all cleaning at a centralized station so the solvents stay in one area.
FJ If parts are dipped in liquid, remove them slowly to avoid spills.
FJ Do not pour liquid waste down floor drains, sinks, outdoor storm drain inlets, or other storm
drains and/or sewer connections.
Minimizing Exposure
Q Perform all cleaning operations indoors or under covering when possible. Conduct the
cleaning operations in an area with a concrete floor with no floor drainage other than to
sanitary sewers or treatment facilities.
FJ If operations are uncovered, perform them on a concrete pad that is impervious and
contained.
FJ Park vehicles and equipment indoors or under a roof whenever possible where proper control
of oil leaks/spills is maintained and exposure to stormwater is prevented.
Q Watch vehicles closely for leaks and use pans to collect fluid when leaks occur.
Management of Runoff
Q Use berms, curbs, or other diversion measures to ensure that stormwater runoff from other
parts of the facility does not flow over the maintenance area.
FJ Collect the stormwater runoff from the cleaning area and provide treatment or recycle runoff.
Discharge vehicle wash or rinse water to the sanitary sewer (if allowed by sewer authority),
wastewater treatment, a land application site, or recycled on-site. DO NOT discharge
washwater to a storm drain or to surface water.
Inspections and Training
FJ Inspect the maintenance area regularly for proper implementation of control measures.
Q Train employees on waste control and disposal procedures identified in the SWPPP.
What if activities and materials at my facility are not exposed to
precipitation?
The industrial stormwater program requires permit coverage for a number of specified types of
industrial activities. However, when a facility is able to prevent the exposure of ALL relevant activities
and materials to precipitation, it may be eligible to claim no exposure and qualify for a waiver from
permit coverage.
EPA-833-F-06-023
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector H: Coal Mines and Coal Mining-Related Facilities
If you are regulated under the industrial permitting program, you must either obtain permit coverage
or submit a no exposure certification form, if available. Check with your permitting authority for
additional information as not every permitting authority program provides no exposure exemptions.
Where do I get more information?
For additional information on the industrial stormwater program see
www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/msgp.
A list of names and telephone numbers for each EPA Region or state NPDES permitting authority can
be found at www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatercontacts.
References
Information contained in this Fact Sheet was compiled from EPA's past and current Multi-Sector
General Permits and from the following sources:
4 Anne Jones-Lee and G. Fred Lee with G. Fred Lee & Associates. "Appropriate Use of MSW Leachate
Recycling in Municipal Solid Waste Landfilling."
www.gfredlee.com/leachatepapsli.pdf
4 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division. "Guidance
Document: Coal Mining. Preparing a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)."
www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/PermitsUnit/lndustrial/850000CoalMiningAppGuide.pdf
4 Idaho Department of Lands. 1992. "Best Management Practices for Mining in Idaho."
4 Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.1990."Performance of Current Sediment
Control Measures at Maryland Construction Sites."
4 North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, Division of Forest Resources.
"Erosion Control Structures."
www.dfr.state.nc.us/water_quality/wq_erosioncontrol.htm
4 U.S. EPA. 1992. Stormwater Management for Industrial Activities: Developing Pollution Prevention
Plans and Best Management Practices. EPA 832-R-92-006.
www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater
4 U.S. EPA. 1997. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Soils Treatment Technologies.
EPA530-R-97-007.
www.epa.gov/correctiveaction/resource/guidance/rem_eval/bmpfin.pdf
4 U.S. EPA. March 2000. Effluent Guidelines: Proposal Coal Mining Best Management Practices
Guidance Manual. EPA-821-R-00-007.
www.epa.gov/ostwater/guide/coal/manual/
4 U.S. EPA Office of Science and Technology. 1999. Preliminary Data Summary of Urban Stormwater
Best Management Practices. EPA-821-R-99-012.
www.epa.gov/OST/stormwater/
4 U.S. EPA, Office of Wastewater Management. NPDES Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit for
Industrial Activities (MSGP).
www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/msgp
4 Weist, Richard L. 1998. A Landowner's Guide to Building Forest Access Roads: Road Construction.
Prepared for USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry. NA-TP-06-98.
www.na.fs.fed.us/SPFO/pubs/stewardship/accessroads/construction.htm
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