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Source: https://www.epa.gov/eg/mineral-mining-and-processing-effluent-guidelines

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Mineral Mining and Processing Effluent Guidelines

Photo of a crushed stone, sand and gravel plant The EPA promulgated the Mineral Mining and Processing Effluent Guidelines and Standards (40 CFR Part 436Exit EPA’s website) in 1975, and amended the regulation in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. The regulation covers wastewater discharges from mine drainage, mineral processing operations, and stormwater runoff. The Mineral Mining regulatory requirements are incorporated into NPDES permits. On this page: * What is Mineral Mining? * Facilities Covered * Rulemaking History * Additional Information

What is Mineral Mining?

Related Information * NPDES policy documents for mining facilities * Stormwater fact sheet (Sector J—Mineral Mining & Processing Facilities)

Mine operators extract minerals from underground mines, surface mines and quarries using machinery and explosives. Some extraction processes, such as stone quarries, may use large quantities of water. After extraction, many types of raw minerals are then subject to processes such as crushing, milling, washing, and chemical treatments. Wastewater is generated during mineral processing (e.g., stone cutting, wash water, scrubber water), from equipment cooling, from mine dewatering, and from stormwater runoff at mines and processing plants. Note: Hard rock mining of metals (ores) is covered in the Ore Mining Effluent Guidelines, 40 CFR Part 440Exit EPA’s website.

Facilities Covered

The Mineral Mining and Processing effluent guidelines apply to wastewater discharges from facilities in 21 subcategories covering extraction of a wide variety of minerals. Examples, with their corresponding NAICS codes, are as follows: * construction materials (e.g., stone, gypsum, asphalt, sand & gravel); NAICS 21231, 212319, 212321, 212399. * minerals used in the chemical & fertilizer industries (e.g., borax, potash, magnesium, phosphate); NAICS 212391, 212325, 212392. * miscellaneous minerals (e.g., barite, bentonite, graphite); NAICS 212393, 212325, 212399.

Note: the NAICS group listing is provided as a guide and does not define the coverage of the Mineral Mining regulations. For a complete list of mining processes and precise definitions of coverage, see the applicability sections in 40 CFR Part 436Exit EPA’s website.

Subcategories

Dimension Stone (Subpart A), Lightweight Aggregates (Subpart H), Mica and Sericite (Subpart I), Trona (Subpart P), Rock Salt (Subpart Q), Mineral Pigments (Subpart T), Lithium (Subpart U), Fire Clay (Subpart AA), Attapulgite and Montmorillonite (Subpart AB), Kyanite (Subpart AC), Shale and Common Clay (Subpart AD), Aplite (Subpart AE), Kaolin (Subpart AG), Ball Clay (Subpart AH), Feldspar (Subpart AI), Talc, Steatite, Soapstone, and Pyrophyllite (Subpart AJ), and Garnet (Subpart AK) are reserved.

Rulemaking History

1979 Amendment

Revocations of selected BPT provisions, pursuant to litigation: Subparts B, C * Documents, including: * Final Rule (December 28, 1979) * Development Document
This publication includes technical documentation for the 1979, 1976 and 1975 final rules, and the basis for draft limitations in additional subcategories. It describes industry processes, subcategories, pollutants generated, available control and treatment technologies, the technical basis for the rules, and costs of the rules.

1978 Amendment

Established NSPS requirements: Subpart R * Documents, including: * Final Rule (March 10, 1978)(BAT & PSNS proposals withdrawn) * Proposed Rule (June 10, 1976)(BAT, PSNS & NSPS)

1977 Amendment

Revised BPT requirements: Subparts B, C, D, R * Final Rule (July 12, 1977)

1976 Amendment

Established BPT requirements: Subparts B, C, D, R * Documents, including: * Interim Final Rule (June 10, 1976) * Development Document

1975 Initial Rulemaking

Established BPT requirements: Subparts E, F, G, J, K, L, M, N, O, S, V, W, X, Y, Z, AF, AL * Documents, including: * Interim Final Rule (October 16, 1975) * Development Document

Additional Information

For additional information regarding the Mineral Mining and Processing Effluent Guidelines, please contact Steve Whitlock (whitlock.steve@epa.gov) or 202-566-1541.

Effluent Guidelines

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