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r - <br />Ms. Kelly Morgan <br />August 4, 2015 <br />Page 2 <br />irrigation water and collection of the sample required changing the flow of water, we do not believe that it <br />is a representative sample of the discharge regulated by the permit in accordance with Part 1.E.3 of the <br />permit. See also permit Certification (regulated discharge is "from storm and pit dewatering," not <br />irrigation water). <br />Tri-State further reported that no water has been discharged from Outfall 001 in association with <br />any mining activities. Part 1.B.2 of the permit identifies the source of the TSS limit as the Federal <br />Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) for discharges of "Alkaline Drainage, Coal Preparation Plants and <br />Coal Preparation Plant Associated Areas and Western Alkaline Coal Mining" related waste streams. As <br />the water sampled did not come into contact with any of these industrial activities, the permit does not <br />regulate the release of this water and ELG limits should not apply. <br />In an effort to prevent recurrence of this type of event, the facility is cutting the irrigation pipe <br />relief valve and re-routing the water so that it will flow through roadside ditches. Pending receipt of some <br />specialized parts (anticipate delivery this week) and installation, modifications to the irrigation pipe <br />should be complete and there will be no further releases of irrigation (non -industrial) water that flow <br />at/across Outfall 001 shortly. <br />Based on the fact that the facility has no control over the water quality of the San Miguel River <br />that is the source water for the irrigation pipe and no reasonable control of access to the control valve, we <br />are reporting the July 2015 sample results as an Upset Condition. Tri-State has identified the cause of the <br />upset condition and responded to prevent future recurrence. Tri-State will also be reporting on the <br />quarterly DMR that the flow was not a discharge regulated by the permit and that the sample taken of this <br />flow was not a representative sample of a regulated discharge. Therefore, ELG limitations do not apply <br />and this sample result does not constitute a violation of the permit. <br />If you have any questions about this notification, please contact Darlene Crosby at 303-254-3055 <br />(dcrosby@tristategt.org) or Chantell Johnson at 303-254-3185 (cjohnsongtristategt.org). <br />Sincerely, <br />Barbara A. Walz <br />Senior Vice President <br />Policy and Compliance <br />Chief Compliance Officer <br />BAW:DC <br />cc: Tom Fry (hard copy and email) <br />Chantell Johnson (via email) <br />Darlene Crosby (via email) <br />AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER <br />A Touchstone Energy Cooperative <br />