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PERMIT #: M-1992-051 <br />INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: TC1 <br />INSPECTION DATE: August 6, 2014 <br /> <br /> <br />Page 2 of 7 <br /> <br />OBSERVATIONS <br /> <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the regular monitoring program. The Operator (Florence Sand & <br />Gravel) was represented by Mr. Tim Rocchio who was present for the inspection. <br /> <br />The Florence Sand & Gravel Pit site entrance is located approximately one quarter mile south of the S. Union St <br />railroad crossing in Florence. This is a 112c sand and gravel mine. <br /> <br />Inspection: <br />Markers & Boundary – A permit sign was displayed at the site entrance (see Photo 1). Fences mark the boundary <br />on the north, east and west sides of the permitted area. A gravel road marks the south edge of the permit area . <br /> <br />Mining Plan – Highwalls were observed to be 15 to 25 feet in height. Most highwalls appeared to be at the <br />required 2H:1V slope (see Photo 2). However, some highwalls were near vertical (see Photo 3). The Operator <br />must adjust the mining practices such that highwalls are no steeper than 2H:1V in order to avoid a surety <br />increase related to flattening highwalls for reclamation. Mr. Rocchio explained that if groundwater is <br />encountered during mining, excavation is halted, and the area backfilled to avoid groundwater exposure. <br />Google Earth satellite imagery (see Figure 1) from approximately one year before the inspection suggests slightly <br />less than 38 acres have been disturbed. It should be noted that the approved maximum disturbed area at any <br />one time is 35 acres. However, slightly more than 5.5 acres appear to be graded (see Photos 4 and 5), with the <br />exception of the screen plant and some small material stockpiles, in accordance with the approved reclamation <br />plan. If the Operator wishes to consider releasing about half of the 5.63 acres identified on Figure 1, then the <br />total disturbance would be under the 35-acre maximum allowed. A formal acreage reduction request must be <br />submitted to the Division for consideration of any area release. It should be noted that the release of any area <br />would prohibit future mining activities on that area. As the post mine land use is industrial, any released area <br />would be required to allow any non-mining related industrial development. <br /> <br />Reclamation – Mr. Rocchio indicated they were starting to backfill the northeast corner of the mined pits. We <br />discussed possibly knocking down the old highwalls in the southwest portion of the site and possibly seeding <br />those slopes to reduce erosion potential. The approved reclamation plan may require some clarification. Please <br />see the discussion below under “Records”. <br /> <br />Environmental – No problems with erosion/sedimentation were observed. Some tamarisk and 2 russian olive <br />trees were observed. The amount of tamarisk and Russian olive trees was determined not to be significant <br />enough to be cited as a problem, but this inspector recommended the County extension Agent should be <br />consulted as to the best methods for treating the tamarisk and Russian olive trees. <br /> <br />Records: <br /> Revisions: Conversion (CN-01) was approved in 1997 to incorporate the Carestia Pit (M-1981-036); <br />Succession of Operator permit transfer 1 (SO-01) was approved in 2006. <br /> Commitments/Stipulations: No open commitments or stipulations <br /> Other Records <br />a) The total permitted area is 77.4 acres, with a maximum allowed disturbed area (at one time) of 35 <br />acres. The Division’s disturbed area estimate is 37.7 acres and is cited as a problem on page 1 of <br />this report. By the Corrective Action Due Date, the Operator must submit one of the following: