2016-06-14_INSPECTION - M2016010

Home Browse Search

PERMIT #: M-2016-010 INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: AME INSPECTION DATE: April 12, 2016 Page 3 of 14 areas inspected (both disturbed and undisturbed), especially in Little Turkey Creek canyon. Because these species are both state-listed noxious weeds, the applicant should continue to monitor their growth and spread in the affected lands. Per Rule 3.1.10(6), methods of weed control shall be employed for all prohibited noxious weed species, and whenever invasion of a reclaimed area by other weed species seriously threatens the continued development of the desired vegetation. In most of the proposed mining area, the ground visibility is compromised due to rugged terrain and dense vegetation. Currently, the site is best viewed from higher ground. The Division had a good overlook view of the proposed mining area from the Borehole B1 drill pad located on the south-facing side of the ridge in the northwestern portion of the proposed permit area (Figure 2). From this point of view, the Division was able to observe the valley location proposed for storing crusher fines and overburden (Photo 11), the valley location proposed for storing salvaged topsoil (Photo 12), and the proposed plant facility location (Photo 13). The Division was also able to observe portions of the proposed North Pit area (Photos 14 and 15). A portion of Little Turkey Creek Road not concealed by tree cover was visible from this location (Photo 16). The Division was unable to observe the North Pit Extension or Deadman Creek area from this location. The applicant proposes six mining phases, and a total of three excavated pits, the North Pit, the North Pit Extension, and the South Pit (Figure 3). Drilling and blasting will begin at the top of the quarry and proceed downward in benches to remove competent granite in accordance with the bench design proposed in the geotechnical analysis. Explosives will be stored off site. This will be a dry operation with no exposure of groundwater anticipated. During the first mining phase, the operation will begin opening up the North Pit, located north of Little Turkey Creek and south of Deadman Creek. The operation will continue mining the North Pit through mining phase four. During mining phase four, the operation will also move into the North Pit Extension, located north of Deadman Creek. During the first four mining phases, crusher fines will be stored in the southwestern valley, and salvaged topsoil will be stored in the valley just east of this valley. A portion of the North Pit highwall will be reclaimed during this time. During mining phase five, the operation will begin opening up the South Pit, located south of Little Turkey Creek. During this time, the North Pit Extension will be backfilled, and the remainder of the fines/overburden stockpile will be reclaimed. During mining phase six, the operation will use crusher fines from the South Pit to backfill the eastern portion of the North Pit. Additionally, the North Pit Extension, the Deadman Creek crossing area, the western portion of the North Pit, and the western portion of the South Pit will/ be reclaimed at this time. All disturbed areas, including the pits, stockpiling and processing areas, creek crossing areas, haul roads, and the main access road will be reclaimed post-mining (Figure 4). The applicant proposes three revegetation plans for the site (Figure 5), one for the pit areas (Douglas Fir/Lodgepole Pine forest), one for the main access road (Gambel Oak/Mountain Mahogany), and one for the riparian crossing areas (a mix of deciduous species). In addition, all reclaimed areas will be revegetated with native grasses. All buildings and structures constructed by the operation will be demolished and removed for final reclamation. The permit application submitted states that the only permanent man-made structures present inside of or within 200 feet of the proposed affected land are the utility lines along Hwy 115, which are near the proposed access road. However, there are existing roads present inside the proposed affected land, including Hitch Rack Ranch Road, Little Turkey Creek Road, and the road that follows Deadman Creek. The Division also observed concrete culverts constructed across Little Turkey Creek Road (Photo 17). If these structures are not owned by the applicant, structure agreements will need to be obtained and submitted to the Division before a decision can be made on the application. Where such an agreement cannot be reached, per Rule 6.4.19(b), the applicant shall provide an appropriate engineering evaluation that demonstrates that such structure shall not be damaged by activities occurring at the mining operation. Rule 1.1(48) describes a significant, valuable, and permanent man- made structure as a non-portable improvement to real property which has defined, current and recognizable value of an economic nature; generally including but not limited to: buildings, houses, barns, fences, above or