2020-10-13_REVISION - M2017035 - Laserfiche WebLink

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This is Phase Two- which consists of 2 Proposed Project areas 2)Siberia Project Area: This project area is focused primarily around the sealed, preexisting Siberia Portal. It is our intention to reopen this portal, stabilized the existing 25 feet of workings, and continue operations underground with only MSHA part 48 certified staff. BLM has insisted that minimal change occur outside of the portalM There will be no dirt/rock storage or piles as ALL material removed from the Siberia Portal will be taken off-site for sorting and processing. A small 15 foot x 20 foot support area will be utilized around the portal grate. Access will be via a 300 foot long preexisting trail from the established parking area/BLM traiihead. Reclamation-in-process will be used along this trail by seeding trail edges to establish a seed bank so native grasses will overtake the trail when usage drops. Siberia Project Proposed Area Usage:0.05 acres,which break down to... Area of Disturbance=0.02 (portal and preexisting disturbance) Support Area =0.01 Existing Access trails=0.02 To ensure public safety and to protect reclaimed areas,warning signs will be posted throughout the Project Area. The New Project site utilizes a steel gate to protect the portal to the adit. This grate will always remain locked unless there is a MSHA certified employee present. Only MSHA certified staff will have a key and are the only staff allowed to work in the project area. Miners Mall will dismantle warning signs upon completion of the Project and successful reclamation. A night watchman may be employed during critical periods of Phase 2, when key mineral resources are exposed. Trail/game cameras will be emplaced to maintain security at the mine and increase ability to identify trespassers/thieves/poachers. In addition, wildlife is known to live in the area, and sightings of animals will be logged and reported quarterly to the BLM, DRMS, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Fish and Wildlife Service as required. Additionally—there will be a 120 foot long-3 wire fence erected adjacent to the Siberia Project Area. This is to address public safety and to cut down on "willful ignorance" of the claim boundaries and signs. This fence based on a 1 foot wide disturbance will add 0.01 acres to the permit. The Humming Bird Mine is one of several well-known historic mines in this part of Unaweep Canyon and has been used as a mineral collection locality for decades.The location is very popular and is described in numerous "rock hound" publications and on websites. Mineral trespass, mineral poaching, and removal/destruction of claim markers has already occurred in numerous instances over the past five years. Thus,occupancy for security and safety reasons is justified for emplacement of fencing, signage, cameras, and potentially overnight security personnel. Miners Mall intends not to change anything outside of the portal and to keep as it has been un-noticed for many years. However, if Miners Mall,the BLM, or DRMS feels the need to change any of the surface features for safety or visual impact; we can address that as need arises.