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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. This was the 2nd quarter complete inspection of the Roadside Portals Mine, conducted by Dan Mathews of the DMG Grand Junction Office. The inspection was conducted over the course of three days; June 26, June 30, and July 2. Matt Trotter was present during the inspection on June 26 and June 30, and Larry Reschke was present during the inspection on June 26 and July 2. weather was clear and warm, and ground conditions were dry throughout the inspection period. Exploration On June 26, 11 exploration sites and associated roads which had been approved under technical or minor revisions in 1984 and 1985 were inspected. The sites were all within the permit area, although several were quite remote and reaching them required extensive hiking over steep terrain. Records indicate the drill holes were plugged, and approximately 7 acres of drill pads and temporary roads were reclaimed in the fall of 1985. The operator has indicated an intent to seek final bond release for the sites, and the inspection was conducted to observe the degree and success of reclamation of the drill pads and roads. Although the sites are within the permit area, the Division has preliminarily determined that bond release for exploration sites within underground mine permit areas can be processed under the rules which apply to exploration notices of intent, and the operator has indicated an interest in pursuing that course of action. When the policy is finalized, the operator will be provided with guidance regarding the procedural steps which will be necessary to obtain bond release under the rules applicable to exploration notices. The sites and associated roads are depicted on permit Exhibit SL- 07-021, "General Location Map, 1985 Exploration•Plan, Proposed Drill Hole Location & Road Construction". The map depicts the 11 drill sites, as well as associated roads, denoted as either "existing", "reclaimed in October 1985", or "to be reclaimed October, 1988". The drill pads appeared to be adequately reclaimed. Records indicate that the holes were plugged and abandoned in accordance with the approved plan, although all of the sealed holes had apparently been covered over during the course of reclamation and could not be located. The extent of road reclamation is somewhat variable, and it would appear that additional reclamation will be required for certain road segments. The operator may need to do further records research and consult with BLM (surface landowner) to resolve certain questions regarding road reclamation requirements. Specific description of the observed drill sites and roads follows.