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<br />t <br />III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made <br />during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the <br />inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />PCC-05 and PCC-04 <br />These were the first sites inspected. Access to Site 05 is via a <br />1/2 mile road segment which extends to the southwest from the <br />Cottonwood Creek Road in the NE/4 Sec. 12. <br />The 12 foot wide roadbed was left in place, however large boulders <br />were placed along the lower segment to deter vehicular access. The <br />roadbed, cuts and fills are in most areas stabilized by native <br />vegetation (apparently volunteer) with no significant erosion <br />apparent. This road segment is denoted as an "existing road" on <br />Exhibit SL-07-021. The reclamation plan associated with TR-04, <br />included in the permit application indicates that "all temporary <br />roads, including existing access to PCC-O1 and PCC-O5 shall be <br />obliterated and each road shall be ripped, seeded, mulched, <br />fertilized and permanently reclaimed to a point where existing <br />access is provided." However, a 10/25/85 BLM letter on file at the <br />mine office directed the operator to seed and install water bars on <br />the road between Cottonwogd Creek and PCC-05. It is unclear <br />whether the seeding and water bar installation was meant to <br />constitute final reclamation, or merely interim stabilization. BLM <br />may be able to provide clarification. The road has not been graded <br />to original contour, or "obliterated", and it would appear that <br />further reclamation is warranted. <br />Drill Site 05 is located in an ephemeral drainage tributary to <br />Cottonwood Creek. Grading and revegetation appears satisfactory, <br />with no remaining evidence of drilling activity. There has been <br />recent sediment deposition within the immediate vicinity of the <br />drill site and headcut erosion a short distance downstream. The <br />erosion is likely a result of a forest fire which occurred last <br />summer on steep slopes higher in the watershed. <br />The road segment between Site 05 and Site 04 had been completely <br />eliminated, and an excellent vegetation cover established. Site 04 <br />reclamation likewise looked very good, with the site graded to <br />blend with adjacent slopes, and an effective cover of wheatgrasses, <br />needle and thread, and palmer penstemon has been established. <br />PCC-10, 09, 06, 07 and 08 <br />The vehicle was parked at a larg <br />point where a powerline crossed <br />the sites were accessed by foot <br />e berm built across the road at the <br />the road in the NW/4 Sec. 24, and <br />from that point. <br />