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• (Page 21 • <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-2001-063 <br />INSPECTION DATE 10/2/01 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This was the second pre-operation inspection performed by the Division, as part of the Division's review of the 11012) <br />application for this site. The operator named on page one was present during the inspection. Although some of the <br />adequacy review questions were discussed during the inspection, this report will primarily deal with observations and leave <br />the adequacy review to be handled in a separate letter. <br />The operator hand-delivered two maps to this inspector at the time of the inspection. These maps showed the layout of <br />the site much more realistically, due to a more careful survey, and a slightly different proposed permitted area boundary. <br />The area now proposed is still located immediately above the confluence of Henson and Red Cloud Creeks on much the <br />same area, including gently to steeply sloping land. Much of the steeper lands still included in the affected area are not <br />going to be disturbed by any mining-related activity (such as the northern end of the mill site and the area south of the <br />portall. The newer configuration of the roads, streams, and areas of operation was made possible by the accurate location <br />and correct identification of the old claim corners. <br />The new maps of the site depict the correct alignment of the access road and streams. It is now clear where the crossings <br />will be and that culverts or other type of crossing structures will be needed. One of the main crossings on Red Cloud Creek <br />is immediately upstream of a water quality sampling point. Sample results will be skewed if a galvanized steel or steel <br />culvert is installed here; heavy plastic (poly or PVC) pipe should be used instead. <br />This sample point mentioned above is a new, fifth location recommended by DMG staff, in addition to the other four <br />previously sampled. It was agreed to be established at the point where Red Cloud Creek crosses the eastern claim line of <br />the mill site. That will be downstream a short distance of all activity in the permit area. Red Cloud Creek was flowing, <br />but the portal was dry. <br />There are two portals to underground workings: the upper one (called "discovery tunnel" on the maps) is on the lode site <br />but is relatively inaccessible and will not be used. The lower one is on BLM-managed land, which is now depicted on the <br />new maps as within the area to be affected under this operation. This lower portal contains the pre-existing dump which <br />will be enlarged as the operation progresses. Prior to any additional land to be occupied by the dump, all available <br />topsoilmust be salvaged for later use in reclamation. Please ensure that topsoil is not stored where runoff can impound <br />behind it or erode it, or where onsite activities can degrade it. <br />The proposed ore pile area is totally different now. The formerly proposed area is nearly all to be deleted from the permitted <br />area now. The current one put forward on the new maps is located below the portal and dump a short distance, but not <br />as far downslope as the existing meadow. Some earthwork will be necessary to prepare the ore pad area, including <br />upstream drainage control (diversion) to protect the pad area from run-on from above, adequate berming or ditching to <br />direct all pad runoff to the sediment ponds, and some levelling of the pad area itself. The pad liner material was discussed, <br />being described by the operator as the woven plastic fabric often used in road construction. That product is porous, and <br />might not be suitable for this use. A coated fabric that is less porous is better, but there are still questions about the ore <br />storage which must be answered. Prior to placement of any liner or ore, all available topsoil must be salvaged for later use <br />in reclamation. <br />The sediment ponds were located. Several small depressions along the east side of the road which leads to the portal will <br />be used. There are four potential pond areas shown on the map, though they are not yet ponds. Initially the ponds will <br />have to be deepened and fill material placed so that they will impound with some capacity. The uppermost pond is located <br />such that it does not receive any runoff from affected areas except from some of the portal road; most of its drainage area <br />is undisturbed uphill areas and an abandoned road leading northwest off the site. It could receive substantial runoff volume, <br />and should be designed with a riprapped outlet and discharge channel, or serious impoundment breaching and downcutting <br />of the road will occur. The other three ponds could be designed to act in a series. Routing the discharge from the <br />uppermost of these three ponds to the next, etc., will not so critically require riprap, though it wouldn't hurt. Runoff to <br />these three lower ponds will be from the ore pad, dump, portal and short road section. Some of it will require a small <br />culvert under the road. The runoff these ponds receive might not actually ever leave the ponds as surface water, but could <br />potentially all percolate. <br />The site is accessed from an old, neglected or abandoned road close to the toe of the talus in the valley. It will be passable <br />by vehicle after moving some of the rocks and willow brush off the roadway, and possibly placement of gravel on portions <br />of it. These activities are covered in detail in the operator's access lease with BLM, and possibly bonded separately also. <br />