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• (Page 2) • MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # INSPECTION DATE 8112198 INSPECTOR'S INn'IALS ]~iR~E OBSERVATIONS This inspection occurred in response to written citizen complaints, regarding the installation of a mine entrance gate. DMG received the following three written complaints: Complaint #1 - received on 7/14/98, dated 7/13/98, from Friends of South Montezuma Valley, Inc., Susan Campbell Bell, Secretary/Treasurer, stating that the operator had constructed a limited access gate on BLM property and indicating that the gate was installed at such a location as to limit public access to public lands and be in violation of the BLM stipulation to the DMG permit. Complaint #2 - received on 7/20/98, dated 7/17/98, from Susie Campbell Bell, stating that she had not received DMG response to her 7/13/98 complaint, and that the operator had fenced an area around the gate, and that the operator had not commenced road maintenance activities for the access road. The complaint from Ms. Campbell Bell, dated 7117/98, indicated that the gate and fence may interfere with Cortez Fire Department access, for monitoring local lighting strikes. Ms. Campbell Bell's 7/17/98 complaint also indicated that she believed a violation of the permit had occurred. Complaint #3 - received on 7/21/98, dated 7/19/98, from The Friends of South Montezuma Valley, Inc., Susie Campbell Bell, Secretary/Treasurer, and Betty Morris, President, and Lynda Emerson, Vice President, informing DMG and BLM that the operator had double padlocked the gate, which had been installed across the access road, on BLM ground. BLM response to the complaint was received on 7/27/98. BLM response indicated that the referenced gate and fence provided public safety and equipment security, but did not limit public access to public lands and did not limit fire attack capabilities for BLM or Montezuma County. BLM response did not indicate a conflict with the operator not immediately commencing road maintenance activities for the access road. DMG responded to the complaint with an on-site inspection, which was conducted within the standard thirty (30) day response policy. DMG inspector did not observe any problems or possible violations of the Act and Regulations or of permit conditions. Operations were active during the time of this inspection. Signs & Markers -Mine identification sign was posted at the mine entrance. Affected area perimeter markers were observed. Public access to active portions of the permit area was controlled by locked gate, gate was open. Short runs of three strand wire fence had been constructed on both sides of the gate to discourage vehicles from circumventing the gate. Mine access road was well maintained.