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(Page 2) MZNE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-92-017 INSPECTION DATE 7-23-98 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS This wa:~ a pre-operational inspection of the expansion area proposed for this site in the conversion no. 1 application. This inspection also serves to verify that required corrective actions, for problems found during the last site in,apection, have been completed or are being completed. Problem Correction Follow-up This inspection verified that the topsoil pile is being regraded so that the slopes are near a 3:1 grade. The stockpile will then be seeded to provide erosion and weed control through revegetation. The regrading process will need to be completed by mid-October so the stockpile can be seeded prior to ground freeze. The operator has addressed problems with spill containment and sediment control by placing all hazardous materials in newly constructed bermed containment structures. These new structures were constructed on the Nucla Pit site where the operator has relocated the asphalt batch plant, at the request of the BLM who did not approve of the plant being located on their property at the BLM/West End Pit. Sediment control is now completely contained by a berm that was constructed along the crest of the slope, between the BLM\West End Pit and the Nucla Pit, where these two pits daylight into the drainage to the south. Additional permit boundary markers were in place and adequate to delineate the current permit boundary. The operator has submitted an application for conversion of the BLM/West End Pit to a 112 regular operation. The conversion application will also incorporate the Nucla Pit into that permit. Proposed Expansion Area Pre-operational Inspection The proposed expansion area for Conversion no. 1 appears to be a high and dry site with little topographic relief. The expansion area does take in some south facing out slopes, but these area are not included in the proposed affected area. The proposed stormwater control berm that will follow the crest of these slopes should prevent any problems with erosion from occurring. There is a weather monitoring station located within the permit area, on the south side of Phase IIa, that is assumed to belong to the BLM. The operator will need to address this, in the conversion application, as a permanent manmade: structure. The proposed expansion area was not delineated on the ground at the time of this inspection. No other permanent, manmade features were observed, other than those specified in the conversion application. As with the original permit area, vegetation is typified by big sagebrush, rubber rabbitbrush, blue grams, and Indian ricegrass. Vegetative cover is roughly estimated at 40 - 50 percent. The site has a significant layer of caliche that the operator will need to make provisions for isolating and burying in the revised mining and reclamation plans. Special concern should be placed on prevention of mixing