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• (Page 21 • MINE ID Jl OR PROSPECTING ID q M-1978-305 INSPECTION DATE 9 1/ 1/00 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as part of review of the current application (CN-01) to convert the present 110 permit to a 112 permit, and to monitor other aspects of the current permit. The operator was contacted about the inspection and a time was arranged to meet at the site. The operator and DMG inspectors named on page one were present throughout the inspection. Geotechnical stability was the main aspect to be investigated by one of the Division's inspectors present on this date, and whose report will be written and sent separately. An adequate permit ID sign is posted on the entrance gate to the site. During the inspection, permit boundary markers consisting of green t-posts were observed. After the permit is converted, the permit ID sign may remain as it exists, with no changes required. The operator is reminded that after conversion, the new limits of affected area in the permit must be marked. If the operation is to be phased, or if setback distances must be maintained, these locations would be the proper ones to mark. The operator's stormwater management plan was discussed, and the onsite stormwater controls were observed. There are several shallow depressions and low berms where stormwater is retained, including on the operating pads, and near the scale. stormwater drainageways were observed, mainly along both sides of the access road. The storage area immediately north of the scale also has a drainage ditch. These are shallow, earthen ditches, which appear to be intermittently maintained. In a couple locations it appears that they have had low dams of gravel material placed in them to break the flow velocity and catch finer sediments. Many of these gravel dams have breached, and though the floor gradient of the ditch does not exhibit downcutting, it appears as though the gravel is being transported, and possibly some sediment also. (The placed gravel is the crushed blue granite, and is readily identifiable.) The ditches are diverted from the access road about midway along its length, and routed to the south, where a large sump holds the stormwater before it eventually percolates or flaws to the creek. This sump is outside the permit area, and received flaws from lands north of the permitted area. Overall the plan and the structures are good, but increased monitoring andlorincreased structure sizing may be needed when the affected area increases. The mining is proceeding to the west, with westernmost mining up on the hillslope. The upper portions of the affected slopes have been rough graded to approximately 2:1 gradients. Some areas of steeper gradients exist below, which will be eventually reduced to the final 2:1, either by blasting and dozing the materials down, or pushing the materials southward and backfilling against the lower highwall. These are aspects of the existing 110 approved plan. Under the proposed 1 12 plan, the final details of which have not yet been submitted, highwalls might be steeper than 2:1, which may eliminate the need for the amount of slope reduction currently bonded. The present pit floor elevation will also be lowered, under the proposed plan. The bedrock material is drilled and blasted during its eMraction. Blasting is permitted, but no explosives are kept on the site. Prior inspections had noted a problem with oil vessels kept on the site, without proper safeguarding or secondary containment. These have been removed. No fuel is stored onsite, and no contaminated soil was observed. The operator indicated that some tube was stored in the closed and locked trailer near the scale area. The main type of parts and debris now onsite is iron, with only a little wood debris or tires remaining. Topsoil need was discussed. upper portions of the permit have native topsoil in place and some stockpiled topsoil. All undisturbed surfaces exhibit stones, and though topsoil pockets even exist in places, segregating all topsoil may be difficult. The operator has stated that all possible topsoil will be salvaged. It was suggested that there may be a significant amount of fine material available from future operations, which should be considered for use as growth medium. The bond amount is 513,300. The amount of reclamation to perform under the current plan was briefly discussed , in relation to the present bond. Even without this conversion application, this permit is scheduled for a bond review. This inspector expressed doubt that the current bond was truly adequate. In light of the fact that a decision may soon be reached on the conversion application, which may affect the amount and type of reclamation, the bond will not be