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' ~ (Page 2) • MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #_M-79-140 INSPECTION DATE 07/29/98 ~ INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of 112 permits and as a pre-operation inspection of the area proposed to be added to this permit through amendment AM-O1. The operator was contacted about the inspection, and a time was arranged to meet and discuss the AM-O1 application prior to inspecting the site. This inspector met Carolyn Clemens and Bruce Bertram at the courthouse to review the application. The operators named on page one were present throughout the inspection. I. Amendment AM-O1 Pre-operation Inspection. The area to be added through this amendment consists of a strip of land along the west and north of the present permitted area. It is largely in irrigated pasture, but also includes minor areas of dry hillside (on the south end), plus a small wooded thicket and small pond on the west side. The south boundary does not lie along an existing fenceline, but the proposed corners were well marked. The south edge of the permit is not being modified. The entrance to the site is there and will not be changed. There is an area of earth fill along the south boundary, lying partly within the permit area. The fill is about two feet deep and has created a level pad, which the operator stated will be used by the landowner for agriculture (possibly grape vines). This area is being reclaimed, therefore, by adding a sufficient depth of soil over a non- compacted substrate, to a surface uniform enough to plant on and irrigate. If it is to be for grapes, which utilize overhead drip irrigation, the land will not have to be perfectly flat, nor revegetated back to grass. There was another area of earth fill south of the permit boundary, which the operator had placed recently. it ie overburden material from the pit, placed there for visual and noise screening. The operator has placed it there to abate noise in compliance with its own noise ordinance, during the time of active operation of the pit. It will be removed at the end of mining. Until that time, it is not considered an off site stockpile, but should nevertheless be stabilized by the appropriate reclamation measures (e.g., compaction, sloping, revegetation, weed control, etc.) The irrigated pasture was being grazed at the time of the inspection. It is separated from the permitted area by a fence. (The permit area is fenced, which also acts to mark the boundary very well.) There is a steep hillside, .as mentioned above, on the south end, plus on the northeast end. The proposed north boundary is also well delineated by existing fences. There is a steep slope fromthe level area to be affected down to this perimeter fence. During mining and reclamation, therefore, the operator must take great care to ensure that no sloughing or rolling material moves off site, and that erosion does not cause sediment to move off site. The pertinent significant structures were indicated by the operators. These included the State highway on the east, county road on the north, various fences, and powexpole. I2. Monitoring of Permitted Area. The permit area was active during the inspection. Stripping and excavation is occuring on the north end, and is very near the north boundary. Overburden ie about five feet deep here. It will not be replaced in that same depth. Processing includes crushing and asphalt hatching. All equipment is the county's. Mining is at the west limit. The west wall of the pit is sloped at 3:1, which is the gradient