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A Review of BlastinE Operations at Summit Bricks Mines <br />Z . Introduction <br />In a response to potential concerns of the neighbors and others about the effects of blasting <br />at the mines of Summit Brick, this study has been conducted by Albuquerque Geological to <br />determine the impact and effect if any, upon dwellings, animals, wells, other structures, <br />and the environment overall. AG has been involved with many mine- blasting operations <br />similar to that of the Summit Brick operations and uses this experience along with the most <br />up to date published data. Global Position System (GPS) was used to determine Lat. / <br />Long. of the access gate of each site, (3 meter accuracy). <br />Below, I have listed each mine with a short description, including the access, the l~al right <br />of entry, the L.at. /Long. Coordinates (+/- 3 meters) at the entry point, the eg ology, <br />estimated or known depth to groundwater, and water-well information. Additionally, the <br />report includes specific site maps (1"=2000') of all of the permitted clay mine locations of <br />Summit Brick, where blasting is conducted. These maps show the topography, streams, <br />roads, dwellings, wells, other structures, and utilities. On April 24, 25, and 26~", 2002, <br />Richard M. Hipwell, Registered Professional Geologist with A G, conducted a site visit of <br />each of the mine location subject to this report. <br />At each mine or pit, clay is recovered from the excavation to be used in the manufacture of <br />building brick. Blasting of overburden material, usually sandstone and shale, facilitates <br />the removal of clean clay and useable material. The clay is loaded on to 18 wheel trucks <br />and transported to the Pueblo plant. At most mine locations, inhabited dwellings, wells <br />and other structures, are situated at a distance of greater than 3000 feet from current or <br />proposed blasting operations. At sites where there exist inhabited dwellings, wells and <br />other structures in close proximity to the operations, apre-blast survey will be conducted. <br />AG is presenting supporting analyses, which determine the impact of blasting, with <br />recommendations regarding specific measures to be undertaken to insure the safety of the <br />local environment. <br />5 <br />