Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Based on the field measurements, calculations of the cross sectional area of each point <br />were made. Using the cross sectional area of adjacent points, a volume of bacldill was <br />determined for the length of the upper and lower access roads. Additional cross <br />sections were plotted for four points for the upper access road and one point for the <br />lower access road. Cross sections were selected based on characteristics of the sample <br />point. For the upper access road, one cross section was selected as generally <br />representative of the upper access road (point 4). Point 8 was selected as the measured <br />point with the longest slope. Point 13 was selected as the measured location with the <br />shortest cut slope. Point 17 was selected as the observed location with the steepest cut <br />slope angle. Point 4 on the lower access road was selected as representative of the <br />lower access road configuration. <br />Based on the BLM suggestion of total backfill of the access roads, plots were made on <br />the cross sections to evaluate the feasibility of the suggestion. Further, it is generally <br />accepted in reclamation that machinery cannot feasibly operate on slopes greater than <br />2:1 (horizontal vertical). The cross sections were also evaluated for backfilling at a 2;1 <br />ratio. Additionally, at points 4, 13, and 17 on the upper access road and point 1 on the <br />lower access road, a cut and fill balance was calculated based on field observations <br />(Figures 1-5). <br />RESULTS AND DISCUSSION <br />Advantages of total backfill of the quarry access roads <br />The most significant advantage to a total backfilling of the quarry access roads is the <br />elimination of a anthropogenic linear feature on the ]andscape. Presuming revegetation <br />could be effected on the backfilled roads, in time the linear nature of the former roads <br />would be concealed. Whether the reclamation would ever completely blend with the <br />adjacent natural vegetation is questionable. The merits of this azgument for total <br />backfilling of the roads aze moot if the goal is to return to a "pristine" viewscape, as <br />the same hillside is traversed by the Transfer Trail, and communications antennae are <br />visible at the crest of the hillside. Further, an open parlang area for hikers is visible in <br />a saddle to the east of the quarry within the same viewshed. <br />The second advantage (from a BLM perspective) to totally bacld"illing the access roads <br />is access restriction. While the BLM stated that there are no landholder above the <br />quarry which use the roads, this assertion has not been verified. Total bacld~ill is not <br />required to restrict access, the same goal could be achieved with selective placement of <br />large boulders, earth berms, and rolling dips. <br />-2- <br />