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Bypass Road <br />On our phone conversation of January 26`~ you indicated that the cost of consuucdng the bypass <br />road around the mine operations area and the additional bonding that would he required by the <br />Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology would be too expensive. There are several things <br />associated with this change that need to be considered. They are as follows: <br />1. Traffic control signs need to be put into place. These may include "slow -heavy <br />roadside activity", "trucks turning", "heavy truck traffic", etc. Signs on the road should <br />warn motorized traffic of the operation and to proceed with caution. <br />2. Alabaster waste rock needs to be removed. You will need to make arrangements to <br />haul the alabaster waste rock off-site since the road bypass will not he constricted. <br />3. Timber removal will not be authorized. I will not allow the removal of any trees along <br />the proposed road bypass since you are not planning to construct the road at this time. I <br />will consider your request to remove dead standing trees within the area to satisfy your <br />i~mnediate needs for mining timbers. These will need to be designated in advance by the <br />Forest Service. Please call the Sopris Ranger District office to set up a date to review the <br />dead tree locations. <br />4. FencinP alone the uerimeter of the mining oaeraHon. The Colorado Division of <br />Wildlife agrees with our recommendation to have any fencing on the south side of the <br />mine site be laid dawn from 15 November through 1 May to facilitate wildlife <br />movement. Any proposal for additional fencing will need to be coordinated with the <br />Division of Wildlife before implementation. <br />5. Seasonal road closure special order. The Forest Service has the authority to grant <br />access inside the gated closure area on Avalanche Creek Road, NFSR #310, for winter <br />operations at the mine site. Your documentation on winter operations dated October 20'h <br />and 27'h specified that the "gate will be locked at all times except for emplovee. <br />contractor, truck access". This is the information the District Wildlife Biologist <br />considered in analyzing the impacts of your operation. I am authorizing employees, <br />contractors and commercial trucks for delivery and haul to be able to access the mine site <br />through the gated closure. Other visitors to the mine site that are not there expressly for <br />mining-related purposes should park outside the gate closure and walk to the mining <br />operation area. <br />I wanted to provide some feedback on your requests for the secondary escapeway and <br />showroom. <br />Secondary escapeway - <br />• We have reviewed the MSHA requirements for an escapeway and are contacting the <br />Denver office to get clarification on several issues related to the development of the <br />access for egress. Alternatives, including all-terrain vehicle access or foot travel, may he <br />considered in addition to 4-wheel drive access if these other options meet dte safety <br />requirements of MSHA. <br />