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DISCUSSION OF SLOPE: The generalized slope appears to be a modified transitional type, consisting of colluvial talus debris later altered to a moraine-type formation by late glaciation. There are a number of minor scarps, but none were in the proposed permit azea. The Peneral slope is in the range of 40% to 60%, but the area of interest ranges from 20% to 30% on natural terrace-like ~ areas. In my opinion the proposed work areas should be classified as on a Potentially Unstable ~R~. There is much to verify this opinion, and that the localized area maybe increasing in stability since the early reports on the area. A single access road with two switchbacks traverses the slope in the area of interest, and has remained unchanged and driveable for at least 25 years; no natural springs, water seepage, or ponds have been observed; and no trees are out of vertical on the proposed work area. And the toe of the main slope on the flat valley floor near the highway, below the work area, has apparently stabilized, as there has been no movement for many years. Another factor that may be important in this particular area is its microclimate. it has been considered very important in slope studies in other areas in Gunnison County by Jim Soule of the State Geological Survey. Such conditions as lower altitude; south facing slopes; warmer and dryer climate; less snow and shorter snow retention; and less annual precipitation (30 inches and that only in July and August); and 'especially on lower slopes immediately above the valley floors'. All of these factors are present in the site area, and have resulted in increased slope stability in similar areas in the County. See References, Soule I.M., 1976. pgs 5, 6 ,and l5. PLAN OF OPERATION: I understand the requested permit azea is 9.7± acres in size, with the north and east lines being the section lines of Section 28, which is on private land, with possible residential zoning classification. I also understand that only the present access road will be used -that no work will be below that road- and that loading of rock will be by hand, or very lite loading equipment - that only level excavating will be done -and no explosives will be used -and no permanent structures will be built. And most of the rock will be removed from the low-angle areas on the slope. I also understand that tonnage of rock removed will range between 200 and 2500 tons per year, and all processing of building stone, ornamental stone, etc. will be done at a company location off the property. The attached map by William Balaz P.E. shows the work areas, the access road, the highway, and the section lines. You will note that the work will be 250 feet horizontally north, and 100 feet vertically above the highway which is well above the toe of the slope. DISCUSSION OF HAZARDS: Because of the site conditions, and the simplicity of the proposed operation plan, the list of hazards is short. To protect the present integrity of the slope, and the people or property that might be affected, is of primary concern. In my opinion, the removal of minor tonnage, from a few very localized areas, and the creation of a few limited terraces will have very little effect on the v r slope area. Another point -there is a small 680 squaze foot house built in 1967 located on Section 28 property 50 feet north of the highway and 200 feet south of the tip of the slope. This structure is owned by the landowner and is too far from the localized work- azea to be at risk. CONCLUSIONS: I understand Balaz and Associates, Inc. of Palisade, Colorado, are assisting the Company in seeking a special use permit as recommended by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology for the removal or 'harvesting' of the talus material located on the surface of the special permit area. This operation should improve slope and construction conditions for future possible qualification as residential sites.