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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBangor Rock A Inspection Report_2014.pdfBangor Rock Quarry – Site A (CA Mine ID# 91‐04‐0006)   2014 SMARA Mine Inspection Report         Prepared by:  Butte County Development Services Department  7 County Center Drive  Oroville, California 95965  September 3, 2014      1    2014 SMARA Mine Inspection Report  Bangor Rock Quarry – Site A  CA ID# 91‐04‐0006  Butte County, California      TABLE OF CONTENTS    Section  Description        Page No.    1.0 Mine Description       2  2.0 Background        2  3.0 Reclamation Objective     3  4.0 Observations        9  5.0 Reclamation Area       10   6.0 Financial Assurance       10   7.0 Violations / Corrective Measures     11    List of Figures    Figure 1  Site Location Map  Figure 2  Mining Operations Grading Plan (Sheet 1 of 2)  Figure 3  Mining Operations Profiles (Sheet 2 of 2)    List of Attachments    Attachment A  2014 Surface Mining Inspection Report  Attachment B  Non‐Acceptance of Financial Assurance Cost Estimate Notice        (August 20, 2014)  Attachment C  Annotated Site Photographs                      2    1.0 MINE DESCRIPTION  The 41‐acre rock quarry is located at 5522 La Porte Road, approximately 0.7 miles south from the  intersection of Oro Bangor Road and La Porte Road, in the community of Bangor; south half of Section  34, T18N, R5E (MDB&M).       The mine encompasses a hilltop located within oak woodland habitat situated in rolling foothill terrain.   Unnamed seasonal drainages are located directly east and west of the mine site.  The mine site is  located within a 1,200 acre property that is presently used as agricultural grazing lands.  Single‐family  residential uses with an average lot size of 5 acres are located to the north and east of the mine quarry,  as well as along La Porte Road.     Mining of the site initially began in the 1960’s.  A mining permit and reclamation plan was first obtained  in April 1981 under the name of Parker Rock Quarry.  The original mining permit and reclamation plan  included two separate quarry sites, which was subsequently renamed to Bangor Rock A (CA Mine ID#  91‐04‐0006) and Bangor Rock B (CA Mine ID# 91‐04‐0002).  As stated in the original permit, Site A would  be the first quarry area to be mined.  And, upon completion of mining operation, mining activities would  be initiated at Site B.  Though both quarries were originally permitted under the same mining permit  and reclamation plan, separate mine identification numbers were established.  In 1998, a reclamation  plan amendment was initiated for only Site A.  So, it’s presumed that Site B would continue to operate  under the original reclamation plan.    Initial operations consist of stripping the topsoil layer and stockpiling it along the northern boundary of  the mine site.  Once exposed, minerals are extracted by heavy equipment; working from the  southwestern side of the quarry to the northeastern side.  Minerals that are not able to be removed by  heavy equipment will be drilled and shot and then removed by bulldozers and front end loaders to be  processed.  Processing includes screening and crushing rock to produce a marketable product.  Product  stockpiles are generally kept within the staging area on the southern portion of the mine.    Mining operations are anticipated to reduce the hilltop approximately 60 feet to a finished elevation of  660 feet above mean sea level.  As mining progress deeper, benches would be formed along the quarry  walls to stabilize side slopes.  Benches would be formed for every 40 feet drop in elevation.  Each bench  would be approximately 15 feet wide.  2.0 BACKGROUND  A chronology of pertinent events and actions:  April 22, 1981 Butte County Planning Commission approved Mining and Reclamation Permit  (MIN 81‐105) for the Parker Rock Quarry (aka Bangor Rock Site ‘A’ and ‘B’).  The  Mining and Reclamation Plan Permit included both Site ‘A’ and Site ‘B’.  Records  indicate that a use permit was required for the proposed mining operation at  the time MIN 81‐105 was approved due to the subject property being  encumbered by a Williamson Act Contract.  However, no records were found  that a use permit was approved by the County.  January 5, 1988 Butte County Planning Commission amended MIN 81‐105, adding Condition No.  4.  The condition specified days and times of operation for the mine.  The permit  was renumbered to UP 88‐35.    February 22, 1990 Butte County Planning Commission amended UP 88‐35, adding Condition No.  14.  The condition required the applicant to repair any damages to the County  3    roadway caused by the mining operation.  The permit was renumbered to UP  88‐35a.  January 7, 1994 An Interim Management Plan was submitted by the operator to prevent  deterioration of idle mining operation.  No documentation was found to  determine whether the IMP was approved by the County.  October 29, 1998 An Inter‐Department Memorandum from Mike Crump, Butte County Director of  Public Works to Dan Breedon, Senior Planner with the Butte County Department  of Development Services acknowledged that a 1997 Reclamation Plan  Amendment for the Bangor Rock Quarry – Site ‘A’ was found to be ‘acceptable’,  but that the financial assurance cost estimate submitted with the amended  reclamation plan had not been ‘approved’.  No others records were identified  that verified that the amended reclamation plan had been approved by the  Butte County Public Works Department.  March 7, 2007 An amendment to the reclamation plan was submitted by the operator.  The  addendum replaced the existing Grading Plan (Sheet 3 of 5) and the existing  Cross Sections (Sheet 4 of 5) with a new Grading Plan (Sheet 1 of 2) and Profiles  (Sheet 2 of 2).  It appears that the amendment was approved as a Minor  Reclamation Plan Modification.  However, no other documentation of lead  agency approval of the proposed Minor Modification was identified in the  record.    3.0 RECLAMATION OBJECTIVE  Reclamation of the mine site includes the formation of benches for every 40 feet drop in elevation, with  the benches to be approximately 15 feet wide.  In total, the elevation of the mines would be reduced  approximately 60 feet, and would result in the creation of two benches and the quarry floor.  Upon  completion of mining activities, stockpiled topsoil would be redistributed on the quarry floor, benches,  and staging area.  Re‐distributed topsoil would be scarified and planted with White Oaks and 5 native  plant species.  All existing equipment and structures, including the existing scale and scale house, would  be dismantled and removed from the site.  The end use of the site is Open Space/Agricultural Grazing  Lands.     1. General Information  a) Permitted Mineral Product(s):  Sand & Gravel  b) Approved Production Amount (Annual/Gross):               20,000 cubic yards/annual : 1,000,000 cubic yards/gross  c) End Date of Operations:    2017  d) Permit End Date:  N/A  e) End Use:      Open Space / Grazing  2. Boundaries  a) Property Boundary:  ~1,200 acres  b) Permit Boundary:  ~41 acres   c) Reclamation Plan Boundary: ~41 acres  4    d) Setbacks:    N/A   3.  Grading  Grading will be developed to accommodate sheet drainage to eventually terminate at existing  drainage creeks.  Contour grading will have a minimum 1 percent grade.  All soil slopes, including  permanent piles or dumps of mine waste rock or overburden, shall be less than 2:1 gradient.  All cut  slopes and quarry faces will be constructed with intermediate safety benches to prevent rock falling  hazards.  4. Erosion Control  Erosion and sediment control methods will be used during all phases of operation and reclamation  to minimize erosion of soils and sediments.  Erosion control methods include, but are not limited to,  the use of berms, silt fences, sediment ponds, revegetation, and hay bales.  Hydroseeding will be  provided on all erodible areas.  A rock/brush berm will also be established at the low point of the  reclaimed quarry (southwest side) as a sedimentation barrier to an adjacent seasonal drainage  channel and containment pond.   6.   Stream & Wetland Protection   Site runoff would be generally directed toward the south and west, with quarry runoff directed  primarily toward the southwest at minimum 1 percent grade.    A seasonal drainage channel is  situated along the western side of the quarry area.  The channel terminates into a constructed  containment pond located north of the haul road.  Runoff from the quarry would be directed toward  channel and pond.  To prevent sediment from leaving the site, a rock/brush berm will be established  at the low point of the quarry on the southwestern side.    7.   Sensitive Wildlife & Plant Protection  No rare, threatened or endangered species, as listed by the California Department of Fish and  Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or Species of Special Concern, were identified on the  site.  Upon revegetation of the site, the proposed habitat will be identical to the pre‐mining habitat  of the site and the surrounding area.  Protection measures, such as fencing of revegetated areas and/or placement of cages over  individual plants, will be used in areas where grazing, trampling, herbivory, or other causes threaten  the success of the proposed revegetation.  All fencing will be maintained until revegetation efforts  are successfully completed and the lead agency authorizes removal.  8.   Soil/Overburden Stockpile Management  All salvageable topsoil suitable for revegetation shall be removed as a separate layer from areas to  be disturbed by mining operations.  Topsoil stockpiles shall be mapped prior to stripping and the  location of topsoil stockpiles shall be shown on a map in the reclamation plan.  If the existing  amount of topsoil resources is not enough to cover all surfaces to be revegetated, other suitable  materials capable of sustaining vegetation shall be removed as a separate layer for use as a suitable  growth media.  Topsoil and suitable growth media shall be maintained in separate stockpiles and  clearly identified to distinguish them from mine waste dumps.  Topsoil and suitable growth media  shall be planted with a vegetative cover, or by an equally effective measure to protect against wind  and water erosion, and to discourage weeds.        During reclamation, topsoil will be redistributed evenly over the quarry floor to a minimum depth of  12 inches across the quarry floor to provide an adequate environment for revegetation.       5    9.   Revegetation  The revegetation goal is to establish a vegetative cover suitable for ranchland/agricultural grazing,  and capable of self‐generation without continued dependence on irrigation, soil amendments or  fertilizer shall be established on disturbed land.  Revegetation Plan  The proposed revegetation mix will include the following per acre mix:  Plant Type Application Rate Density Cover Richness  Bland Broam 15lbs/acre  Not Identified  Patomac Orchard Grass 15lbs/acre  Alta Fescue 10lbs/acre  Rose Clover 10lbs/acre  Barley 50lbs/acre  White Oak saplings 10 total 5% per 100sf 5% per 100sf 1 per 100sf  Revegetation will occur in late October or early November to take advantage of fall rains.  The newly  distributed topsoil will be scarified to promote an adequate seeding environment.  The area to be  reseeded will then be hydro‐seeded with a seeding, mulch, and fertilizer mix.    Test Plots  Test plots will be conducted simultaneously with mining to determine the most appropriate planting  procedures to be followed to ensure successful implementation of the proposed revegetation plan.  After planting, protection measures, such as fencing of revegetated areas and/or the placement of  cages over individual plants, will be used in areas where grazing, trampling, herbivory, or other  causes threaten the success of the proposed revegetation.  Fencing will be maintained until  revegetation efforts are successfully completed and the lead agency authorizes removal.  Success Monitoring  Success of revegetation will be judged based upon the effectiveness of the vegetation for the  approved end use, and by comparing the quantified measures of vegetative cover, density, and  species‐richness of the reclaimed mined‐lands to similar parameters of naturally occurring  vegetation in the area.   Comparisons shall be made until performance standards are met provided  that, during the last two years, there has been no human intervention.   Invasive Species Control  Noxious weeds will be managed: (1) when they threaten the success of the proposed revegetation;  (2) to prevent spreading to nearby areas; and (3) to eliminate fire hazard.  10.  Structures/Equipment  All buildings, structures, and equipment will be dismantled and removed, including the truck scales  and scale shack.  Areas containing structures will be regarded to blend in with the surrounding  topography.     6      Figure 1 – Site Location Map    7      Figure 2 – Mining Operations Grading Plan (Sheet 1 of 2)  8      Figure 3 – Mining Operations Profiles (Sheet 2 of 2)  9    4.0 OBSERVATIONS  The mine site was not active during inspection.  However, the site has been active during the past year,  with only minimal aggregates being sold from the site.  Aggregates sold from the site was primarily rip  rap / decorative rocks that had been stacked on pallets at the site the previous year.  No additional  extraction activities have occurred within the quarry area.  Sufficient materials are stockpiled  throughout the site for small‐scale sales.   Product stockpiles include crushed aggregate, larger ballast  rocks, and decorative boulders.  Extraction operations are presently focused at the 700 foot elevation  level.  Based on current aerial imagery, the total mine site disturbance area has reach its maximum  extent of 41 acres.    Equipment/Structures  Operational equipment including a portable crusher, storage trailer and forklift that were located in the  pit processing area have been removed from the site during the past year.   Only equipment present at  the site are non‐operational; remnants from previous mining operations at the mine site.  Non‐ operational equipment are located in concentrated areas situated throughout the site.  Though some of  the equipment have not been operational for many years, it appears that some of this equipment could  be repaired for future use.      A portable water storage tank and portable generator are located along the haul road, adjacent to the  containment pond, southwest from the mine site.  Hazardous material storage, boneyard, and storage  containers are located on the southern portion of the mine site in the staging area.  No additional  materials appear to have been brought into the site.  Overall, the equipment storage area is in orderly  condition and secured.    Erosion Control  No evidence of erosion was identified on the site.  The mine site is design to collect and contain the  majority of runoff from the mine site.  Any runoff generated from the site appears to be directed toward  the southwest portion of the site to a seasonal drainage channel and containment pond situated north  of the haul road.  Any sediment laden runoff appears to be captured by the constructed berm at the  southwestern side of the site, as there are no signs of sediment discharge or erosion on the other side of  the berm.  Silt fencing had been previously placed on the downslope side of the sediment berm during  the construction of the berm; however, the silt fencing has collapsed.  With the construction of the  sediment berm complete, the silt fence could be removed without affecting erosion control  implementation.   Slope stability   No evidence of slope stability issues was identified at the mine site.  Quarry faces and stockpiled  materials appear to be stable throughout the site.  Topsoil  Topsoil stockpiles appear to be located primarily along the northern boundary of the mine site.  Topsoil  stockpiles are not identifiable, other than by the vegetation that has grown on them.  It was difficult to  discern which stockpiles are topsoil dedicated for future reclamation use, and what was overburden  cleared from the site during mining activities.  Pursuant to the approved reclamation plan, the operator  is required to clearly identify the topsoil stockpiles to be able to discern it from waste pile dumps.   Because the approved reclamation plan did not include topsoil stockpile mapping, the applicant is  advised to identify topsoil stockpiles within the mine site.     10    Additional topsoil appears to have been distributed along the middle bench along the quarry highwall.   This topsoil is approximately 6 to 12 inches in depth, and has revegetated.  With the area surrounding  this topsoil stockpile being composed of rock, it was clearly identifiable, and should be adequately  protected from any future disturbance.   Invasive Species Control  Topsoil stockpiles and disturbed lands with soils located throughout the mine site have been largely  populated with Yellow Star Thistle.  These populations appear to be only present in the mine site, with  little to no populations being observed in surrounding areas.  Pursuant to the approved reclamation  plan, the operator has agreed to manage noxious weeds on the mine site to prevent the spread of it to  adjacent lands.  Because the surrounding area is used for agricultural grazing lands, it is advised that the  operator take the necessary corrective actions to remove noxious weed populations from the mine site,  and revegetate topsoil stockpiles with the prescribed native species.  5.0 RECLAMATION AREA  No reclamation of the site has begun.  6.0 FINANCIAL ASSURANCE  No Financial Assurance Cost Estimate was submitted to the County for the 2013 mining season.  An  initial notice was sent to Ladd and Associates, Inc. on November 29, 2012, which requested that a new  FACE be submitted.  After no response, a subsequent notice was sent on January 31, 2013, which again  requested that a new FACE be submitted reflecting the current reclamation costs of the mine site.  An updated Financial Assurance Cost Estimate was prepared for the mine operation and submitted to  the County for review in June 2014.  The estimate was denied due to the use of outdated equipment  and wage rates.  A notice of denial was sent to the operator on August 20, 2014.  The operator will have  60 days from the date of the notice to provide the requested information, or provide information to a  reason why the requested information is not required.    Based on the previous estimate, approved by the county on June 25, 2012, reclamation costs of the  existing disturbance at the mine site was $63,227.71.    The operator has a Certificate of Deposit (#01212‐10645) for $43,500.  The Certificate of Deposit was  posted with the County on October 7, 2008.  Due to the existing financial assurance not adequately  covering the costs of reclamation of the mine, the operator is currently in violation of State and Butte  County ordinances.    7.0 VIOLATIONS / CORRECTIVE MEASURES  1. (Violation) – Immediately submit a financial assurance for the amount of $19,727.71.  The  financial assurance shall be made payable to Butte County and the Department of Conservation.  2. (Corrective Measure) – Submit an amended Financial Assurance Cost Estimate no later than  October 20, 2014.  The amended estimate must address the issues noted in the Non‐Acceptance  of Financial Assurance Cost Estimate Letter, dated August 20, 2014.  Or, include a response as to  why the issues are not applicable.    3. (Corrective Measure) ‐ File a corrected 2013 Mining Operation Annual Report with corrected  total disturbance acreage of 41 acres.  The 2013 Mining Operation Annual Report filed with the  State Office of Mine Reclamation describes a total of 28 acres of disturbed acreage (Item 12).   11    The correct total amount of disturbed acreage is approximately 41 acres, pursuant to aerial  photo imagery.  4. (Corrective Measure) – Control and eradicate the growth of yellow star thistle, a noxious weed,  which is located primarily on overburden stockpiles situated along the northern boundary or the  mine site.  5. (Corrective Measure) – Clearly identify topsoil stockpiles within the mine site to be used for  reclamation purposes.  This could be accomplished either by installing appropriate signage at  the topsoil stockpiles, or by providing a site map with the locations of the topsoil stockpiles.  6. (Corrective Measure) – Completely remove or repair the existing silt fencing located along the  southwest boundary of the mine.               State of California DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION OFFICE OF MINE RECLAMATION MRRC-1 (4/97) Page 1 of 5 (Rev. 07/13) SURFACE MINING INSPECTION REPORT (See reverse side of each form page for completion instructions) I. Mine Name (As Shown on Approved Reclamation Plan) Inspection Date: CA MINE ID# 91- II. Mine Operator Telephone ( ) Onsite Contact Person Telephone ( ) Mailing Address City State ZIP Code E-mail Address (optional) III. Designated Agent Telephone ( ) Mailing Address City State ZIP Code E-mail Address (optional) IV. SMARA Lead Agency Name (City, County, BCDC, or SMGB) Inspector Telephone ( ) Title Organization Mailing Address City State ZIP Code E-mail Address (optional) V. Does the operation have: P NR No Yes A Permit to Mine Permit # - Start and Expiration Dates Vested Right to Mine Year of Lead Agency determination A Reclamation Plan RP# Date Approved Reclamation Plan Amendment RP Amendment # (as applies) Date Approved or Status of Amendment Has the Operator filed a Mining Operation Annual Report (Form MRRC-2) this Year? Check One: Yes No Year of Most Recent Filed Annual Report: VI. Is this Operation on Federal Land? Check One: If "Yes,” Provide One or Both of the Federal Mine Land Identification Numbers Below: Yes No California Mining Claim Number (CAMC#): Latitude/Longitude at Mine Entrance (Decimal Degrees): U.S. Forest Service or BLM Identification Number (Plan of Operations #) : Status of Plan of Operations (Current/Expired/In Process): DISTRIBUTION: Lead Agency sends copies of Inspection notice & completed MRRC-1 to operator, operator’s designated agent, BLM or USFS (if required) & retains original. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING SURFACE MINING INSPECTION REPORT Form MRRC-1 (4/97) Page 1 (Rev. 07/13) This report is intended to comply with the requirements of California’s Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA – Public Resources Code Sections §§ 2710 et seq., and the associated California Code of Regulations found in Title 14, division 2, beginning at § 3500, hereinafter respectively “PRC” or “CCR”) and specifically PRC § 2774(b) and CCR § 3504.5 for operations located on private land and/or partly or solely on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands (Title 43, parts 3500, 3600, and 3800 of the Code of Federal Regulations). A Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Department of Interior, BLM; U.S. Department of Agriculture, USFS; the State of California, Department of Conservation; and the State Mining and Geology Board (SMGB), discusses implementation of SMARA on Federal lands in California that are under the jurisdiction of the BLM and/or the USFS. As required by PRC § 2774(b) and CCR § 3504.5(g), Lead Agencies shall file an Inspection Notice that includes a statement regarding compliance with SMARA, a copy of this Surface Mining Inspection Report (MRRC-1) and any other supporting documentation with the Department within 30 days of completion of the inspection. The Lead Agency shall also forward a copy of the Inspection Notice, MRRC-1, and any supporting documentation to the operator. BLOCK I: Enter the name of the Mining Operation, the date of the inspection, and the California Mine ID number. BLOCK II: Enter the name of the Mine Operator, mailing address, phone number, name, and email address (optional) of the person to serve as the onsite contact. BLOCK III: Enter the name, mailing address, phone number, and email (optional) of the Designated Agent who, under PRC § 2772(c)(1) and 2207(a)(1), will serve as a contact for any follow-up correspondence or discussions regarding the inspection or noted violations. BLOCK IV: For "Lead Agency," enter the name of the certified SMARA Lead Agency that is conducting this inspection. Acceptable entries include the name of the city, county, Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), or State Mining and Geology Board (SMGB). For "Organization," enter the name of the agency, firm or other organization that employs the inspector. BLOCK V: Check the appropriate boxes. P NR, No, Yes Pending (on appeal or awaiting approval by Lead Agency) Not required for this operation at the time this inspection was completed No Yes, supply information Note: Where appropriate, to aid in determining when the lead agency recognized that the operation has vested mining rights, inspectors are advised to review older agency correspondence, minutes of lead agency hearings, including agendas and staff reports associated with approvals of any kind related to the mining operation. BLOCK VI: Indicate if the operation is on federal Land; if operation is on federal land, include a California Mining Claim Number and/or a BLM/USFS Identification Number and Plan of Operations Number, if applicable. Give the status of the BLM/USFS Plan of Operations, as indicated. Give the latitude and longitude at the mine entrance in decimal degrees. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DISTRIBUTION INSTRUCTIONS: One copy of the inspection notice and this completed Inspection Report (all pages) shall be given to the Mine Operator and the operator’s designated agent by the lead agency (PRC Section 7374(b). The Lead Agency must retain the original copy of this Inspection Report and submit one copy of this Inspection Report, along with an original inspection report notice (PRC Subsection 2774(b)), within 30-days of the completion of the inspection, to: Department of Conservation Office of Mine Reclamation 801 K St MS 09-06 Sacramento, CA 95814-3529 If any part of the operation inspected is on BLM or USFS land, one copy of this Inspection Report should be forwarded to the appropriate BLM or USFS office. State of California DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION OFFICE OF MINE RECLAMATION MRRC-1 (4/97) Page 2 of 5 (Rev. 07/13) SURFACE MINING INSPECTION REPORT VII. Financial Assurance Inspection Date: CA MINE ID#: 91- Type of Financial Assurance Mechanism(s) Financial Assurance Mechanism Number(s) Amount of Mechanism Date of Expiration Date of Lead Agency Approval of Mechanism Total Amount of Mechanism(s) Financial Assurance Mechanism Pending Review by Lead Agency? If yes, provide date submitted/explanation and amount of pending mechanism: Has there been a change of operator since last inspection? If yes provide the date of notice. Yes No Date of Change: If yes, has the new operator posted a Financial Assurance Mechanism? Yes No If not, describe status of new operators Financial Assurance Mechanism: Does new operator’s Notice of Change include a statement of responsibility for reclamation? Yes No Posted a Financial Assurance Mechanism? Yes No If No, Has The New Operator Been Advised Of Financial Assurance Obligations? Yes No Date and Amount of Most Recent Approved Financial Assurance Cost Estimate: Date: Amount: Financial Assurance Cost Estimate Pending Review with Lead Agency? Date Submitted/Explanation/Amount of pending estimate: Financial Assurance Cost Estimate Appealed by Operator? Date Submitted to State Mining and Geology Board or Lead Agency for Appeal/Explanation: Other? DISTRIBUTION: Lead Agency sends copies of Inspection notice & completed MRRC-1 to operator, operator’s designated agent, BLM or USFS (if required) & retains original. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING SURFACE MINING INSPECTION REPORT Form MRRC-1 (4/97) Page 2 (Rev. 07/13) BLOCK VII: Type of Financial Assurance Mechanism(s): Fill in the type of mechanism(s) that are on file. PRC § 3803 and SMGB Financial Assurance Guideline number 10 describe Surety Bonds, Trust Funds, or Irrevocable Letters of Credit as acceptable financial assurance mechanisms for non-governmental entity operators. For surface mining operations owned and operated by state and local government entities, Surety Bonds, Trust Funds, Irrevocable Letters of Credit, Pledges of Revenue, and Budget Set Aside are acceptable financial assurance mechanisms. State the Financial Assurance Mechanism(s) document number(s). State the dollar amount of each Financial Assurance Mechanism(s) currently on file. State the date of expiration of the Financial Assurance Mechanism(s) currently on file. State the date of approval for the most recent lead agency approved Financial Assurance Mechanism(s) on file. State the total dollar amount of mechanisms held for reclamation. Indicate if any Financial Assurance Mechanisms are pending review by the lead agency and the date and amount of submittal to the lead agency. Indicate if there has been a change of operator of record since the last inspection and, if so, note the date the change occurred and whether the new operator has signed any document acknowledging reclamation responsibility under the approved reclamation plan and if the new operator has posted a Financial Assurance Mechanism. If a replacement Financial Assurance Mechanism has not been posted, indicate the status of the new operator’s replacement Financial Assurance Mechanism. Per PRC § 2773.1(c) and Guideline number 19 of the SMGB’s Financial Assurance Guidelines, when operatorship is transferred, “the original financial assurance must remain in effect until the lead agency has approved, following department review, the replacement assurances provided by the successor operator.” The Financial Assurance amount must be adjusted and approved annually to account for new lands disturbed by surface mining operations and lands to be disturbed in coming year, inflation, and reclamation of lands accomplished in accordance with the approved Reclamation Plan (PRC § 2773.1(a)(3) and SMGB Financial Assurance Guideline #16). In order to determine what adjustments, if any, are appropriate to the Financial Assurance Mechanism amount, each mine operator must submit annually a revision of the written Financial Assurance Cost Estimate to the Lead Agency (PRC § 3804(c)). Provide the date of the operator’s most recent revision of the Financial Assurance Cost Estimate to the Lead Agency and where appropriate, provide a status of the pending Financial Assurance Cost Estimate. Provide the date and amount of the most recently approved Financial Assurance Cost Estimate. Also indicate if the Financial Assurance Cost Estimate is under appeal to the lead agency or whether it has been appealed to State Mining and Geology Board as described in PRC § 2770(e). Use the Financial Assurance “Other” and “Explanation” blocks to provide any other pertinent information regarding the status of Financial Assurance(s). If the operation does not have a sufficient Financial Assurance Cost Estimate and/or Financial Assurance Mechanism, explain in detail. State of California DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION OFFICE OF MINE RECLAMATION MRRC-1 (4/97) Page 3 of 5 (Rev. 07/13) SURFACE MINING INSPECTION REPORT VIII. Non-SMARA facility operations conditions solely of local concern (e.g. hours of operation) do not need to be noted here. See Instructions for Block VIII on reverse side of page. [Use separate sheet(s) where necessary. Refer to item numbers below] CA MINE ID # 91- Potential Reclamation Plan Requirements: List Reclamation Plan Requirements (Recommended to be filled out prior to field inspection) Note Site Conditions and Compliance Issues (Note additional comments on Page 5 as necessary) VN? 1) General Information a) Permitted Mineral Product(s) b) Approved Production Amount (Annual/Gross) c) End Date of Operations Per RP d) Permit end date e) End Use 2) Boundaries a) Property Boundary b) Permit Boundary c) Rec. Plan Boundary (RPB) d) Setbacks 3) Slopes – Grading a) Fill Slopes – Note Condition of: i) Slopes – Working (max/current) ii) Slopes – Reclaimed iii) Compaction b) Cut Slopes – Note Condition of: i) Slopes – Working (max./current) ii) Slopes – Reclaimed 4) Erosion Control a) BMPs b) Grading c) Vegetation 5) Ponds a) Design – Function b) Capacity (area/depth/volume) c) Maintenance 6) Stream & Wetland Protection a) Buffers (distance to channel) b) Berms (distance/length/height) c) Best Management Practices d) Drainage e) Grading & Slopes f) Stockpiles g) Stream Diversions 7) Sensitive Wildlife & Plant Protection a) List Species b) Protection Measures DISTRIBUTION: Lead Agency sends copies of Inspection notice & completed MRRC-1 to operator, operator’s designated agent, BLM or USFS (if required) & retains original. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING SURFACE MINING INSPECTION REPORT Form MRRC-1 (4/97) Page 3 and 4 (Rev. 07/13) BLOCK VIII: INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH DATA COLUMN: Potential Reclamation Plan Requirements (Column 1): Under CCR § 3504.5(f), “Inspections may include, but shall not be limited to the following: the operation’s horizontal and vertical dimensions, volumes of materials stored on the site; slope angles of stock piles, waste piles and quarry walls; potential geological hazards; equipment and other facilities; samples of materials; photographic or other electronic images of the operation; any measurements or observations deemed necessary by the inspector or the lead agency to ensure the operation is in compliance with Public Resources Code Chapter 9.” Column 1 provides a list of items that may be included in the approved reclamation plan, either expressly or by reference as described in PRC § 2772(d), which may include conditions of approval, other permit requirements and supplementary documents, including environmental documents, prepared for the project pursuant to Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000). It is not expected that all reclamation plans will include each item of Section VIII, or be limited to the items listed. Items in Column 1 that are not operative requirements in the reclamation plan may not need to be addressed by the inspection. Operative reclamation plan requirements not listed in Items 1 through 12 may be listed in Item 13, under “Other Reclamation Plan Requirements.” Reclamation Plan Requirements (Column 2): Prior to field inspection, it is recommended that the inspector review the approved reclamation plan and any amendments, as well as any other documents included by reference, including conditions of approval, other permit requirements and supplementary documents, such as environmental documents prepared for the project pursuant to Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) that specifically relate to reclamation of the mine site. The most recently approved Financial Assurance Cost Estimate and any pending or ongoing enforcement actions should also be reviewed. Conditions of approval that relate to facility operations solely of local concern, such as hours of operation, noise, and dust control are not subject to the inspection. Column 2 is intended to provide the inspector a place to match any items noted in Column 1 with those items included in the approved reclamation plan either expressly or by reference as described in PRC § 2772(d), which may include conditions of approval, other permit requirements and supplementary documents, including environmental documents prepared for the project pursuant to Division 13 (commencing with § 21000). Also note any Interim Management Plan (IMP) requirements where the mine is subject to an IMP pursuant to PRC § 2770(h). Indicate the source document for the reclamation plan requirements at the end of the entry in parenthesis; i.e. (COA) (POO) (EIR) (WDR) (SWPPP), etc. Conditions of approval that relate to facility operations solely of local concern, such as hours of operation, noise, and dust control should not be included in Column 2. If items listed in Column 1 of Section VIII of the form are not included in the reclamation plan or other documents included by reference, write not applicable or “NA” in Column 2. Specific reclamation requirements may not apply to an operation at the time of inspection, but they are important to be aware of to ensure current activity at the site will not prohibit reclamation in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. A copy of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 and 1993 SMGB regulations may be obtained at http://www.conservation.ca.gov/omr/lawsandregulations/Pages/SMARA.aspx. Site Conditions and Compliance Issues (Column 3): Describe current site conditions and compliance issues noted for both operating and reclaimed surfaces that pertain to the reclaimed condition of the mining site. Block IX is provided for additional space to describe site conditions and/or compliance issues. Attach additional sheets as necessary. Evaluations of slope stability and engineered compaction should be prepared by qualified professionals only. PRC § 2774(b)) states “The lead agency may cause an inspection to be conducted by a state licensed geologist, state licensed civil engineer, state licensed landscape architect, or state licensed forester, who is experienced in land reclamation and who has not been employed by a surface mining operation within the jurisdiction of the lead agency in any capacity during the previous 12 months.” VN? (Column 4): Use this box to indicate if violations were noted for any of the specific items under the corresponding item group heading (e.g., Boundaries, Slopes-Grading, etc.) during field inspection of the site. Enter number of violations in the box. State of California DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION OFFICE OF MINE RECLAMATION MRRC-1 (4/97) Page 4 of 5 (Rev. 07/13) SURFACE MINING INSPECTION REPORT VIII. Non-SMARA facility operations conditions solely of local concern (e.g. hours of operation) do not need to be noted here. See Instructions for Block VIII on reverse side of page. [Use separate sheet(s) where necessary. Refer to item numbers below] CA MINE ID # 91- Potential Reclamation Plan Requirements: List Reclamation Plan Requirements (Recommended to be filled out prior to field inspection) Note Site Conditions and Compliance Issues (Note additional comments on Page 5 as necessary) VN? 8) Soil/Overburden Stockpile Management a) Topsoil i) Location ii) Slope Stability iii) BMPs b) Overburden i) Location ii) Slope Stability iii) BMPs c) Topsoil Application i) Amendments ii) Depth iii) Moisture iv) Application Methods 9) Revegetation a) Test Plots b) Species Mix c) Density d) Percent Cover e) Species Richness f) Protection g) Success Monitoring h) Invasive Species Control 10) Structures 11) Equipment 12) Closure of Adits 13) Other Reclamation Plan Requirements DISTRIBUTION: Lead Agency sends copies of Inspection notice & completed MRRC-1 to operator, operator’s designated agent, BLM or USFS (if required) & retains original. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING SURFACE MINING INSPECTION REPORT Form MRRC-1 (4/97) Page 5 (Rev. 05/13) BLOCK IX Inspectors may use the large open block for comments to describe violations, corresponding corrective actions, or preventative measure(s) suggested by the inspector to address noted violations or avoid potential violations, and to explain any limitations on the inspection conducted. The inspector can also use this space to describe the status of any pending or current enforcement actions. Separate violations that are the subject of existing enforcement actions from violations observed during the current inspection. Enter California Mine ID Number and Date of Inspection. Weather Codes: CR = Clear; CL = Cloudy; RN = Rain; SN = Snow; WD = Windy For "Duration of Inspection," indicate the start and end times of the inspection (do not include travel time). SMARA Status Codes (based on annual report and reported production under CCR § 3695, indicate the appropriate status code) I = Idle (Per § 2727.1) NP = Newly Permitted (must be no mining/disturbance) AB = Abandoned (Per § 2770(h)(6)) NOP-NC = Not in operation, reclamation not completed NOP-C = Not in operation, reclamation completed If idle, indicate either the date operation became idle as defined by PRC Section 2727.1, the date an IMP was approved, or the status of any pending IMP. Status of Reclamation Codes: RN = Reclamation not begun P = Post reclamation monitoring R = Reclamation in progress RC = Reclamation complete Enter approximate acreage under reclamation (the number of acres actively being reclaimed in accordance with the approved reclamation plan). Enter approximate acreage determined to be reclaimed in accordance with the approved reclamation plan by Lead Agency. Enter approximate total disturbed acreage. This includes all acreage disturbed by the surface mining operation, as defined by PRC § 2729: “’Mined Lands’ includes the surface, subsurface, and ground water of an area in which surface mining operations will be, are being, or have been conducted, including private ways and roads appurtenant to any such area, land excavations, workings, mining waste, and areas in which structures, facilities, equipment, machines, tools or other materials or property which result from, or are used in, surface mining operations are located.” This should include acreage under reclamation that has not been determined to be reclaimed in accordance with the approved reclamation plan by the Lead Agency. Enter the total number of acres within or adjacent to the disturbance area of the operation disturbed pre-SMARA (disturbance before January 1, 1976, that has not had mining related disturbance after January 1, 1976). Enter the disturbed acreage identified in the most recent Financial Assurance Cost Estimate (i.e., the disturbed acreage that was used to calculate the most recent Financial Assurance Cost Estimate. Enter the date of the previous lead agency inspection and number of violations noted during that inspection. Attendees: Provide the names and affiliations of parties in attendance at the inspection. BLOCK X: Enter the number of violations noted during the inspection. Sign and date the Inspection Report. If the inspector is a consultant to the lead agency, include the inspector’s certification (PE, PG, CEG, etc.) and license number, if applicable. The lead agency may cause an inspection to be performed by contracting with private consultants, specifically: state licensed geologist, state licensed civil engineer, state licensed landscape architect, or state licensed forester per § 2774(b). Se p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 4 A n n u a l I n s p e c t i o n – B a n g o r R o c k Q u a r r y A ( 9 1 - 0 4 - 0 0 0 6 ) Ph o t o 1 – E q u i p m e n t a n d p a r t s s t o r a g e c o n t a i n e r s . P h o t o 2 – P o r t a b l e w a t e r s t o r a g e t a n k a n d g e n e r a t o r . Ph o t o 3 – G a t e d m a i n e n t r a n c e . P h o t o 4 – B o n e y a r d . Se p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 4 A n n u a l I n s p e c t i o n – B a n g o r R o c k Q u a r r y A ( 9 1 - 0 4 - 0 0 0 6 ) Ph o t o 5 – P r i m a r y h a u l r o a d . P h o t o 6 – S t o c k p i l e o f p r o c e s s e d a g g r e g a t e a d j a c e n t t o s t a g i n g a r e a . Ph o t o 7 – O l d p r o c e s s i n g e q u i p m e n t . P h o t o 8 – S c a l e s a n d s c a l e h o u s e . Se p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 4 A n n u a l I n s p e c t i o n – B a n g o r R o c k Q u a r r y A ( 9 1 - 0 4 - 0 0 0 6 ) Ph o t o 9 a n d 1 0 – 2 0 1 4 P a n o r a m a o f m a i n p i t t a k e n f r o m s o u t h e r n q u a r r y w a l l ; n o m i n e r a l e x t r a c t i o n h a s o c c u r r e d d u r i n g t h e p a s t year. Ph o t o s 1 1 a n d 1 2 – 2 0 1 3 P a n o r a m a o f m a i n p i t t a k e n f r o m s o u t h e r n q u a r r y w a l l . Se p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 4 A n n u a l I n s p e c t i o n – B a n g o r R o c k Q u a r r y A ( 9 1 - 0 4 - 0 0 0 6 ) Ph o t o s 1 3 a n d 1 4 – O l d p r o c e s s i n g a r e a o n t h e s o u t h s i d e o f t h e m i n e s i t e ; e q u i p m e n t i s n o n - o p e r a t i o n a l . Ph o t o 1 5 – F u e l s t o r a g e a n d c o n t a i n m e n t a r e a ; n o e v i d e n c e o f l ea k a g e . P h o t o 1 6 – H a z a r d o u s m a t e r i al s s t o r a g e s h e d ; n o e v i d e n c e of leakage.