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Home My WebLink AboutMINING APPLICATION AND RECLAMATION PLAN FOR THE SUGARLOAFMINE AT CHEROKEEJIM WALLACE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES . SMARA'C0K' PUANQE ,�, PROJECT PLANNING •` ElIVIRONMEMITo'-OMPLIANCE r CEQA Wi4D NEF'A Cd PLIANCE''_ ENVIRON M�NTJCL,�A36E66MENT ' February 15, 2001 Mr. Thomas A. Parilo Director Development Services Department of Development Services County of Butte 7 County Center Drive Oroville, California 95965 Subject: Mining Application and Reclamation Plan for. the SugarloafMine at Ckerokee; Peoie t Applicant —Advanced Mineral Technology of Nevada; Inc. - F Dear Mr. Parilo: Y` Advanced Mineral Technology of Nevada, Inc. (AMT), is pleased to spb. ' t aplilicattons for new silica sand mine in Butte County. The project, Sugarloaf Mine at Chef&ee,•uicludes a sui ace:mine; mineral' processing facility and extensive infrastructure. AMT has tried to be as thorotigh as -possible -in' describing proposed mining and reclamation activities. AMT looks forward to working with Butte County to complete this application and eaivironin 1 review'.; process. _ On behalf of AMT, please feel free to contact us to answer queitions or claxfy inforiimtion. Sincerely, Jim Wallace Principal Cc: Phil Cash, AMT Nels Leen D E-CE0,dE FEB..1,5 ' BUTTE COUNTY P1 eaMlKlc nlvlelnu MINING PERMIT AND RECLAMATION PLAN APPLICATION for the SUGARLOAF MINE AT CHEROKEE BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Prepared For Butte County r Department of Development Services 7 County Center Drive Oroville, California 95965 Prepared On Behalf of Advanced Mineral Technology of Nevada, Inc. Rt. 1 Box 1092 AFairfield, Idaho 83327 February 15, 2001 Prepared by Jim Wallace Environmental Consulting Services 5266 Ridgevale Way Fair Oaks, California 95628 Preliminary Civil Engineering Prepared by GHH Engineering, Inc. 8084 Old Auburn Road Citrus Heights, California 95610 Surveying Prepared by GDA Surveying 220 Grand Avenue Oroville, California 95965 Mine Land Revegetation Specifications Prepared by Bitterroot Restoration, Inc. 11760 Atwater Road Auburn, California 95603 ' �t SUGARLOAF MINE AT CHEROKEE BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA INTRODUCTION AND PROTECT SUMMARY • Primary Mineral Commodity: silica sand and(aggregat�� • Secondary Mineral Commodity: clay, zircon, chromium, gold, micro diamonds • Estimated mine life: 23 years, in five phases with variable time frames • Continuous operation • . Project site size: 790 acres • Total disturbed area: Approximately 125 acres • Annual operation: mill run: 250,000 cubic yards (equivalent: 373,000 tons) total product produced: �QD�G►rD 300,00 tons annually • Maximum depth: 250 feet below existing ground surface (varies to as little as 10 feet below existing grade) • Mining method: Open pit, side hill, benched • Mineral processing will occur on-site, mine waste will be used in reclamation • Water requirements: 119,850 gallons per day • Final use after mine closure and reclamation: open space preserve (mixed oak/conifer woodland) • Good faith effort to determine reclamation costs: Approximately $3000 per acre, total $385,290 • Proposed daily hours of operation: Mining — 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday (may vary seasonally). Mineral processing: 24 hours/day 7 days/week • Proposed number of employees: 30 to 40, AMT will operate the mine and will hire locally PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS: Summary The proposed Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee is located approximately 12 miles north of the City of Oroville, Butte County, California. The project's property is bound by State Route 70 on the north, Cherokee Road on the northeast, and Table Mountain on the west. The property is located within portions of Sections 28, 29, 32 and 33, in Township 21 North, Range 4 East MDBM of the Cherokee; California, USGS 7.5 -minute topographic quadrangle. Coordinates to the approximate center of the project site are: 39038'22'N and 121°32'45W. The project area consists of a number of contiguous parcels totaling approximately 790 acres. Table Mountain, a prominent local landmark, is partially incorporated within the western portion of the property, and itself was subjected to hydraulic gold mining during the middle of the 19`h century: Later,. . sand and gravel were intensively quarried, particularly during the early 1960's as part of the Oroville Dam construction project. The most prominent water source within the project area is Sawmill Ravine, which prior to 1850's mining proceeded through the approximate center of the property; from southeast to , northwest.. However, in the 1870's and continuing through about 1892, a large tunnel (the Eureka Tunnel) was dug to divert the stream underground to use the stream's water in a complex underground sluicing operation. One of the consequences is that the drainage system along the diverted section of Sawmill Ravine has been substantially altered by mining and mining -related. activities. Additionally,, smaller intermittent drainages and several springs are present within the project area that drains into Sawmill Ravine. Mining operations are proposed within the previously mined area commonly known as the Cherokee Mine. Surface mining activities are restricted to approximately 86 acres east of .Sawmill Ravine, and outside of the active stream channel. An additional 15 to 20 acres will be disturbed by new haul roads and a mineral processing facility. The mineral processing facilities will be located in the northern portion O of the project area, approximately 5,000 feet north of the mine operations. A haul road will serve it from the mining face. Trucks will carry the mine feed from the mining operations to the processing plant. The primary mine ingress and egress will be from a new access road and new intersection (main entrance) that will intersect Cherokee Road approximately 300 feet south of State Route 70. All mine traffic will use the new access road for ingress and egress. A secondary access point will be maintained at the location of the existing access road, approximately 4,000 feet south of State Route 70 on Cherokee Road. Both entrances from Cherokee Road will be gated to prevent unauthorized access. AMT will improve the northern portion of Cherokee Road from the main entrance to State Route 70 to meet Butte County_ and CalTrans standards. Bulk and bagged sand products will be carried from the mine by truck. Proposed mining activities include an 86 -acre surface mine within the previously mined area east of Sawmill Ravine to extract high quality silica sand and associated clay, zircon, chromium, gold and micro - diamonds. The surface mine is proposed in five phases, over a mine life of twenty-three years. The mine will produce 300,000 tons of silica sand annually. The estimated total volume of material removed is estimated to be 5,750,000 cubic yards, from which the silica sand will be removed. A majority of the silica sand product will be sold to glass manufacturers throughout the western United States. Clay removed during processing may be sold or used in reclamation. Ancillary heavy minerals including zircon, chromium, gold and micro -diamonds will be removed from the sand product during processing and will be sold. Advanced Mineral Technology, Inc. of Nevada (AMT) has completed mineral reserve estimates and has verified economic silica sand reserves. Mining will occur in five phases over 23 years east of Sawmill Ravine. The prominent hill known locally as Sugarloaf will not be mined. The western, southern and eastern flanks of Sugarloaf will be within the mine, however, the northern flank and cap will not be disturbed. The mine plan estimates the depth of the mine to extend to bedrock, or to the sand/clay contact P k, y at depths ranging from 10 to 250 feet below the existing ground surface. Final mine geometry will include benched slopes not exceeding a ratio of 1:1, with bench heights of 20 feet. Every fifth bench will be 50 feet wide per geotechnical design requirements. A mineral processing facility. will be constructed in the northern portion of the property approximately 2,500 feet from the closest existing single family residences. All mineral processing will occur in the centralized processing facility. The mineral processing facility (plant) includes: • Secured entrance and guard house • Attrition mill and washing plant • Mine office, employee parking • Dewatering facility and fine material • Equipment maintenance building, return system equipment parking Rotary kiln drying plant with emission • Equipment fueling facilities controls • Sanitary facilities • Water storage • Hopper and feeder • Bagging facilities • Rotary screen and scrubbers • Truck loading facilities • Heavy mineral separation A mine haul road system will be constructed between the mineral processing facility and operating mine area. The haul road will be approximately 9,000 feet long. The haul road route has been chosen to avoid cultural resources identified as sensitive in the Archaeology Inventory Survey prepared by Jensen. & Associates (April 2000). Generally, the haul road crosses the northern section of the old Cherokee Mine and follows a broad northwest trending ridge, turns easterly across Sawmill- Ravine to the mineral processing plant. All mining operations, haul roads, access roads, intersections and mineral processing facilities are located on land controlled by Advanced Mineral Technology, Inc. MIN Monday. February 12, 2001 3:20 PM 530$94-2353 FED -07-2001 09 :44' hM JIM- WRLI-ACE 916 966 9438 DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES BUTTE COUNTY UNIFORM APPLICATIO AP�LICA&W A eflt info siWn to be rodded is on 09M? Wt: ASSESSOR'S PARL'E_t NUMBER APPLICANT'S NAME I If apgJictla is ddlcwnl flint otN1t1 Y1 tfOWhl Is t�yuttnl e �17,4e ED �� cEn ..�E,ea� T�c�yiJao� F .c%u9.OA .r.✓ ADDRESSCTfY. i?ATE & ]9P CODE FLE NWAIE ' (FOR OITCB i SF. ,4e r. / &0X Ae 40 9,T39'7 TULEF4Oh1E NIV,M OF PROPO M PROJECT 1 If MY 1 7 2323 . ,Qo E (Zo8 ► l LOCAnON OF PROJECt I Irtsyer am sassst.ne Addmn. 1f ny) ltJesf L' �20�� oeO- e nfowRAL twvaRAAATON RroMMD P. 02 OMI1rER'3 NAhE TflDIIONE ZONE CENMAL PLAN F]OiTING LAND USE srm 92E 1 w t{uw levew Anil / . I D[imr;G siRl'CTLR]_t f Flrsse Fta 1 I PROFOSIM TMUCTIMES 4 saslrve FOP) tcw& Onc" tCtWd Ooc', pROWry IS OR PROPOSED TO BE SEN►ERED PROPERTY' IS OR PROPOSED TO OF ON PUBLIC MATER PROPERTY 15 OR PRAPWO TO OE ON Uri C A =1 ISO pR D TO O DWELL WATER AMU% -AI Ivr 0 GENERAL PLAN AMENDHLNT O "ZONE IMF PFJL%l IT O MINOR USE PERMIT Cl VARLANCL C) MD40R VARJANCT. C ADMINMRATNE PERMrT Q DEYPLOPMJN'T AGRJSRULNT Cl TIENTATWE PARCEL MAP p TENTATWE SUP1XVISION MAP WAIVER OF PARITL MAP 86L1NDARY LINE MODOWATION G LEGAL LOT OUTUMINATIO14 C) CERTIFICATE OF MERGER MDJINCI AND RELLAMATl1-1N Pl AN 0 Q?K9R PKV'lG.a. r mr.3a a L lwn PULL DE'.SC R1T>rfCN OF PROPOSED vRQJEGT' IAfsah noeelYry sAals if rt6r +ppdc Woo Is for r hnd dld6on describe t1s pMlnber an,l Pas of Ptrte{s.l ls'ie � e.4 f�O+Na et�ra/E D i ��t/G F�4Cl�C�Tl6.f' OWNER CERTIFICATION 1 CERTIFY TNwT 1 AM Par=%TLY TNR LEGAL I YV�$ OF TNT f11N1(PR. I ACX %.Ow'LEDGE TsIF Mi%t Ur THIS APPLICATIO.N A•'D 1;F7tTw THAT ALL OFTHF. ABOVE WTWMATIO%' IE Tali AND A47(1•RATE• fit >A &, M b w r a>lane A euests M slfwvw Of artAor.a mwrde h s� K 4Rtn Atn atpluwm►� DATE. 'y -1 Z -O / SIGNATUfN"_ p.02 O 0 Monday, February 12, 2001 3:24 PM 630304-2363 DATE:FEBRUARY 12, 2001 TO. DUTTE COUNTY. DEr1MT14LNT OF D1:VrL0r'1r:jXT SERVICES FROM: NELS LEEN .RE: OPEN MINE APPLICATION FOR AMT This note will give Butte County Department of Development Se'rvices notice that Nels Leen,-owner of the property described as Cherokee, Mine Site located at Cherokee.Road and Highway 70, acknowledges that Advanced Mineral Technology, inc., a Nevada Corporation, is making application for an open pit mine opera -;%-ion on this property with my consent. Leen P:01 COUNTY OF BUTTE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION FORM (To be Completed By Project Applicant) Date Filed f�ff2dA,0_,( 151 ypD l General Information: AL -f. tN,Fo,Q,Nn-noa eeQv »o (r irhs rzoem is A-rAc44sO 1. Name and address of owner, and/or developer, and/or project sponsor: 2. Address of project: Assessor's Parcel Number: 3. Name, address, and telephone number of person to be contacted concerning this project: 4. List and describe any other related permits and other public approvals required for this project, including those required by city, regional, state and federal agencies: 5. Existing general plan designation: 6. Existing zoning district: 7. How is land currently used? 8. Proposed use of site (Project for which this form is filed): Project Description: 9. Site size: (Acres/Sq.' Feet) 10: Off-street parking spaces: Full size: Compact: Total: 11. Plans attached Yes No 12. Proposed development schedule 13. Associated projects 14. Anticipated incremental or phased development 0 Butte county Department of ;_velopment Services 0 Planning Division -u F W 0 Attach description of project containing the following information: 15. If residential, include the number of units, schedule of 'unit sizes, range of sale prices or rents, and type of household size expected. 16. If commercial, indicate the type, whether neighborhood, city or regionally oriented, square footage of sales area and loading facilities. 17. If industrial, indicate type, estimated employment per shift, and loading facilities. 18. If institutional, indicate the major function, estimated employment per shift, estimated occupancy, loading facilities, and community benefits to be derived from the project. 19. If the project involves a variance, conditional use, rezoning application, or any development permits, state this and indicate clearly why the application is required. If permits have already been issued, please attach as Exhibit Are the following items applicable to the project or its effects? Discuss below all items checked yes (attach additional sheets as necessary). YES NO 20. Change in existing features of any hills, buttes, canyons or substantial alteration of ground contours. 21. Change in scenic views or vistas from existing residential areas or public lands or roads. 22. Change in pattern or character of general area of project. 23. Significant amounts of solid waste or litter. 24. Change in dust, ash, smoke, fumes or odors in vicinity. 25: Change in bay, lake. river, stream or ground water quality or quantity, or alteration of existing drainage patterns. 26. Substantial change in existing noise or, vibration levels in the vicinity. 27. Site on filled land or on slopes of 10 percent or more. - 28. Use of, or disposal of potentially hazardous materials, such as toxic substances, flammable or explosives. 29. Substantial change in demand for municipal services (police, fire, water, sewage, etc. including special districts). 30. Substantially increase fossil fuel consumption (electricity, oil, natural gas, etc.). 31. Relationship to a larger project or series of projects. C Butte County :�epartmer.; c` :)evelopment Services C Planning Division 0 Environmental Setting: .(Attach brief description) 32. Describe the project site as it exists before the project, including information on topography, soil stability, plants and animals, and any cultural; historical, or scenic aspects. Describe any existing structures on the site and the use of the structures. Attach photographs of the site. Snapshots or Polaroid photos will be accepted. ATA�•�,p 33. Describe the surrounding properties, including information on plants and animals and any cultural, historical, or scenic aspects. Indicate the type of land use (residential, commercial, etc.), intensity of land use (one -family, apartment houses, shops, department stores, etc.), and scale of development (height, frontage, set -back, rear yard, etc.). Attach photographs of the vicinity. Snapshots or Polaroid photos will be accepted. ATTAc*4eD Certification I hereby certify that the statements furnished above and in the attached exhibits present the data and information required for this initial evaluation to the best of my ability, and that the facts, statements, and information presented are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. On be ho /g4 ZW r r� ��r�` o.z�.�co •r t, AQl./a r�ce� Mi r,�,-a / Tech a� /ho s Aiig J'�.c f �� in 74hl r A -nn" Date Signature for . Z 15 ZOO 1 �DL�r.[�a��al nP/Ql Tc%! /7,IG4y A/(/ �ilG K:\FORMS\ENV-INFO C Butte County Department of Dev-!lopm.nt services C Planning Division C 3 0 COUNTY OF BUTTE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION FORM Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee Date Filed: February 15, 2001 GENERAL INFORMATION: 1. Name and address of owner, and/or developer, and/or project sponsor: Advanced Mineral Technology of Nevada, Inc. (AMT) Phil Cash, President Rt. 1 Box 1092 Fairfield, Idaho 83327 2. Address of Project: No assigned street address. Project location: Section: Portions of 28 Section: Portions of 32 Township: 21 N Township: 21 N Range: 4 E Range: 4 E Meridian: Mount Diablo Meridian: Mount Diablo Section: Portions of 29 Section: Portions of 33 Township: 21 N Township: 21 N Range: 4 E Range: 4 E Meridian: Mount Diablo Meridian:.Mount Diablo Assessor's Parcel Number(s): County of Butte: Attached as Appendix A, Exhibits "A" through "J" 41-06-129 41-33-28 41-33-30 41-06-88 41-06-130 41-33-26 41-33-64 41-33-22 41-06-38 41-33-39 41-33-30 41-33-23 41-33-38 Note: Located entirely within the project boundaries are five parcels of land owned by the US Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The assessor's parcel number and the acreage for each parcel is listed below. AMT has been in consultation with BLM (Redding, California Office, Real Estate Specialist) to purchase or swap these land locked parcels.. BLM is - currently working on a third party swap that will transfer ownership to AMT. `AMT has offered to consolidate the BLM parcels in a swap for acreage in the western portion of the project site. However, BLM has indicated that they had limited interests in additional land within the vicinity of the mine or the Community of Cherokee. Therefore, AMT will continue to work with BLM to facilitate a third party land swap outside of the immediate project vicinity. Additionally, BLM has asked AMT to include in the land swap a small parcel of less than one acre (APN 41-50-07), contiguous to the northern eastern project boundary. Although this parcel is outside the project boundaries, AMT has agreed. None of the five.BLM parcels within the project boundaries will be mined, although, APN 41-06-126 may be used as part of the reclamation area. The location of the BLM parcels is shown in Appendix A. Table 1 . Bureau of Land Management Parcel and Lot Numbers Land Locked Within Project Boundaries Assessor's Parcel Number Lot Number Size (Acre) 41-06-124 44 ±14.75 41-06-123 45 ±14.19 41=06-125 46 +5.31 41-06-126 6 ±2.43 41-49-25 41. ±5.45 TOTAL ACREAGE ±42.13 3. Name and address of the person to be contacted concerning this project: Advanced Mineral Technology of Nevada, Inc. Phil Cash, President Rt. 1 Box 1092 Fairfield, Idaho 83327 877-716-2323 4. List and describe any other related permits and other public approvals required for this project, including those required by city, regional, state and federal agencies. A) Air quality permits: Butte County Air Quality Management District, air quality permits will be required for the project: 1) Fugitive dust control in the mine area and for access and haul roads; 2) Mineral processing plant B) Encroachment permit: Butte County, comer of Cherokee Road and. proposed main entrance/intersection C) Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan: Butte County and RWQCB. D) Clean Water Act_ Section 404: US Army Corps of Engineers, Wetland Delineation. Some jurisdictional waters may be impacted, mitigation will occur on site... E) Report of Waste Discharge: Regional Water Quality Control Board. F) Fish and Game Code, Section 1603 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement:. California Department of Fish and Game. It will be necessary to cross intermittent streams. G) Grading Permit: Butte County, Public Works required for grading involving_ more than 1,000 cubic yards of material. H) Butte County, Environmental Health: Domestic wastewater, septic tank and leach field. Domestic wastewater disposal at processing plant. 5. Existing general plan designation: Agricultural 6. Existing zoning: unclassified 0 7. How is the land currently used: The project area is undeveloped. .Some cattle grazing occurs in the northern portions of the project site, outside of the proposed mining areas. Virtually all of the, property has been substantially affected by historic and contemporary gold mining and sand/gravel extraction. It is estimated that as much as 60% of the surface of the project area contains debris piles and rubble resulting from hydraulic mining dating to the period 1857 — 1882. These lands are concentrated within the southern and eastern portions of the property. The northern half of the property contains lands not subjected directly to hydraulic mining, but which were nevertheless impacted by road construction, ditch excavation, placer mining within the Sawmill Ravine channel, and historic and contemporary ranching which required removal of native vegetation in order to expand pastures. 8. Proposed use of site: Surface mine and a mineral processing facility for the production of silica sand and associated minerals. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 9. Site Size: 798 acres; estimated total disturbed area, 86.25 -acre mine; 12.2 -acre mineral processimg plant site; 2.3 -acre road shoulders and 8.1 -acre roads. 10. Off-street parking: Full size: 20; Compact: 5 = Total: 25 for employees, visitors and vendors 11. Plans attached: YES 12. Proposed development schedule: The. development schedule begins upon issuance.of necessary local, state and federal approvals: Year/ Development Activity Duration Description Construct access road, new Cherokee Road intersection, haul Infrastructure Construction I Year 1 roads, surface water diversion channel, bridges, mineral 120 to 160 days processing plant, pipelines. Remove old mining structures and equipment. 26.83 acres, 1,028,889 cy, nine waste to reclaim area (304,129 Mining Phase I Year 1 to 5 cy), construction soil stockpile area and chipped vegetation 4.06 years storage area. Reclamation begins approximately 6 months after mining begins. Year 5 to 10 11.57 acres, 1,412,961 cy, mine waste to Phase I mining area Mining Phase H 5.6 years (222,907 cy). Reclamation begins on Phase II within 6 months of beginning Mining. Year 10 to 16 12.22 acres, 1,815,700 cy, mine waste to. reclaim area (65,824 Mining Phase 111 I 6.05 years cy) and 140,000 to Phase I mining area. Reclamation in Phase III begins within 6 months of mining. . Year 16 to 20 18.2 acres, 1,114,535 cy, mine waste to reclaim area (282,592 Mining Phase IV 4.04 years cy). Reclamation within Phase IV begins within 6 months of mining. 10 acres held out to receive mine waste from Phase V. Year 21 to 23 17.86 acres, 670,737 cy, mine waste to Phase 1V mining area . Mining Phase V 2.7 years I (134,148 cy). Reclamation within Phase V begins within 6 months of mining. 23 Alfroads, processing areas and disturbed areas will be Final Mine Reclamation (2 years beyond I reclaimed AMT will ensure plant survivability and final mining) reclamation success by hiring independent contractor, to oversee maintenance for three years. 13. Associated projects: None 14. Anticipated incremental or phased development: The phased development schedule begins upon final approval by local, state and federal agencies, refer to Table 1, Development Schedule and Figure 3, Mine Development Phases. There are six phases as shown on the development schedule: Infrastructure construction, and mining phases I through V. Each phase is described in the mining and reclamation plan of this permit application. 15. If residential, include the number of units, schedule of unit sizes, range of sales prices or rents, and types of household size expected: NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS PROJECT 16. If commercial, indicate type, whether neighborhood, city or regionally oriented, square footage of sales area and loading facilities. NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS PROJECT 17. If industrial, indicate type, estimated employment per shift, and loading facilities Industrial. Type: Mining and mineral processing Employment per Shift: Weekday shift: 15-20 Evening plant shift: 10 Weekend plant shift 10 Loading facility: In -building loading facility capable of bulk or bag loading of finished sand product. 18. This project is not considered to be institutional. 19. If the project involves a variance, conditional use, rezoning application or any development permits, state and indicate clearly why the application is required. If permits have already been issued, please attach as an exhibit. The project requires the following: A) Conditional use permit: Mining is a permitted use in an unclassified zone, and requires a conditional use permit B) Mining Permit and Reclamation Plan: Butte County requires a specific permit to conduct mining within the county. Butte County and the State of California require a reclamation plan for compliance with the California Surface Mining and Reclamation. Act (SMARA 2770(a)). Are the following items applicable to the project or its effects? 20. Change in existing features of any hills, buttes, canyons or substantial alteration of ground contours: YES Mining operations will affect existing topography within the previously mined portions of the, Cherokee pit. Estimated total material disturbed, approximately 5,020,000 cubic yards. Mining operations will not occur on the northern portions of the topographic feature locally known as Sugarloaf (Figure 3), or on the northeastern face of Table Mountain. Construction of the mineral processing plant site, shown on Figures 2 and 3, will result in lowering a northwest trending ridge and using that excavated material as fill for processing plant site and roads, 0 21. Change in scenic views or vistas from existing residential areas or public lands or roads: YES Residential areas are located east and northwest of the project site. Some residents on the north end of Rancho Road east of the project may be able to see small portions of the mine area. The mineral processing area may be visible from State Route 70. Intersection improvements at SR 70 and Cherokee Road will be visible from SR 70. Revegetation to screen the plant and intersection improvements from highway views will begin immediately after grading is complete. Although SR 70 is designated a scenic highway, only the intersection improvements at Cherokee Road are within the scenic highway corridor. 22. Change in patter or character of the general area of project: NO The proposed project is in an area already known as a mine. The mineral processing plant is similar in size and function to an existing mineral. processing plant two miles west of the project site -along Dry Creek. 23. Significant amounts of solid.waste or litter. NO 24. Change in dust, ash, smoke, fumes or odors in vicinity: NO All operations associated with mining and processing operations are subject to air quality permits. The mining areas will be watered to suppress dust; mining methods using track -mounted excavator will help reduce dust; natural moisture of the sand deposit will help reduce dust; all haul roads will be graveled, coated and watered as necessary. Revegetation will begin as soon as feasible in all disturbed areas. Fugitive dust will be controlled in accordance with Butte County- Air Quality Management District requirements, Cal OSHA and the Mining Safety Health Administration (MSHA). Processing plant dust emissions will be controlled in accordance with Butte County Air Quality Management District requirements, Cal OSHA and the Mining Safety Health Administration (MSHA). 25. Change in bay, lake, stream or groundwater quality or quantity, or alteration of existing drainage patterns. YES Existing intermittent drainages will be mined, filled or crossed by various mining activities. All alterations are subject to Fish and Game Code Section 1603 agreements and may also be subject to Federal Clean Water Act requirements. All stream alteration areas are shown on Figures 3 and 4. . Surface water quality will be changed and improved to reduce or eliminate sediment runoff from east of Sawmill Ravine. Groundwater will not be altered. Groundwater resources in the project vicinity are generally restricted to a fractured bedrock environment, and to a lesser degree to shallow groundwater perched on the sand/clay — bedrock contact. Mine operations will not alter regional or local groundwater recharge, and only minor groundwater quantities (1 to 2 gpm) from an existing . well will be used on the project site. No new groundwater extraction systems are proposed. 26. Substantial change in existing noise or vibration levels in the vicinity. NO Mining operations will not substantially change the noise levels in the vicinity. Mining operations will be conducted using track mounted excavators and haul trucks equipped with special mufflers. Mineral processing will be conducted at a plant site at least 2,000 feet from the nearest residence. Since operations at the mineral processing plant will be conducted 24 hours per day, vehicles required to use backup -horns will be equipped with OSHA and MSHA approved strobe lights for use at night. Mining operations will be limited to weekdays and .daylight hours (one shift). This will eliminate substantial changes to nighttime noise levels. 0 27. Site on filled land or slopes of 10 percent or more. YES Portions of the slopes on the western, southern and eastern flanks of Sugarloaf exceed 10 percent. These flanks are part of the proposed mining operation. Portions of the haul roads will cross slopes exceeding 10 %. A portion of the mineral processing facilities will be constructed on filled land. The final slope geometry is shown in Figure 10, Final Topographic Confifuration. 28. Use of, or disposal of potentially hazardous materials, such as toxic substances, flammables or explosives. YES. Mining operations require fuel for mine equipment and maintenance. All fuel and fuel storage facilities will be constructed above ground and will meet state and county requires for AST. No hazardous materials will be disposed on site. No explosives will be stored or used on site (It may be necessary to use limited blasting to construct portions of the haul roads, however, final geotechnical and construction parameters have not been identified. If explosives are necessary during road construction, licensed professionals will conduct blasting with approved plans. No blasting or other use of explosives is necessary during mineral extraction operations.) Fuel and hazardous materials stored and used on site will include: • 10,000 gallon above ground storage tank for diesel • 20,000 gallon above ground storage tank for propane 0 1000 gallon above ground storage tank for gasoline • 500 gallon above ground storage tanks for waste oil (from maintenance facility, regularly recycled) • Quantities of motor oil and lubricants (maintenance facility, 55 gallon drums as needed) 0 Sodium Bromide 0 Quantities of flocculent 29. Substantial increase in demand for public services. NO Sugarloaf Mine is.located in rural Butte County where public services are limited. Water Supply: No municipal water supply is available in the vicinity of the project. Industrial water will be supplied through arrangements with the Butte County Department of Water Resources and Conservation (Letter of Intent is attached as Appendix Q. Bottled water will be the primary source of potable water. There are two existing domestic water supply wells within the project site. One currently serves the residential unit used as the caretaker's house. The second well is not in use, but may be used as a backup drinking water supply for mine employees. Sewer System: Chemical toilets (mine area) and an approved septic tank/leach', field in the processing plant area will provide on-site sanitary sewer services. Natural Gas Service: No natural gas service is available. The nearest natural gas pipeline terminates near Butte College, approximately 6 miles north of the project site. Propane will be used for heating and drying plant operations. Fire Prevention: The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) provides fire prevention services for rural areas in Butte County. The closest CDF station is located near the intersection of State Route 70 and Nelson Avenue in Oroville, approximately 12 miles from the project site. The Community of Cherokee has a volunteer fire department. There are no existing fire hydrants M within the vicinity of the project. Water from the Miocene Ditch (100 gpm) and from on-site storage tanks will be available in case of fire emergencies. Fire prevention and fire suppression requirements of MSHA, OSHA and CDF will be implemented. Crime Prevention/Sheriff's Service: Law enforcement in the project vicinity is provided by the Butte County Sheriffs Department. The County's law enforcement staffing goals are based on population, which would remain unchanged with the proposed project. Schools: Employment at the mine is not anticipated to increase the need for additional schools or classrooms. Drainage: It is not anticipated that county drainage improvements will result from this project. Drainage requirements are related to internal activities and do not require off-site improvements by Butte County. 30. Substantial increase in fossil fuel consumption. NO 31. Relationship to a larger project or series of projects. NONE 32. Describe the project site as it exists before the project. The project area'is undeveloped private property. Some cattle grazing occurs in the northern portions of the project site, outside of the proposed mining areas. Virtually all of the property has been substantially affected by historic and contemporary gold mining and sand/gravel extraction. It is estimated that as much as 60% of the surface of the project area contains debris piles and rubble resulting from hydraulic mining dating to the period 1857 — 1882. These lands are concentrated within the southern and eastern portions of the property. The northern half of the property contains lands not subjected directly to hydraulic mining, but which were nevertheless impacted by road construction, ditch excavation, placer mining within the Sawmill Ravine channel, and historic and contemporary ranching which required removal of native vegetation in order to expand pastures. Natural features map showing existing features is included in this application as Figure 3. 33. Describe the surrounding properties, including information on plants and animals and any cultural, historical, or scenic aspects. Indicate the type of land use, intensity of land use and scale of development. Expanded information on surrounding properties is found in Appendix B (Biological Resources) and in the confidential archeological report prepared by Jensen & Associates. Surrounding Land Use Characteristics: • West of project site: Open space, cattle grazing, scattered residential units • South of project site: Open space, cattle grazing, scattered permanent and seasonal residential units • North of project site: SR 70 — Scenic Highway-; Spring Valley Elementary School, open space, cattle grazing, gravel mining operations • . East of project: Community of Cherokee, residential units on large rural lots, Cherokee Road .Generally, except for areas east of the project site, surrounding area associated with agricultural and open space operations. Residential development east of the project site, including areas that share common boundaries with residential units, is relatively low density.. Most residential units are built on lots greater than five acres in size. WAR 33. Continued -Describe the surrounding properties, including information on plants and animals and any cultural, historical, or scenic aspects. Indicate the type of land use, intensity of land use and scale of development. Scenic Aspects The project site is located within the former Cherokee Mine, a highly altered environment the result of extensive hydraulic mining. A highwall face 300 feet high on the northeast side of Table Mountain dominates the project site. The area within the project site is a mixture of oak -pine woodlands, chaparral, barren sand and a narrow riparian. corridor along .Sawmill Ravine. A locally prominent hill, Sugarloaf, rises above the disturbed area in the northeastern portion of the project site. The northwestern portion of property is a series of ridges separated by intermittent drainages and the deep and altered Sawmill Ravine canyon. The ridges are covered by annual grassland lands and mixed oak - pine woodlands. The Lower Miocene Canal transverses the lower portion of the ridges at an elevation of about 900 feet. The canal crosses Sawmill Ravine in a flume. Several old roads and ditches also traverse the ridges and intervening drainages. The Union Pacific Railroad crosses the northwestern portion of the property. Historic Aspects The Community of Cherokee, east of the project site, is named for a party of Cherokee native Americans who migrated there in the 1850's to mine gold. The town of Cherokee reached a population of about 700 in the mid.1870's. Several stone buildings, an old school house and numerous canals and "diggins" mark the vicinity of present-day Cherokee. MINING PERMIT APPLICATION 0 COUNTY OF BUTTE A, -U- TATAr Pc(-TAc r+G'n — 1. Name (if any) of Mineral Property '2. Owner(s) ' of surface rights (list all owners, attach additional sheet if. necessary) Name Address Telephone Name Address Telephone 3. Owners) of Mineral rights (attach additional sheet if necessary). Name Address Telephone Name Address Telephone 4. Lessee Name Address Telephone 5. Operator Name Address Telephone Butte Counn- Department of Development Sen -ices - Planning Division 1 6. Brief description, including legal, of the extent of the mined land (to be) involved in this operation: Section (s) ,.Township , Range Meridian 7. Describe the access route to the operation site. 8. Attach Location and Vicinity Map. DESCRIPTION 9: Mineral community to be mined: 10. Geologic description, including brief general geologic setting, more detailed geologic description of the mineral deposits (to be) mined, and principal minerals or rock types present. 11. Brief description of environmental setting of the site and the surrounding areas. Describe existing area land use, soil, vegetation, ground water elevation and surface water characteristics, average annual rainfall and/or other factors pertaining to environmental impacts and their mitigation and reclamation. (Attach additional sheets, if necessary.) PROPOSED (EXISTING) SURFACE MINING OPERATIONS: 12. Proposed starting date of operation Estimated Life of Operation Duration of First Phase Butte Counn- Department of Development Services - Planning Division 2 13. Operation will be (is): Continuous Seasonal Intermittent _ Developed , Not yet in operation Temporarily deactivated Stockpile in Mine - 14. Annual operation will be (is): (circle tons or cubic yards) Under 5,000 tons/ cu. yds./yr. 5,000-50,000 tons/ cu. yds./yr. 50,000-250,000 tons/ cu. yds./yr. 250,000-1,000,000 tons/ cu. yds./yr: Over 1,000,000 tons/ cu. yds./yr. 15. Total anticipated production (circle tons or cubic yards) Mineral commodities to be removed tons (cu yds.) Waste retained on the site tons (cu yds.) Waste disposed off site tons (cu yds.) Maximum anticipated depth 16. Mining method: (Check all applicable) Open Pit Gravel/Sand Pit Dredging Auger Single bench Drill and'blast Quarry Type: _ Hill top _ Clay Pit _ Multibench _ Truck to processing _ Side hill _ Borrow pit _ Dragline Plant (to RR) _ Low Level _ Tailings Pond _ Shovel _ Slurry Pump _ Rail _ Waste Dump _ Underground _ Gravel bar skimming Other 17. (a) If processing of the ores or minerals mined (including segregation of mined materials) is planned to be conducted at or adjacent to the site, briefly describe the nature of the processing and explain disposal method of the tailings. or waste from processing. Butte Counn- Deportment of Development Services - Planning Division 3 W., 19. (b) Estimate quantity (gallons per day) and quality of water required by the proposed operation, specifying proposed sources of this water, of method of its conveyance to this property and the quantity and quality and method of .disposal of used and/or surplus water. If the nature of the deposit and the mining method used will permit, describe and show the steps or phases of the mining operation that allow concurrent reclamation, and include a proposed time schedule for such concurrent activities. Attach a map of the mined lands and/or suitable aerial photograph showing: (a) Boundaries and topographic details of the site (b) Location of all streams, roads, railroads, water wells, utility facilities, structures, and buildings within 500 feet of site (c) Location of all current and proposed access roads to be constructed in conducting the surface mining operation (s) (d) Locations of areas (to be) mined and stockpiles, waste dumps and tailing. ponds (e) By use of overlay symbol or color, depiction of separate mining phases if applicable (see Item 20) (f) The source of map base, orientation (North arrow), and scale (e.g., 1'- 500', etc:) of map (g) Cross sections of the areas to be mined. Provide cross section (s) of the existing ground surface (in solid lines), including any streams, creeks, improvements etc., and illustrate the proposed mining depths with finished slopes (e.g., 2:1, 3:1) in dashed lines. The cross section (s) shall be sufficient to show the extent of an operation and shall extend at least 100 feet beyond the mine site (h) Location of improvements and mining equipment to be used (e.g., crusher, screens, offices, etc.) (i) The entire property, showing any proposed phasing Indicate on an overlay of map of Item 18, or by color or symbol or map those ureas to be covered by reclamation plan, in acres or square feet. Also indicate those areas previously reclaimed but not a part of the proposed reclamation plan. Butte Counn• Department of Development Services - Planning Division 4 21. Describe the ultimate physical condition of the site and specify proposed use (s), or potential uses, of mined lands as reclaimed. 22. Describer - relationship of the interim uses other than mining and the ultimate physical condition to: (a) Zoning regulations (b) General Plan and Plan elements 23. Provide evidence that all owners of a possessory interest in this land have been notified of the proposed use (s) or potential uses identified in Item 20. (Attach copy of notarized statement of acknowledgment of notification.) 24. Describe soil conditions and proposed soil salvage plan. 25. Describe the methods, their sequence and timing, to be used in bringing the reclamation of the land to its end state. Indicate on map (Item 19 & 20) or on diagrams as necessary. Include discussion of the pertinent items listed below. (a) Backfilling and grading (b) . Stabilization of slopes (c) Stabilization of permanent waste dumps, tailings, etc. (d) Rehabilitation of pre -mining drainage (e) Removal, disposal, or utilization of residual equipment, structures, refuse, etc. Bune Counn- Deparimeni of Development Sen1ces - Planning Division .5 (f) Control of contaminants, especially with regard to surface runoff and groundwater (g) Treatment of stream' beds and streambanks .to control erosion and sedimentation (h) Removal of minimization of residual hazards (i) Resoiling and revegetation plan with evidence that plants can survive given the site's topography, soil and climate. The plan shall include proposed plant material used for revegetation and an irrigation or watering plan or schedule (j) Dust and air pollution control measures proposed to eliminate or substantially reduce potential impacts 26. Provide a good faith estimate of reclamation costs of the entire site, or phases, if proposed. Attach a detailed breakdown of all expected reclamation tasks and their related costs. The costs shall be based on having the County or an independent contractor completing the full reclamation of the site (including, but not limited to, equipment removal, regrading, replanting and . other reclamation measures). 27. If applicant has selected a short term phasing of his reclamation, describe in . . detail the specific reclamation to be accomplished during first phase. .28. Describe how reclamation of this site, in this manner, may affect future mining at this site and in the surrounding area. Butte Counn- Department of Development Sen•ices.- Planning Division 6 M., Monday, February 12, 2001-3:20 PM 530.894-2353 • p•03 966 9456 P.03- FEB -07-2001 08:45 AM J1M.WALLACE 916 29, Litt any hazardous rnatendis to be used (inflammables, exPlosives and strong chemicals) 30. Proposed daily hours of operation X4'17" dvfle:D 31. Proposed number of employees I hveby declare under penalty of perjury that the bregorng statemeRta are true. complete and com>lct. Date --- Applicant's Signature X, Date Z 't Z 6 Property Owner's Sign K:gprn�4�Er�t�MM�Mi1� irai TQ�A9 . Bunn Counn Dcpon-ra 00I'T-I4M0Pv —remuos r�annwg t!n �r�o� MINING PERMIT APPLICATION COUNTY OF BUTTE (continued) Sugarloaf Mine, at Cherokee 6. Brief description, including legal, of the extent of the mined land (to be) involved in this operation: Section: Portions of 28 Section: Portions of 32 Township: 21 N Township: 21 N Range: 4 E Range: 4 E Meridian: Mount Diablo Meridian: Mount Diablo Section: Portions of 29 Section: Portions of 33 Township: 21 N Township: 21 N Range: 4 E Range: 4 E Meridian: Mount Diablo Meridian: Mount Diablo Legal Description: Attached as Appendix A Extent of mined land: Attached as Figure 5, Proposed Mine Operation Layout 7. Describe the access route to the operation site: The project is accessed from State Route 70; south on Cherokee Road approximately 300 feet to a private access road to the processing plant and mine site. Cherokee Road from State Route 70 to 250 feet south of the mine access road will be improved to meet Butte County and CalTrans standards to accommodate truck traffic. A second entrance is located on Cherokee Road approximately 4,000 feet south of SR 70. This entrance currently serves the project site and will be maintained as a secondary and emergency entrance. It may also be used by employees living south of the project site in the vicinity of the communities of Cherokee and Oregon Gulch. Although access can be gained from the City of Oroville north via Cherokee Road, no authorized mine traffic, including employees, will utilize this route. 8. Attach Location and Vicinity Map. Attached: Figure 11 Location Map Attached: Figure 2, Vicinity Map DESCRIPTION 9. Mineral commodity to be mined: Silica sand, aggregate, minor amounts of zircon, chromium, gold and micro -diamonds. Depending on market conditions, kaolinitic clay, a by-product of mineral processing, may also be sold. The extraction; processing, and sale of silica sand and its associated minerals will not result in the loss of a regional or local mineral resources, since extensive similar mineral deposits are located south and west of the project site. 10. Geologic. description, including brief general geologic setting, more detailed geologic description of the mineral deposits (to be) mined, principal [principle] minerals or rock types. Regional Geology n C� N MINING PERMIT APPLICATION COUNTY OF BUTTE (continued) Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee I Name of Mineral Property: Sugarloaf Mime at Cherokee 2. Owners of surface rights: Nels and Jerry Leen 460 W. East Ave. 4 100 Chico, CA 95949 Advanced Mineral Technology of Nevada, Inc. (AMT) Rt. I Box 1092 Fairfield, Idaho 83327 208-764-2323 Note: AMT has an agreement to purchase parcels that do not currently own from the Leens, including their mineral rights. 3. Owners of Mineral Rights: Same as above 4. Lessee: Not applicable 5. Operator: Advanced Mineral Technology of Nevada, Inc. Rt. I Box 1092 Fairfield, Idaho 83327 208-764-2323 6. Brief description, including legal, of the extent of the mined land (to be) involved in this operation: Section: Portions of 28 Section: Portions of 29 Township: 21 N Township: 21 N Range: 4 E Range: 4 E Meridian: Mount Diablo Meridian: Mount Diablo Section: Portions of 32 Township: 21 N Range: 4 E Meridian: Mount Diablo Section: Portions of 33 Township: 21 N Range: 4 E Meridian: Mount. Diablo Legal Description: Attached as Appendix A Extent of mined land: Attached as Figure 5, Proposed Mime Operation Layout 7. Describe the access route to the operation site: The project is accessed from State Route 70; south on Cherokee Road approximately 300 feet to a private access road to the processing plant and mine site. Cherokee Road from State Route 70 to 250 feet south of the mine access road will be improved to meet Butte County and CalTrans standards to accommodate . truck traffic. A second entrance is located on Cherokee Road approximately 4,000 feet south of SR 70. This entrance currently serves the project site and will be maintained as a secondary and emergency entrance. It may also be used by employees living south of the project site in the vicinity of the communities of Cherokee and Oregon Gulch. Although access can be gained from the City of Oroville north via Cherokee Road, no authorized mine traffic, including employees, will utilize this route. 8. Attach Location and Vicinity Map. . Attached: Figure 1, Location Map Attached: Figure 2, Vicinity Map DESCRIPTION 9. Mineral commodity to be mined: Silica sand, aggregate, minor amounts of zircon, chromium, gold and micro -diamonds. Depending on market conditions, kaolinitic clay, a by-product of mineral processing, may also be sold. The extraction, processing, and sale of silica sand and its associated minerals will not result in the loss of a regional or local mineral resources, since extensive similar mineral deposits are located south and west of the project site. 10. Geologic description, including brief general geologic setting, more detailed geologic description of the mineral deposits (to be) mined, principal [principle] minerals or rock types. Regional Geology . Central Butte County lies along the border between the Sierra Nevada, the southern extension of the Cascade volcanic region, and the Sacramento Valley. The stratified rocks in the area may be grouped into steeply dipping Middle Jurassic -age bedrock and younger, Middle Eocene -age, nearly flat lying sediments. The two sequences are separated by an angular unconformity. The metamorphism, steep dips and tight folds of the bedrock sequence is overlain by the younger sediments which exhibit low dips and which are relatively undeformed. In the vicinity of the project, both sequences are overlain by Lower Pliocene basalt flows that form Table Mountain. Limited exposures of the Upper Jurassic, Oregon City Formation (Creely, 1965) bedrock are restricted to the eastern portion of the site. In the vicinity of the project site, the Oregon City Formation consists of metavolcanic rocks of intermediate to basic composition and is generally referred to as greenstone. The greenstone bedrock was identified in eight exploration boring at the base of the sand. Therefore, based on these data and published reports, it is assumed to underlie the entire project site. The basalt flows that form the cap rock on Table Mountain and Sugarloaf have been mapped as Lower Miocene and are probably Lovejoy Basalt. The basalt is nearly flat lying, highly resistant cap of black dense basaltic lava. 2 The Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee is located in a region of relative tectonic stability-and low seismic re A activity. One moderate earthquake has occurred within_ Central Butte County during historic time. On �^ August 1, 1975 a magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred approximately 5 miles southeast of the City of - Oroville near the community of Palermo. Surface rupturing along the western flank of Cleveland Hill ' four miles east of Palermo has been associated with the earthquake, and this break has been named the - Cleveland Hills fault. The earthquake caused minor to moderate damage 'in the City of Oroville, but no surface breaks or evidence of surface damage was reported north of Oroville in the vicinity of the quarry. Three fault systems have been mapped in Butte County, the Swain Ravine Fault Zone (which may include the Cleveland Hills Fault) south of the City of Oroville; the Chico Monocline Fault, north of the City of Oroville, and the Cohasset Ridge Fault (including the Magalia Fault), northeast of the City of Oroville. An unnamed fault, and probable older fault, has also been mapped on the 'east side of Table Mountain. 'There are no records or geologic maps that indicate that an active fault exists in the immediate vicinity of Cherokee, or that the proposed mining operations cross any known faults. California Division of Mines has published data which predicts that there is a 10%'probability. that the Butte County area-may be subject to a seismic event, within the next 50 years, that is capable -of generating 0.2 G ground acceleration. o. , Saturated alluvial sediments are generally susceptible to seismically induced liquefaction, but bedrock is not. The Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee is composed 'of unsaturated sediments resting ori greenstone bedrock. Therefore, seismically induced liquefaction at the mine site -or at the processing plant is not a probability.. Mine Site Geology Two primary sedimentary units and a metamorphic bedrock formation characterize mine site geology. The Ione Formation (Eocene Age) rests unconformably on pre-Cretaceous metamorphosed volcanic and sedimentary bedrock. Generally, a series of ,sand and gravel channel deposits • (probably 'Pliocene or , Miocene age) with' minor clay lies above the Ione Formation. This formation is 40 to 150 feet thick and composes the economic resource. The Lovejoy Basalt forms the top of Table Mountain and overlies the-. sedimentary deposits west of the proposed mine site. According to the California Division of Mines and Geology (Bulletin 193), the Cherokee Mine, sometimes referred to as the Cherokee Mining District or the Spring Valley District, produced most of its ' gold from a single large hydraulic mine that yielded approximately 500,000 ounces of gold. Between 400 and 500 small diamonds were recovered from the gold-bearing gravels at the Cherokee Mine. This is the best known diamond-bearing locality in California. ; 11. Brief description of environmental setting of the site and surrounding areas. Describe existing land use, soil, vegetation, groundwater elevation and surface water characteristics, average annual rainfall ' and/or other factors pertaining to environmental impacts and their mitigation and reclamation. Environmental Setting ` The property is located in the transitional foothills between the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains near.the Butte County community of Cherokee. The region is a mosaic of livestock pastures, orchards,- annual rchards,annual grasslands, oak-pine woodlands, foothill chaparral, and wetlands and riparian communities.-The _ - • region is essentially a transition' zone between the lowlands of the Central Valley and the Siena Nevada and Cascade Range. Land use practices surrounding the property include livestock grazing and agriculture. Scattered residential properties adjoin the property ori the northwest and east. ` • 3 � Characterized by Mediterranean weather, the property experiences hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Average precipitation is approximately 20 to 30 inches a year, all of which falls as rain. The mean freeze -free period is about 250 to 300 days annually. Elevations range from 1500 feet above mean sea level on Table Mountain to approximately 700 feet above mean sea level in Sawmill Ravine at State Route 70. The majority of mining operations lie within elevations between 1100 and 1300 feet. Table Mountain, a nearly flat feature that rises above the surrounding area, dominates the property on the west. Steep and deeply incised sand and gravel deposits that have been altered by historic hydraulic mining activities characterize the face of Table Mountain. Where not covered by vegetation, the steeply slopes are easily erodeable. Sawmill Ravine, at the northeastern foot of Table Mountain drains the "valley" created by historic mining activities. It flows northerly, its course has been significantly altered by channelization, sedimentation, and a vertical shaft and tunnel which carries the stream underground for approximately 1600 feet. Below the tunnel outfall, Sawmill Ravine flows through a steep bedrock canyon created by historic placer mining activities. The stream exits the property through culverts beneath fill placed during the construction of State Route 70. The eastern portion of the property is dominated by erratic topography, the result of past mining activities. The northeastern portion of the property is primarily exposed bedrock, the result of historic ground sluicing mining techniques. The central portion of the property is relatively undisturbed mixed oak -pine woodland on broad ridges separated by heavily vegetated steep ravines. Existing Land Use Existing land use on the project site consists of open space and grazing. One residential dwelling is located on the site. The project site includes the Cherokee pit (with abandoned mining equipment), .a portion of Table Mountain, Sawmill Ravine, and a series of ridges and drainages. The Union Pacific Railroad line crosses the northern portion of the property. The Upper Miocene canal also crosses the northern portion of the property south of the railroad alignment. State Route 70 forms the northern property boundary. Except for the railroad, water conveyance canal, several dirt roads and a single domestic dwelling, the project site is undeveloped. Soil Soil in the project vicinity is characterized by the following: • Table Mountain: Lovejoy basalt, limited soil development, not within mining operations • Cherokee Pit: highly disturbed, most soil removed by previous mining operations, thin (less than 18 inches deep) sandy loam has developed on flanks' of Sugarloaf • Sawmill Ravine Corridor: Sawmill Ravine through the Cherokee pit has been filled with fine clastic sediments that have developed a riparian corridor, not within mining operations • Northeastern disturbed area: Metamorphic complex bedrock. All soil and overburden removed by past . hydraulic mining activities. • Northern portion of property: Thin soil development over metamorphosed and altered bedrock on gentle to steep slopes, not within mine area, crossed by haul road and site for mineral processing plant. Note: There is no published soil survey (USDA) of this part of Butte County. Applicant also conferred with the California Department of Forestry, but could not locate any state publications that described soils in the vicinity of Cherokee, Butte County. Vegetation North Fork Associates, Auburn, California, prepared two reports to describe the vegetation and other natural features: Biological and Wetlands Resources Assessment, March 2000, and Wetland Delineation for the Sugarloaf Mine Project, July 2000. These reports are included in this application as Appendix B. Groundwater Groundwater on the project site occurs in two geologic units: 1) The sand and clay (Ione Fm) contact with the metamorphosed bedrock, and 2) the fractures in the bedrock. During project . evaluation two groundwater -monitoring wells were constructed in the southern portion of the project site. Both wells are shallow (23 and 27 feet deep), and are completed through the silica sand formation to the contact with the bedrock. The monitoring wells were constructed to measure depth to water in the sand deposit. Depth to groundwater varied from 23 to 25 feet below the existing ground surface. Based on data collected from the monitoring wells and from reconnaissance mapping of springs. in the eastern portion of the project, groundwater in the sand/clay formation is generally confined.to the base of the formation at or near the bedrock contact. Surface Water Sawmill Ravine is the primary surface water feature on the property. It flow ortherly along the western edge of the mining area near the foot of Table Mountain. It is channeliz for part of its length and has also formed a more natural channel in disturbed portions of the. site. It ' captured by a raise (a large hole constructed to divert the surface water underground) and travels 200 ' feet underground before it emerges above the Upper Miocene Canal in the side of Sawmill Ravine canyon. It flows through the steep bedrock canyon and through culverts under the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and crosses in culverts under State Route 70. Sawmill Ravine receives its water from watersheds southeast of the project, from intermittent drainages on the east, and from runoff from Table Mountain. The water contributed by Table Mountain has created deep gullies on its northeast face and during storm runoff, the erodeable sand deposits contribute sediment to Sawmill Ravine. Several intermittent drainages and gullies flow north and northwest toward State Route 70. They are generally characterized by steep -sided ravines and are separated by broad ridges. One small reservoir is located on the southeastern border of the property, it discharges into Sawmill Ravine. A seasonal pond that collects water from the north side of Table Mountain serves as a stock water pond. Surface Water and Groundwater: The Eureka Tunnel Conditions The Eureka Tunnel is located under the north -central portion of the project site. It was constructed in the 1880's and enlarged several times through the 1930's. It's portal is located just above the Miocene Canal in Sawmill Ravine. A 250 deep raise connects the southern end of the tunnel to the surface in the old Cherokee Pit. Sawmill Ravine flows into the raise, through the tunnel and discharges back into its channel under the Miocene Canal. Sawmill Ravine flows seasonally, and all of its water from the Cherokee Pit area flows into the Eureka Tunnel. The tunnel's portal had been secured to prevent unauthorized entrance. However, trespassers have vandalized the entrance to gain access to the tunnel. The portal area will be secured to prevent further unauthorized access. . The Eureka Tunnel is constructed in fractured bedrock. It is approximately 10 feet wide and 8 feet high. This large cross-sectional dimension and the tunnel's 2,000 foot length insects extensive groundwater- J bearing fracture systems. Even in the driest summer months, approximately 20 gpm of groundwater flows from the tunnel portal. Elevation and Surface Characteristics Topographic features and surface characteristics are shown on Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4. Elevations (feet above mean sea level) on the project site range from 1,579 feet on Table Mountain to 722 feet at the invert culvert crossing on Sawmill Ravine under SR 70. The project site surface characteristics include Table Mountain, Sugarloaf, Sawmill Ravine, Cherokee pit (hydraulic mine), ground -sluiced exposed bedrock, and a series of northwest -trending ridges and deeply incised gullies. Mineral resource extraction will result in permanently altering the topographic character of the Cherokee Pit (approximately 86 acres). (11. Continued) Describe existing land use, soil, vegetation, groundwater elevation andsurface water characteristics, average annual rainfall and/or other factors pertaining to environmental impacts and their mitigation and reclamation.) Annual Precipitation Annual precipitation averages 30 inches, all of which falls as rain. The mean freeze -free period is about 250 to 300 days annually. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected The factors listed below may be. affected by this project. Information, regarding the potential impacts, mitigation measures and reclamation procedures, are based on the mine design, discussion withregulatory agencies, a biological and wetland inventory, a cultural resources survey, a groundwater investigation, and anticipated impacts of surface mining activities. Mitigation and reclamation measures are addressed for.each environmental impact, and are included in the reclamation plan. Aesthetics The project site is located within the former Cherokee Mine, a highly altered environment the result of extensive. hydraulic mg. A highwall face 300 feet high on the northeast side of Table Mounta dominates.the projecininin projectsite. The area within the project site is a mixture of oak -pine woodlands, chaparral, barren sand and a narrow riparian corridor along Sawmill Ravine. A locally prominent hill, Sugarloaf, rises above the disturbed area in the northeastern portion of the project site. The northwestern portion of property is a series of ridges separated by intermittent drainages and the deep and altered Sawmill Ravine canyon. The ridges are covered by annual grassland lands and mixed oak - pine woodlands. The Lower Miocene Canal transverses the lower portion of the ridges at an elevation of about 900 feet. The canal crosses Sawmill Ravine in a flume. Several old roads and ditches also traverse the ridges and intervening drainages. The Union Pacific Railroad crosses the northwestern portion of the property. Potential aesthetic effects Elements of the mine may be visible from State Route 70 (Feather River National Scenic Highway), from Cherokee Road and from some residences east and northwest of the mine. The mine will not affect the largest visible landform, Table Mountain, or Sugarloaf, a locally prominent feature in the northeastern portion of the mine. 0 ME State Route 70 is designated a national scenic highway beginning at the intersection of Highway 191. The northern portion of the project site, including the new main entrance and intersection on Cherokee Road may be within the State Route 70 Feather River Scenic Byway Corridor (Feather River Scenic Byway Implementation Strategy, Plumas National Forest, 1996). The northern portion of the haul road may be visible from State Route 70. Intersection improvements at SR 70 and Cherokee Road will include lowering a small topographic feature at the southwest comer by as much as 25 feet. This feature, a small knoll, is part of the new main entrance into the mine. It will be seen from SR 70 and from Cherokee Road. Cherokee Road intersects State Route 70 five miles east of the Highway 191 intersection. It is a narrow north -south road that connects State Route 70 with the City of Oroville. It serves several small communities along its route including the community of Cherokee and scattered residences in Campbell Flat. Surface mining activities including tree and vegetation removal maybe visible from Cherokee Road and from several single-family residences located along the project's eastern boundary in Campbell Flat. The mineral processing plant may be visible from SR 70 and from Cherokee Road, but will not be visible from residences in the vicinity of Cherokee. Mitigation Measures: 1. Line -of -sight studies along State Route 70 and Cherokee Road to determine potential visual impacts. 2. Landscaping screen using local vegetation and trees will be planted to shield the mineral processing facilities and any other developmental feature. 3. Landscaping and land contouring will be used at the new main entrance to reduce the visual impact of excavation associated with the main entrance. 4. The owners, and/or successors -in -interest. shall set aside, develop, irrigate and maintain a minimum 100 -foot wide vegetated buffer between all residences and the surface mining activities 5. Industrial lighting at the mineral processing facilities shall be directed downward and toward the buildings to eliminate excessive glare and illumination. Biological Resources The project site consists of five biological communities, two communities are within the mine area - mixed oak/pine woodland, and disturbed area (North Fork Associates, Auburn, California, Biological and Wetlands Resources Assessment, March 2000). Riparian woodland borders the proposed mine area along Sawmill Ravine. Within the project site biological communities, potentially occurring special status species include five plants, one invertebrate, one reptile, and five birds. The mine will not impede migratory mammals, and is not within a deer migration route. Wetland assessment identified two wetland types — riparian and seasonal — and three other Waters of the U.S. — intermittent drainage, ponds and the Upper Miocene Canal. The only features within the mine area are several intermittent drainages, and potentially, one small seasonal wetland. The riparian wetlands are located along Sawmill Ravine, but outside of the proposed surface mine area. Potential biological effects Mixed oak -pine woodland and chaparral within the mine area will be removed to allow surface mining activities. Mixed oak -pine woodland in the vicinity of the mineral processing plant and main entrance road will be removed for building construction. Brush and individual trees may be removed along the haul road from the mineral processing facilities to the mine operations. The intermittent drainages shown on Figure 3, Natural Features Map, that drain westerly toward Sawmill Ravine will be protected from mining by 50 -foot wide buffers on each bank. The main access road and haul road will cross the Upper Miocene Canal on bridges. Sawmill Ravine, south of the Miocene Ditch flume, will be filled for the haul road crossing. Wetland delineation conducted by North Fork Associates (July 2000) identified the following potential jurisdictional waters within the project area: • Riparian Wetland 8.26 acres • Seasonal Wetland 1.02 acres • Intermittent Drainage 5.29 acres • Seasonal Pond 4.48 acres •. Seasonal Stream 1.32 acres • Pond 0.37 acres • 'Totals waters of the US 21.34 acres Estimated impact on all Waters of the US: Less than 5.0 acres, primarily intermittent drainages Mitigation Measures: (Refer to Reclamation Plan) 1: Vegetation will be removed in phases, according to mining phases. Revegetation will be conducted in accordance with requirements of the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act. Removed vegetation will be chipped and stored as a soil amendment. Plant species used in revegetation will be chosen to -match current species and to insure survivability. Any soil will be stockpiled and used in revegetation activities. 2. The access road and haul road will be abandoned at the completion of mining activities and will be revegetated with annual grasses and plant species to match current species and to insure survivability. 3. Some intermittent drainages may be realigned during mining areas. The new drainage pattern will deliver water into Sawmill Ravine. As required, some drainage alterations may be subject to CDFG Code Section 1603 agreements. 4. The bridges over the Upper Miocene Canal will be constructed in accordance with design standards agreed upon by the owners of the canal (PG&E) and Butte County Public Works Department and AMT. 5. Wetlands will be mitigated on-site per agreements with the US Army Corp of Engineers. Final mitigation locations and mitigation ratios will be completed in consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and as necessary, other federal and state agencies. 6. Habitat that serves sensitive species will be avoided wherever possible or replaced at an agreed upon ratio where avoidance is not possible. Agricultural Resources The proposed project does not convert prime or unique farmland, and there is no conflict with existing zoning or the Williamson Act contract. No agricultural lands will be taken out of production as a result of the project. r _ Cultural Resources Jensen and Associates conducted a cultural resources evaluation of the project site (Archaeological Inventory Survey, April 2000). According to the Jensen report,.the project area consists of a number of contiguous parcels totaling approximately 750 acres. , ' Table Mountain, a prominent local landmark, is Partially incorporated within the northwest portion of the property, and itself was subjected to hydraulic ` gold mining during the middle of the 19`h century. .1ater, sand and gravel were intensively quarried, particularly in during the early 1960's as, part of the Oroville dam construction project. The most ` prominent water source within the project area is Sawmill Ravine, which prior to 1850's _mining proceeded through the approximate center of the property, from southeast to northwest. However, in the 1870's and continuing through about 1892, a large tunnel (the Eureka Tunnel) was dug to divertthe stream underground to use the stream's water in a complex underground sluicing operation. One of the consequences is that the drainage system along the, diverted -section of Sawmill Ravine' has .been .substantially altered by mining and mining -related activities. Additionally, smaller intermittent drainages a and several springs are also present within the project area, most of which drain into Sawmill Ravine. • ` . While most of the project area remains undeveloped by residential or ranch use; virtually • all of the ..• property has been substantially affected by ' historic s and contemporary gold mining and sand/gravel extraction. It is estimated that as much as 60% of the surface of the project area contains debris piles and rubble resulting from hydraulic mining dating to.the period 1857 — 1882. These lands are concentrated within the southern .part of the' property. The north half of the property contains lands not subjected directly to hydraulic mining, but which was nevertheless substantially impacted by land re -contouring' associated with road construction, ditch excavation, and placer mining within the Sawmill 'Ravine channel. Historic and contemporary ranching have required removal of native vegetation in order to j expand pastures. Evidence'of prehistoric activity was observed at eight`separate locations within the project area. Six of the locations are considered isolated, two locations represent prehistoric ai=cheological sites. One of the sites was previous unknown. Several historic sites related to mining and ranching have been identified. Jensen & Associates have prepared a complete cultural resource evaluation, dated' April 2000. The complete report will be submitted to Butte County and the State Office of Historic Preservation, however, the exact location of identified sites and the complete Jensen report are confidential. Mitigation Measures - F: - 1. All prehistoric and historic cultural resource locations will be avoided by.A mining and related activities. 2. If surface or subsurface cultural materials are encountered, all mining ' or construction activities in that area shall be halted until a qualified archaeologist can examine these materials and make a determination, of their significance. The Butte County Planning ` Division shall be notified, and significant cultural resources shall be mitigated. ' Recreation The project site is located approximately one mile west of Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, a major ' boating and recreation area. The recreational area. Is separated from the project by a series of ridges, and there is no continuity or access between the project -site and Lake Oroville. There are no recreational effects as -result of the project. No mining activities, transportation routes or mining infrastructure *are located on or adjacent to any designated state land, county park, or recreational facility. J, �7' • _ � ;. • ,'• .. •' ." 'fir r PROPOSED SURFACE MINING"OPERATIONS SUGARLOAF MINE AT CHEROKEE 12. Proposed starting date of operation: AMT acknowledges that the starting date is contingent on all permits and approvals. Estimated Life of operation: 23 years Duration of First Phase: 4.09 years (Does not include infrastructure construction — estimated at 120 to 160 days) 13. Operation will be continuous " 14. Annual operation will be: 275,000 cubic yards annually 15. Total anticipated production: Mineral commodities to be removed: 5,747,767 cubic yards (sand product shipped: 4,598,213 cy) Waste retained on the site: 1,149,553 cubic yards Waste disposed off site: NONE (At completion of mining,"equipment and buildings will be disposed off-site) 16. Mining Method: • Open pit (surface mine) • Side hill • Multibench 17. (a) Ifprocessing of ores or minerals mined (including -segregation of mined materials) is planned to be conducted at or adjacent to the site, briefly describe the nature of the processing and explain disposal method of the tailings or waste from processing. Mineral processing will occur on the project site. Figure 5, Proposed Mine Operations Layout Layout, shows the location of the processing facility. Figure 6, Processing Plant Layout, shows a plan view of the processing plant site, and Figures 7, 8 and 9 are the Mineral Processing Flow Diagrams. Mineral Process' m* All mineral processing will take place at the processing plant site located in the northern portion of the project site as shown in Figure 5. Detailed flow sheets are attached as Figures 7, 8 and 9. Briefly, mineral processing includes the following sequential steps. • Trucks deliver mill feed to processing plant • Mill feed into hooper, stacker and surge pile => loader to feeder Feeder to conveyor =* scrubber and screens • Cyclone and attrition scrubber => clarifier or processor • If clarifier, then to mine waste paste • If processor, then to mineral classifiers, dewatering_ and dryer • Dryer, to classifiers, bag or bulk for transport IN 0 Mine Waste Disposal Mine waste is that material generated at the mineralg n rocessiplant that does not economic value. The P mine waste generated at the Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee is primarily silty clay derived from cleaning and scrubbing the economic silica sand deposit. The mine waste is produced after the attrition scrubber as shown in Figure 7. The mine waste consists of kaolinite (clay) and silt -sized particles. Its moisture content after processing approximates the consistency of paste. Paste is defined as a granular material that is mixed with sufficient water to fill the interstices between the particles so that the material behaves as a fluid. The granular material retains all water between particles because of its colloidal electrical particle charge that bonds the solid particles to the water molecules. In this state, the paste can be transported through a pipeline but has no critical flow velocity, i.e. the velocity at which the solid and liquid components separate into two distinct phases (Mine Tailings Disposal as a Paste Backfill for Underground Mine Backfill and Surface Waste Deposition, Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., March 1996). The paste generated by mineral processing will be pumped through a pipeline system to the reclamation areas. This pipeline system will be constructed during the infrastructure construction phase and includes stub outs for the flexible pipe in the reclaim area and in the Phase I mining area. Flexible hose (pipelines) can be extended and directed to any area within the reclamation areas. The paste will be delivered to pre -constructed reclamation cells in various portions of the project area. The table below shows which reclamation areas receive the waste, and in what quantities. Note: No paste mine waste is used on benched areas (Mine Phases II and 111). Area to Receive Waste Total Amount of Waste (c) Area (acres) Maximum Cell Height (feet) Reclamation Area 652,571 35.2 13.0 Phase I Mining Area 362,907 20.55 11.0 Phase IV Mining Area 134,148 10.0 8.0 TOTALS 1,149,626 65.75 Mine waste, as paste will be deposited in pre -constructed reclamation cells at the rate of approximately 6 cubic yards per hour, 24 hours per day. Each reclamation cell will be approximately 100,000 square feet (2.3 acres), and have capacities ranging from 29,600 to 48,150 cy, depending on total depth. Therefore, the smallest cell will be filed in 205 days and the largest cell will fill in 334 days. It is anticipated that it will take up to 8 months after the cell is full before revegetation can begin. A minimum of two reclamation cells per area will be constructed in advance of receiving mine waste so there will always be sufficient capacity. Reclamation Cells The design of the reclamation cells is shown in Figure 12, and their location is shown in Figure 5. Each reclamation cell will have at least one face parallel to a contour and may have an irregular shape equaling approximately 2.3 acres. A total of 29 reclamation cells will be constructed throughout the mine and reclamation areas. The plan view shape of the cells will vary to facilitate existing or mined topography. The top of each cell wall will be at least 10 feet wide to allow pickup truck access. Thetops and outside slopes of each cell will be revegetated according to reclamation plans. Reclamation of. the roads and outside slopes of reclamation cells is equal to 0.72 acres per cell, or a total of 20.88 acres. The locations of the cells are shown in Figure 10. (b) Estimate quantity (gallons per day) and quality of water required by the proposed operation, specifying proposed sources of this water, of method of its conveyance to this property and the quantity and quality and method of disposal of used and/or surplus water. Water Quantity —Total water quantity: 119,800 gallons per day (gpd). AMT has offered to purchase up to 161.45 -acre feet of water annually (equivalent to 100 gpm) from Butte County. A letter of intent from Butte County Department of Water Resource and Conservation to sell the water is attached to this application as Appendix C. The water will be withdrawn from the Upper Miocene Canal and delivered to the mineral processing plant via a 4 -inch diameter pipeline. Water will. be delivered to a 10,000 -gallon tank from which it will be distributed to the processing plant. A water pipeline will be constructed from the processing plant to the mine and reclamation area for use in dust control and irrigation. The location of the water system is shown in Figure 5. Summary of Water Usage • Mineral processing plant, seven days per week, 24 hours per day: • Source: Upper Miocene Ditch, 100,800 gpd • Dust Control and Irrigation: • Source: Upper Miocene Ditch up to 18,000 gpd • Potable water: • Source: Commercially bottled drinking water (50 gpd). To be supplied by local vendor. • Non -potable use — personal sanitation • Source: Existing on-site water well (1000 gpd) Water uality Water quality from the identified sources is sufficient for mineral processimg, dust control, irrigation and for non -potable usage. Potable water will be supplied in bottles by local vendors. Method of Disposal of Used and/or SgMlus Water Water consumption in the mineral processimg will be 70 gpm. There will be no tail water. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the process plant wet flow sheets that indicate a closed circuit for water usage. Figure 9, Dry Process Flow Sheet, illustrates the drying and materials handling processes. Approximately 90 percent of the water loss occurs in the rotary kiln drier where it is evaporated. The remaining water is contained in the waste material. The waste material is returned to the mining operations area via a pipeline as paste for use in reclamation. NO 18. If the nature of the deposit and the mining method used will permit, describe and show the steps or phases of the mining operation that allow concurrent reclamation, and include a proposed time schedule for such concurrent activities. Mining phases are shown in Figure 5. There is one construction phase and five mining phases, each with variable lengths. The mining sequence has been chosen to allow concurrent reclamation and to avoid disturbing reclaimed areas. The mining and reclamation phasing are shown in the following table: Mining Phase Length in Years Total Volume c Total Waste c Location of Waste Reclamation From Each Phase, Area and Cell Thickness* Construction 0.33 600,000 (not included in milting totals NA Reclamation begins around construction areas immediately after final grading I 4.09 1,028,889 205,778 Reclaim area; 15 acres; 12.5 ft thick ll 5.60 17412,961 285,592 Phase 1; 13.75 acres; 10.05 ft thick III 6.05 1,520,645 304,129 (A)Reclaim area; 3.2 acres; 12.75 ft thick (B) Phase I; 6.8 acres; 12.75 ft thick IV 4.40 1,114,535 222,907 Reclaim area; 17 acres; 10.3 ft thick V 2.70 670,737 134,148 Phase IV; 10 acres; 8.0 ft thick Total 23.17 5,747,767 1,152,554 *Note: Waste material is the result of mineral processing and is generally silty clay. It will be delivered to each reclamation cell as paste as described in Question 17. All mined surfaces will be reclaimed. The reclamation area in the northeastern portion of the project site will be used for mine waste that could not be replaced in the active mine area. Wherever possible, mine waste will be returned to mined areas as designated in this mining plan. The reclaim area is largely exposed bedrock with limited or no soil, and therefore sparse vegetation. The final reclaim area outside of active i mi mwill include 35.2 acres of stabilized and revegetated mine waste, plus 11.52 acres of exposed surface the reclamation cells. The complete description of mine waste reclamation is in Question 17. /// CONSTRUCTION AREA RECLAMATION Prior to commencement of mining, project site infrastructure will be constructed. This includes access roads and a new intersection on Cherokee Road; new internal haul roads; stream crossings; surface water diversion channel; erosion control features; pipelines and the processing plant facilities. As part of construction activities cuts and fills will be created as part of the infrastructure. These adjacent areas, primarily fills, will be vegetated as part of slope stabilization, landscaping and overall project reclamation. A detailed description of the construction -related reclamation activities is listed below: Construction Activit Area acres Reclamation Activities Access road from new Cherokee Road intersection to the processing plant is 2,000 feet long and 35 feet wide. Five feet on each side of the road will be Access Road 2.07 immediately revegetated according to the reclamation plan. Total reclamation = 0.46 acres. The remaining acreage (1.61. acres) will be reclaimed at the conclusion of. mining and in accordance with the reclamation plan to reclaim all road surfaces. The new intersection on Cherokee Road requires a surface disturbance of Cherokee Road I 2.75 12.75 acres_Since this area is adjacent to a designated scenic highway. (SR Intersection 70), revegetation and landscaping will incorporate elements to bring the comer back to a scenic condition. Haul road from the processing plant to the active mine operations is 9,000 feet long and 30 feet wide. Five feet on each side of the road will be immediately Haul Road 8.26 revegetated according to the reclamation plan. Total reclamation = 2.06 acres. 0 EO Each miming phase varies in length, and volume of removed material. The table below summarizes mining and reclamation phases. A detailed discussion of each mining phase follows the table. Average The remaining acreage (6.2 acres) will be reclaimed at the conclusion of mining and in accordance with.the reclamation plan to reclaiuu all roads. Located along the eastern project boundary adjacent to mining Phases I and II, Surface Water 0.24 the surface water diversion channel will intercept runoff that would normally Diversion Phase enter the mine areas and divert runoff into an existing pond that discharges into Channel Volume in CY Sawmill Ravine (Figure 5). The channel's outside berm will be stabilized with Depth grass. The channel will be maintained to prevent vegetation growth to insure End Reclamation maximum hydraulic capacity. The channel will remain after termination of mining activities. Mineral I Located north of the mining activities, the processing plant facilities will be Processing Plant 12.0 constructed on a cut and fill area of approximately 12 acres. The fill slopes Site 100/250 I (approximately 5 acres) will be revegetated. At the termination of mining, the 1.412.961 Year 5. end vear 10 processing site will be abandoned all equipment removed and the area j I ` revegetated Each miming phase varies in length, and volume of removed material. The table below summarizes mining and reclamation phases. A detailed discussion of each mining phase follows the table. PHASE I MINING Phase I mining will be conducted in the southern -most area of mining activities. This area was chosen as the first phase because it offers exposed sand with limited soil and vegetation cover, and because it is largely disturbed topography, the result of aggregate mining during the construction of the Oroville Dam. It also provides the best area for soil and chipped vegetation stockpiles. A detailed description of the soil salvage plan and vegetation stockpiles is described in Question 24. The planview of the soil and vegetation stockpile areas is shown in Figure 5. Phase I is 26.83 acres, with mill run reserves of 1,028,889 cy and a mine life of 4.06 years (48.72 months). Average mining depth is 25 to 30 feet. The final topographic configuration is an upper and lower flat, connected by a gentle slope. Vegetation will be removed in advance of mining in 3 to 5 acre units and stockpiled. Mining will begin in the southeastern portion of the Phase (upper flat) so that soil and chipped vegetation stockpile areas can be constructed. Within the first month, an area will be cleared for salvaged soil and chipped vegetation stockpiles. These stockpile areas will serve the mine for its entire life. Temporary Average Depth/ Phase Max Area in Volume in CY Begimung Reclamation Depth acres End Reclamation I 30/150 26.83 1,028,889 Within first 6 months, continuous until year 15 H 100/250 11.16 1.412.961 Year 5. end vear 10 III 100/250 12.21 1.520.645 Year 10. end vear 16 IV 35/100 18.20 1.114,535 Year 17, end year 20 V 25/40 17.86 670,737 Year 21, end year 23 Rec. na 20.75 na Reclamation cells contain -0.72 acres of exposed Cells i surfaces for reclamation. Each cell reclaimed within 8 to 12 months of being filled to capacity Const. na 25.32 na Construction reclamation details described above, Rec. - includes all roads and infrastructure Total 132.22 PHASE I MINING Phase I mining will be conducted in the southern -most area of mining activities. This area was chosen as the first phase because it offers exposed sand with limited soil and vegetation cover, and because it is largely disturbed topography, the result of aggregate mining during the construction of the Oroville Dam. It also provides the best area for soil and chipped vegetation stockpiles. A detailed description of the soil salvage plan and vegetation stockpiles is described in Question 24. The planview of the soil and vegetation stockpile areas is shown in Figure 5. Phase I is 26.83 acres, with mill run reserves of 1,028,889 cy and a mine life of 4.06 years (48.72 months). Average mining depth is 25 to 30 feet. The final topographic configuration is an upper and lower flat, connected by a gentle slope. Vegetation will be removed in advance of mining in 3 to 5 acre units and stockpiled. Mining will begin in the southeastern portion of the Phase (upper flat) so that soil and chipped vegetation stockpile areas can be constructed. Within the first month, an area will be cleared for salvaged soil and chipped vegetation stockpiles. These stockpile areas will serve the mine for its entire life. Temporary reclamation using grasses will take place in the soil stockpile area. This is necessary since Virtually no soil can be salvaged from Phase I, and the first salvaged soil will be stockpiled in year five from Phase II. Additionally, throughout Phase I, other temporary reclamation activities will occur in areas that will accept mine waste from Phase III. Phase I mining area permanent reclamation will be complete near the end of year fifteen. Approximately 362,907 cy of mine waste from Phases II and III will be reclaimed within Phase I. Figure 11, Final Phase I Configuration, shows the reclamation status of Phase I. PHASE II MINING Phase II is 11. 16 acres, with mill run reserves of 1,412;961 cy and a mine life of 5.6 years (67.2 months). Mining will begin along the eastern portion of the Phase and proceed westward. Vegetation and soil will be removed and stockpiled in 3 to 5 acre units. Phases II will generate approximately 10,800 cy of soil for future reclamation and 282,592 cy of mine waste. Phase II is a benched mining operation, as shown in Figure 11. Each bench is 20 feet wide and 20 feet high, with every 5'h bench 50 feet wide (per geotechnical requires, Holdrege and Kull, Appendix D). Each bench slopes back 2% and slopes 2 to 3% along its long axis. A ditch at the base of each face carries runoff water to a collection system and a 12 - inch diameter CMP. The CMP will carry runoff from each bench and drain run off away from the benched areas. Mine waste will not be placed in Phase II (or Phase III) for reclamation. The bench -type configuration requires that revegetation and slope stabilization be conducted without backfilling with any mine waste. The benches will be planted with conifers, grasses and forbs. v PHASE III MINING Phase III is 12.22 acres, with mill run reserves o1,520,64 y and a mine life of 6.05 years (72.6 months). Mining will begin along the eastern po 'on cent to Phase II and proceed westward. Vegetation and soil will be removed and stockpiled in 3 to 5 acre units. Phases III will generate approximately 11,830 cy of soil for future reclamation and 271,628 cy of mine waste. Phase III is a benched mining operation, as shown in Figure 11. Each bench is 20 feet wide and 20 feet high, with every 5`" bench 50 feet wide (per geotechnical requires, Holdrege and Kull, Appendix D). Each bench slopes back 2% and slopes 2 to 3% along its long axis. A ditch at the base of each face carries runoff water to a 12 -inch diameter CMP. The CMP will carry runoff from each bench and drain run off away from the benched areas. Mine waste will not be placed in Phase III (or Phase Il) for reclamation. The bench type configuration requires that revegetation and slope stabilization be conducted without backfilling with any mine waste. The benches will be planted with conifers, grasses and forbs as described in Question **. PHASE TV MINING Phase IV is 18.20 acres, with mill run reserves of 1,114,535 cy and a mine life oO.egetation rs (52.8 months). Mining will begin along the southern portion of the Phase and proceed northwand soil will be removed and stockpiled in 3 to 5 acre units. Phases IV will generate approximately 17,620 cy of soil for future reclamation and 222,907 cy of mine waste. Phase IV is a side hill mining operation, as shown in Figure 11. Mine waste will be placed in Phase IV from Phase V for reclamation. The side hill will be reclaimed according to the description in the reclamation plan and will also contain approximately 10 acres of reclamation cells. N MIN PHASE V MINING Phase V is 17.60 acres, with mill run reserves of 670,737 cy and a mine life of 2.7 years (32.4 months). Mining will begin.along the southern portion of the Phase and proceed northward. Vegetation and soil will be removed and stockpiled in 3 to 5 acre units. Phases V will generate approximately 17,040 cy of soil for fixture reclamation and 134,148 cy of mine waste. Phase V is a side hill mining operation; as shown in Figure 11. Mine waste will not be placed in Phase V. The side hill will be reclaimed according to the description in ' in the reclamation plan. 19. Map of Mined Lands: Attached as Figure 5. 20. Reclamation Map Showing Areas: Attached as Figure 5 21. Describe the ultimate physical condition of the site and specify proposed use(s), or potential uses, of mined lands as reclaimed. At final reclamation, the site will be a revegetated as mixed woodland and grassland to match the surrounding conditions. All roads and infrastructure will be removed and the ground restored to accept revegetation. All mining -related development will be reclaimed. Final Topographic Configuration is shown in Figure 10. Approximately 125 acres of proposed mining activities would be reclaimed. Altered intermittent drainageways and wetlands (jurisdictional waters) will be mitigated on-site per USACOE and USFWS requirements. Mining does not occur within the Sawmill Ravine riparian corridor. The final topographic conditions, revegetation and mitigation features are shown on Figure 10, Final Topographic Configuration. The project proponents proposed end use for the entire. 790 acres as open space preserve. 22. Describe relationship of the interim uses other than mining and the ultimate physical condition to: (a) Zoning Regulations The project site is zoned unclassified. The only interim usage prior to ultimate physical condition is mining activities. Mining is allowed in an unclassified designation with a conditional use permit, mining permit and -reclamation plan. (b) General Plan and Plan Elements The project site designated agricultural in the Butte County General Plan. Mining is a permitted use .on agricultural. lands. 23. Provide evidence that all owners of possessory interest in this land have been notified of the proposed uses. Attached to this application. 24. Describe soil conditions and proposed soil salvage plan Existing Soil Conditions Mining activities by previous mine operators have left significant areas throughout the 790 acre site completely void of topsoil. In these areas, a sandy, gravelly substrate exists with very little soil organic matter. Plant density and vigor are quite low on this substrate. In other areas, low to adequate topsoil resources is available. Topsoil in these areas is more of clay to sandy clay substrate. AMT will salvage topsoil from all disturbed areas. However, no soil salvage operation is considered in the Phase I mining area since all topsoil has been stripped during previous mining operations. AMT anticipates that soil between six and twelve inches thick will be salvaged from most mining areas. Prior to any large-scale disturbance, AMT will examine the affected area to determine to what depth soil salvage could occur. It is. anticipated that less than 1000 cy of soil per acre is available for soil salvage. Since the Phase I mining area is excluded from these estimates, total available recovered topsoil is approximately 60,000 cy. Soil Savage Plan Beginning in year five, topsoil will be salvaged from Mining Phase 11. Topsoil will be stripped in three to five acre blocks ahead of the mining operations. Salvaged topsoil will be placed in the soil salvage stockpile area in the southeast portion of Mining Phase I (Figure 5). Topsoil salvaged from different areas throughout the mine site will be placed in separate stockpiles. All side slopes of topsoil stockpiles will be graded to a maximum steepness of 3:1 (horizontal to vertical) to allow safe access for tractors and seeding implements, and to reduce erosion potential. Topsoil stockpiles will not exceed 20 feet in heig_ ht. The revegetation requirements for topsoil stockpiles are described in other sections of this application. (� ) 25. Describe the methods, their sequence and timing, to be used in bringing the reclamation of the land to its end state. Indicate on a map (Item 19 & 20) or on diagrams as necessary. Include discussion of the pertinent items listed below: (a) Backfilling and grading (b) Stabilization of slopes (c) Stabilization of permanent waste dumps, tailings, etc. (d) Rehabilitation of pre -mining drainage (e) Removal, disposal, or utilization of residual equipment, structures, refuse, etc. (f) Control of contaminants, especially with regard to surface runoff and groundwater (g) Treatment of streambeds and streambanks to control erosion and sedimentation (h) Removal or minimization of residual hazards (i) Resoiling and revegetation plan with evidence that plants can survive given the site's topography, soil and climate. The plan shall include proposed plant material used for revegetation and an irrigation or watering schedule 0) Dust and air pollution control measures proposed to eliminate or substantially reduce potential impacts (a) Backfilling and Grading Infrastructure Construction The mineral processing facility will be constructed on an existing ridge and on fill as shown in Figure 6. An estimated 500,000 cy of material will be involved in cutting the ridge and filling drainages between the plant site and the Miocene Canal. During haul road construction, Sawmill Ravine will be filled (with culverts) as shown in Figure 13. The haul road Figures 5 and 13, will cross several small drainages, each will be constructed with . culverts. The Miocene Canal is crossed twice by bridges as shown in Figures 5 and 13. The final grade of the mineral processing center is shown in Figure 6. Mining Mining grading and backfill as reclamation is described in detail in other portions of this application. (c) Slope Stabilization Three different seed mixtures have been developed for the site, each designed for survivability and to provide slope and soil stabilization for varying lengths of time. A description of each seed mixture is explained below: • Interim Seed Mix — This seed mix will be used to stabilize soil with an annual and perennial grass species for a period of greater than one year. Regreen (Triticum aestivum x Elytrigia elongates) and blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus) will be seeded together for interim cover. Regreen will provide early soil stabilization, whereas blue wildrye, a short-lived perennial that readily reseeds itself, will provide cover and stabilization for periods of greater than one year. AMT will use this seed mix in Mining Phases 1 (20 acres) and 4 (10 acres) prior to permanent revegetation, on short-term topsoil stockpiles (approximately 3 acres), and along haul road shoulders (2.5 acres). • Permanent Seed Mix —for sandy soils — This seed mix will be used as permanent revegetation in areas with sandy or sandy clay soils. Pine bluegrass (Poa secunda), California oniongrass (Melica californica), and Squirreltail (Elymus elymoides) are bunchgrasses that readily colonize disturbed soils and are adapted to sandy soils. Blue wildrye is a short-lived bunchgrass that readily re -seeds itself under most circumstances. AMT anticipates using this seed mix in Mining Phases 1I (11.5 acres), III (12 acres), and V (18 acres), in the mine entry way (2 acres), and on the processing plant site (9 acres) and on the haul roads surfaces after mining is completed (4 acres). • Permanent Seed Mix -for clayey soils — This seed mix will be used as- permanent revegetation in areas with heavy or clayey soils. Purple needlegrass (Nasella pulchra) and Creeping wildrye (Leymus triticoides) are both long-lived grass species adapted to clayey soils. In addition, both species are excellent for long-term erosion control. Purple needlegrass is deep-rooted and Creeping wildrye has a rhizomatous (i.e., sod -forming) growth habit. California barely (Hordeum brachyantherum call fornicum) is well adapted to heavy clay soils. AMT will use this seed mix in the reclamation cells (35.2 acres), Mining Phase IV (18 acres), long-term topsoil stockpiles (2 acres), and on the processing plant side slopes (5 acres). Seed mixtures for reclamation of Sugarloaf Mine, Butte County, California Common Name Scientific Name Approximate Rate Pounds PLS'/acre) Interim Seed Mix Regreen Triticum aestivum x El triga elon ata 15 Blue wildrye EI mus glaucus 10 TOTAL 25 Permanent Seed Mix —for sandy soils Pine bluegrass- Poa secunda 2 California oniongrass Melica call ornica 5 S uirreltail El mus elmoides 3 Blue wildrye El mus glaucus 3 TOTAL 113 Permanent Seed Mix —for clayey soils Purple needlegrass Nassella pulchra 3 Creeping wildrye Le imus triticoides 4.5 California barley Hordeum brach antherum californicunz 3.5 Blue wildrye El mus glaucus 5 TOTAL 16 ' PLS = Pure Live Seed. PLS varies depending on year and seed supplier. The seeding rate will be adjusted yearly to reflect changes in PLS. In addition, the above seeding rates are based on applying seed with a drill seeder. If seed mixes are broadcast seeded or applied with a hydroseeder, seeding rates may double. Stabilization of Topsoil Stockpiles AMT will revegetate topsoil stockpiles Interim Seed Mixes, since these stockpiles will remain for less than two to five years prior to resoiling. AMT will install biodegradable silt fence around the perimeter of the topsoil stockpile area located in Mining Phase I. The silt fence will prevent the movement of soil particles via water erosion prior to establishment of vegetation. The specifications for silt fence installation are discussed in Question 25 (g). (c) Stabilization Permanent Waste Dumps, Tailings Discussion of permanent mine waste cell stabilization is described in detail throughout this application. (d) Rehabilitation of Pre-Mininiz Drainage (d. I.) Sawmill Ravine Stream Crossing A 10,000 cubic yard fill placed in Sawmill Ravine, as part of the haul road will be removed. This section of Sawmill Ravine is a bedrock channel and post mining reclamation will involve removing the fill material and culverts. No other restoration is planned. (d.2.) The surface water runoff ditch along the east side of Mining Phases I and II will remain as a permanent feature. No post mining restoration is planned. Drainages determined to be jurisdictional water that are impacted by mining operations will be mitigated on-site. -It is anticipated that consultation with appropriate agencies will result in on-site mitigation prior to mining operations. Therefore, most drainage rehabilitation will occur prior to mine closure. (e) Equipment, Structure, and Refuse Removal At completion of mining, all equipment, buildings, structures and refuse will be removed from the site. This includes: • Processing plant: Steel buildings willbe dismantled and sold as scrap • Concrete building foundations will be removed and the concrete disposed off-site (construction debris landfill) • Tanks: All tanks will be properly cleaned and abandoned, and will be removed from the site. All tank containment structures and foundations will be removed and disposed off-site. • Asphaltic surfaces: All parking, roads or asphalt pads will be removed and the asphalt legally disposed off-site. • Bridges: The two bridges over the Miocene Canal and all foundations will be removed and disposed off-site. • All piping (water and paste) will be removed and disposed off-site. • All mining equipment, including trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, and any other mobile equipment will be removed from the site. • All mineral processing (mill) equipment will be removed from the project site Any miscellaneous equipment will be removed and disposed off-site • Any miscellaneous refuse will be removed and disposed off-site During mining operations, office and non -hazardous maintenance refuse will be trucked off-site and disposed at a landfill. Hydrocarbon waste or hazardous materials will be legally removed from the site by licensed contractors and haulers. (fl Contamination Control Contamination control features are concentrated in the vicinity of the mineral processing facility. Fueling facilities: • 10,000 gallon above ground storage tank for diesel, above ground containment system • 20,000 gallon above ground storage tank for propane, above ground containment system • 1000 gallon above ground storage tank for gasoline, above giound containment system • 500 gallon above ground storage tanks for waste oil (from maintenance facility, regularly recycled) • Quantities of motor oil and lubricants (maintenance facility, 55 gallon drums as needed), stored in approved facilities within the processing plant facilities • Sodium Bromide, stored in approved facilities within the processing plant facilities • Quantities of flocculent, stored in approved facilities within the processing plant facilities (M Erosion and Sedimentation Control Erosion and sediment control plans will independently address individual phases of construction and mining. The plans will specify the types, location and placement of each best management practice (BMP). Information presented below on erosion and sedimentation control is subject to final approval of a Storm Water Pollution 1� � � . r � �� .. � _ / 0 Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a Waste Discharge Permit (from the RWQCB), but is included to as part of the r requirements of a mining permit and reclamation plan. Erosion control measures will be implemented prior to activities that will expose bare soil or remove existing vegetation. These measures will be maintained throughout the extent of the disturbance until revegetation and reclamation objectives are met. • Minimize disturbed or denuded areas — AMT will clear existing vegetation in increments of three to five acres prior to mining. This process of clearing vegetation and then mining will continue until each mining phase has been completed. • Maintain existing vegetation around riparian and/or wetland features — In most cases, existing vegetation around riparian and wetland features will be preserved. AMT will install silt fences or other appropriate erosion control measures at the edge of existing vegetation where bare ground begins. • Revegetate all disturbances as quickly as possible — Re-establishing vegetation in a timely fashion following disturbance is often the most cost effective and long-lasting form of erosion control. Several seed mixes and/or containerized plant lists have been developed for this site to provide either short-term or long-term erosion control. • Construct berms parallel to the west side of the existing access road, and Sawmill Ravine, from the / southern boundary of Mining Phase I for a distance of 3,000 linear feet north. This berm (3 ft high) will intercept any mine run off and direct it into back into Sawmill Ravine. • Construct benches per geotechnical specifications as shown in Appendix D. • Construct run off collection systems as shown in Figure 14, Preliminary Engineering Details. • Construct processing plant area with BMP's as shown in Figure 6. Construct roads with BMP's as shown in Figure 14. • Revegetate as described below: AMT anticipates the need for biodegradable (and permanent, if necessary) silt fences and biodegradable straw wattles for erosion control in several critical areas. Biodegradable products of this nature are preferred because their use precludes the effort, expense, and disturbances that result from the removal of more permanent structures. Biodegradable silt fences will be installed around the perimeter of the topsoil stockpile area (approximately linear 1600 feet), and along the western edge of Mining Phases I and adjacent to the haul road (approximately 3000 feet). AMT will install this product according to manufacturer's specifications. Biodegradable silt fences generally decompose over a one to two year period. These temporary structures will be installed prior to any disturbance. AMT anticipates that by the time these silt fences deteriorate, revegetation will have been completed in the disturbed areas. AMT will install biodegradable straw wattles in high erosion potential areas along haul roads. Straw wattles will complement revegetation efforts by providing immediate erosion control prior to grass seedling emergence. AMT will install biodegradable straw wattles according to manufacturer's specifications. Biodegradable straw wattles generally last from three to five years. AMT has chosen this longer lasting biodegradable product because of higher run-off potential from haul roads. (h) Hazard Removal Hazard removal includes dismantling and removing all buildings, bridges, tanks and fill as discussed in other. sections of this permit application. - ?tom` ♦ : � .r - ,`� '� . .. d .. (i) Resoiling and Revegetation Plan Soil Amendment and Resoiling Plan AMT will amend soils with organic materials prior to revegetation. AMT anticipates that subsoil materials will consist of sand and clay, and will have very little soil organic matter and microbial activity. Accordingly, AMT will acquire local sources of composted livestock manure or a mixture of composted biosolids and greenwaste (i.e., municipal yard waste)'for use as a soil amendment. This material will be composted with an approximate Carbon:Nitrogen (C:N) ratio of 20:1. This ratio is desirable because a C:N ratio of below 20:1 may result in excessive amounts of nitrogen being released into soil solution which can promote the growth of undesirable weedy species. A C:N ratio much greater than 20:1 .may lead to immobilization of nitrogen thus potentially stunting the growth of seeded species. The rate of application of composted livestock manure will be site-specific depending on topsoil resources available for resoiling. In general, if minimal or no topsoil is available for a particular area, AMT will apply approximately 100 cubic yards of compost per acre. If topsoil resources are adequate for resoiling, then approximately 50 cubic yards of compost will be applied per acre. Incorporation of organic materials will adhere to the following specifications: • Areas with minimal or no topsoil available : for resoiling — Compost will be applied at 100 cubic yards per acre. Topsoil, if available, will be applied to the site, as well. Compost and topsoil (if available) will be incorporated into the subsoil to a depth of 1 foot with a minimum of two passes of a ripper and/or disk. • Areas with adequate topsoil for resoiling — Compost will be applied at 50 cubic yards per acre, and then incorporated into the subsoil to a depth of 1 foot with a minimum of two passes of a ripper and/or disk. Topsoil available for the area will then be spread over the amended subsoil. ; Seed and Containerized Plant Mixes for Revegetation The seed mixes developed for this site has been discussed in Question 25(b). In general, the Interim Seed Mix will be used prior to any soil amendment or resoiling. The primary objective for using two seed mixtures is to stabilize soils for one year or more until the Permanent Seed Mix can be seeded. Therefore, when no further disturbances are anticipated in a given area, AMT will amend subsoils, re -apply any topsoil (if available), and revegetate with the Permanent Seed Mixture. ., AMT will generally seed areas in the late fall or early winter, before to the season of greatest precipitation. AMT will seed areas outside of this temporal window if irrigation water is available to establish grass seedlings. Prior to seeding, AMT will disk the area to a minimum depth of twelve inches and then perform a ring -rolling operation to break-up" any large soil aggregates remaining after'disking and to ensure a firm seedbed. AMT will seed the appropriate seed mixes using a rangeland type drill that will place seed 0.25 to 0.50 inches below the soil surface. AMT has chosen to apply seed via drill seeding because this method ensures the most accurate placement of seed and only uses half the seed necessary compared to broadcasting or hydroseeding operations. Immediately following drill seeding, rice straw will be applied at a rate of 2 tons/acre and then crimped (i.e., anchored) into the soil. The application _and .anchoring of .rice straw mulch following seeding is necessary to reduce evaporation of moisture from the soil surface, to reduce wind and water erosion until grasses have established, and to further contribute, organic matter •into the soil. These seeding specifications will apply to most areas undergoing revegetation throughout the mine. Some areas, however, are not accessible to a tractor and drill seed'mgequipment due to steep slopes (generally steeper than 3:1). In these cases, AMT will"apply seed mixes with a hydroseeder at twice*the recommended • seeding rate. Following hydroseeding, the area will be hydromulched. AMT anticipates'hydroseeding. 7 E46 and mulching the steep, terraced slopes in Mining Phases II, and III, narrow or steep areas along newly constructed haul roads and, steep side slopes around the processing plant. Immediately following the application of the Permanent Seed Mix, AMT will then plant trees and shrubs throughout the area. A planting list of four tree species and five shrub species, all of which are currently growing on the mine property is included below. AMT will plant these tree and shrub species using containerized stock grown from site -collected seed at a nursery facility in Lincoln, CA. The use of nursery grown plant materials for revegetation, as opposed to salvaging or transplanting these same species currently growing on-site, has been chosen because nursery grown plants often establish more rapidly and have better survivability than salvaged or transplanted plants and installing nursery grown plants is more cost-effective. Containerized plants will be planted in a random fashion within tenth -acre clusters. Within each cluster, tree species will be spaced approximately 15 feet apart. Each individual shrub species will be planted in groups of three at approximately 5 foot spacings. The overall tree/shrub clusters will cover approximately 25% of each permanently revegetated acre. Therefore„ for every permanently revegetated acre, 0.25 acres will contain clusters of trees and shrubs with a grass understory, and the other 0.75 acres will consist of open, grassland habitat. AMT has selected this approach to mimic oak and pine woodland/savannah plant communities common throughout neighboring areas. This habitat meets the objective as open space for the movement and foraging of larger wildlife species and denser areas to serve ascover and foraging habitat for smaller wildlife species. Tree and shrub species for reclamation of Sugarloaf Mine R1 ApproximateNumber Container of Common Name Scientific Name Random I Containers Spacing size Per Cluster A. Mining Phases I, IV, and V, Reclamation Cell Area, Processing Plant, and Mine Entry Way 74 acres) Blue oak Quercus douglassi 115' 116 cu. in. 5 Interior live oak Ouercus wislizenii 15' 16 cu. in. 5 Canyon live oak Quercus chr sole is 15' 16 cu. in. 5 Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa 15' 10 cu. in. 10 Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia 5' 10 cu. in. 6 Coffeebe Rhamnus tomentella 5' 10 cu. in. 16 Covotebush I Baccharis 5' ilularis 10 cu. in. 6 Buckbrush Ceanothus cuneatus 5' 10 cu. in. 12 TOTAL 55 B. Mining Phases 2 and 3 23.5 acres total Blue oak Quercus douglassi 15' 16 cu. in. 5 Ponderosa p ine Pinus ponderosa 15' 10 cu. in. 20 To on Heteromeles arbuti folia 5' 10 cu. in. 6 Coffeeberry Rhamnus tomentella 5' 10 cu. in. 6 Coyotebush Baccharis - 5' ilularis 10 cu. in. 6 Buckbrush Ceanothus cuneatus 5' 10 cu. in. 12 TOTAL 55 C. Processing Plant Side Slopes 5 acres Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa 10' 10 cu. in. 500 trees/acre R1 Installation of container plants specifications When tree/shrub clusters and individual planting locations are selected, planting holes will be dug by hand or with a power auger. The planting holes will be vertical with flat sides and non -compacted bottoms; the sides of the planting holes will be scarified if glazing occurs during digging. Prior to planting, the rootball of each container plant will be loosened by hand, and damaged or "leggy aboveground shoots will be pruned as necessary. Approximately two inches of (salvaged) soil will be placed in the bottom of the planting hole with one fertilizer pack (11-17-9 N -P -K formulation plus an appropriate complement of other nutrients). An additional four inches of soil will be placed in. the hole and lightly tamped, and the plant will then be placed with roots in contact with soil in the bottom of the hole. The planting hole will then be backfilled half way up the rootball, and the soil tamped firm to ensure that no air pockets exist. When final backfill is completed, the soil will be tamped firm to eliminate air pockets. A watering basin will be created with soil approximately one foot in radius from the base of each plant. Next, each plant will be protected from herbivory with a photodegradable tree shelter. Finally, each plant will be mulched with a three to four inch layer of wood chips generated from the vegetation clearing prior to mining activities. Two years after permanent seeding and installation of trees and shrubs, AMT will seed a three species native forb (i.e., wildflower) mixture in the open grassland areas between tree/shrub clusters (Table 3). The two year delay between permanent seeding (with grasses) and forb seeding is necessary to ensure that weedy vegetation has been controlled. Herbicides that will be used for two years following perrnanent seeding (see Section 3.9.4) to control broadleaved weed species, such as yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitalis), will also target native forb species. An intensive, two year weed control program following permanent seeding and tree and shrub planting will reduce populations of weedy species to a point that no or very little herbicide use will be required for firture.maintenance which will allow the establishment of native forbs. The establishment of native forbs is desirable because forbs provide excellent forage for a wide variety of wildlife, and they add diversity to grassland and oak/pme savannah plant communities. Some forbs are nitrogen fixing (such as small - flowered lupine, Lupinus bicolor, thereby contributing nitrogen to the soil, and they are generally deeper-. rooted than most grass species and contribute organic matter to deeper depths of the soil profile, improving overall soil structure. Native forb mixture for Sugarloaf Mine Common Name Scientific Name Approximate Rate (Pounds PLS/acre) Yarrow Achillea mille olium 0.25 Small -flowered lupine Lupinus bicolor 10 California poppy Eschscholzia calf ornica 2 Irrigation of Containerized Plant Species Following the installation of container plants, AMT will install a temporary overhead irrigation system that will be concentrated in the tree/shrub clusters. Interstitial grassland in between tree/shrub. clusters will not be irrigated, since they will establish sufficiently during the cool, wet winter season. Irrigation within angiven area will occur for two y g growing seasons. NO During the first growing season, the irrigation system will generally remain off in winter months (December through February) unless winter precipitation is well below average. Beginning in March as temperatures begin to increase and precipitation decreases, irrigation water will be supplied to tree/shrub clusters at a rate of 13,500 gallons of water per acre (approximately 0.5 inches/acre) twice a month. This irrigation rate and frequency will continue until the end of September. Tree/shrub clusters will be irrigated at the same rate during the months of October and November, but only once a month, as temperatures decrease. Irrigation will generally be turned off during the second winter unless precipitation is well below average. During the second growing season, beginning in March, trees and shrubs will be irrigated at a rate of 27,000 gallons / acre, once a month until the end of November. During the third winter, the irrigation system will be removed. The following table shows the calculations for irrigation water requirements. Water reouirements for irrigation of containerized tree and chnh sneriec rea ize acres)(gallons/acre Rate requency' of rngation/year Total Amoun (gallons) Entry Way Reclamation - Yr. 1 0.5 113,500 16 108,000 ntry Way Reclamation - Yr. 2 0.5 7,000 9 121,500 Side slopes of Processing Plant - Yr. 5113,500 1 16 1,080,000 1 Side slopes of Processing Plant - Yr.1,215,000 7 000 Reclamation Area - Yr. 1 4 113,500 16 864,000 Reclamation Area - Yr. 2 4 R7,000 9 972,000 Phase I Reclamation - Yr. 1 5.5 13,500 16 1,188,000 Phase I Reclamation - Yr. 2 5.5 27,000 9 1,336,500 Phase II Reclamation - Yr. 1 2.5 13,500 116 40,000 hase 11 Reclamation - Yr. 2 27,000 9 07,500 Phase III Reclamation - Yr. 1 1.2 13,500 16 59,200 Phase Ill Reclamation - Yr. Reclamation - Yr• 2�1.2R7,000��91,600��91,6000 Phase IV Reclamation - Yr. 1 1 13,500 16 216,000 Phase IV Reclamation - Yr. 2 1 27,000 9 243,000 Phase V Reclamation - Yr. 1 0.5 13,500 16 108,000 Phase V Reclamation - Yr. 2 0.5 27,000 9 121,500 rocessm* Plant Reclamation - Yr. 12 13,500 116 1432,000 Processing Plant Reclamation - Yr. 2 2 27,000 486,000 OTAL 10,189,800 - values for Frequency have been calculated in the following way: V-yearirrigation will occur Nice a month from March through September (14 times) and once a month for October an ovember (2 times); 2°d year irrigation will occur once a month from March through November 9 times). Weed Control Methods AMT will control weedy vegetation throughout all revegetation areas (including topsoil stockpiles), along .Haul l Roads, and around the processing plant area to ensure that weedy vegetation does not inhibit successful establishment of seeded and planted species and to prevent the movement of weedy vegetation #lxoughout the site. Weed control methods will include mowing and hand pulling of weedy vegetation, C� N114 and the use of herbicides. Mowing will be conducted using a tractor -drawn, flail -type mower in open areas and along Haul Roads, and with string trimmers in tree/shrub clusters. The herbicides that are proposed for this site include: • Transline (Clopyralid) at a rate of 0.5 pint/acre for the control of yellow star thistle (BLM recommended) • Telar (Chlorsulfron) at a rate of 0.33 ounces per acre for use as a pre -emergent, • Roundup (Glyphosate) at a rate of 2.5 gallons concentrate per acre for spot -spraying of difficult weedy species or 1.5 pints per acre for control of weed seedlings prior to native seedling emergence in permanent revegetation areas. AMT will intensively. control weedy vegetation for two years following permanent seed mix and tree/shrub planting. AMT anticipates biannual mowing and herbicide application efforts in all revegetation areas. In addition, weed control efforts will be continuous on topsoil stockpiles and haul road shoulders, and in the processing plant area to prevent the movement of weed seeds via truck and/or topsoil movement. 0) Dust and Air Pollution Control Dust and air pollution control is addressed as four separate categories. Each category represent a condition that requires dust control, or air pollution, mitigation. Infrastructure Construction Phase All construction surfaces will be watered to reduce fugitive dust during construction. Water application rates will vary, based on type of material, soil moisture content and wind conditions. Short-term infrastructure construction dust control includes continual operation of an 8,000 -gallon water truck equipped with front and rear sprayer bars and attachments for hoses. All .exposed surfaces will be watered to reduce fugitive dust. Permanent dust control measures are discussed below. Mining Phases Those areas to be mined will be subject to an air quality permit for PM —10. In order to control fugitive dust from the mining areas, the following will be implemented. Additional information regarding revegetation as part of the dust control measures is discussed in Questions 25 and 27. • 10,000 water tank will be placed in the vicinity of the active mine area (it will receive water via a water pipeline from the vicinity of the processing plant, the tank, when empty will be moved to the next mine area) • 8,000 -gallon water truck will apply water to exposed dry surfaces. The water truck will be equipped with front and rear spray bars and a nossle capable of disturbing water up to 200 feet. • Estimated water usage at mine for dust control is 15,000 gpd. • Mined areas will be revegetated as described in Questions 25 and 27. Mineral Processing Plant - All exposed mineral stockpiles will be continually watered to prevent dust. OSHA, MSHA and Cal -- OSHA require extensive dust control measures at mineral processing facilities. These controls include internal and fugitive dust control requirements. Additionally, the Butte County Air Quality Management District issues permit requirements. The mineral processing plant will be equipped collectors and bagging systems to eliminate dust emissions and comply with all state, federal and local requirements. Haul Roads Completed haul roads will be constructed with rock or gravel surfaces, and their shoulders rev egetated to eliminate dust. The road surfaces will be treated with a commercially available binder. All road surfaces will be maintained to eliminate dust and control road surface degradation. 26. Provide a good faith effort of reclamation cost of the entire site, or phases, if proposed. Attach a detailed breakdown of all expected reclamation tasks and their related costs. The costs shall be based on having the County or an independent contractor completing the full reclamation of the site (including, but not limited to equipment removal, regrading, replanting and other reclamation measures). Cost to reclaim the project site in accordance with the requirements of Butte County and the California Department of Conservation is approximately: $3,000 per disturbed acre. Therefore, total estimated reclamation cost is approximately $ 385,300. Detailed reclamation cost estimates is attached as Appendixt. 27. If applicant has selected a short term phasing of his reclamation, describe in detail the specific reclamation to be accomplished during first phase. The infrastructure construction phase involves constructing the processing plant, haul roads, new Cherokee Road intersection, access road, bridges, and pipelines. AMT anticipates that construction of these facilities will take 120 to 160 days to complete. Revegetation will immediately begin after completion of construction activities in the following areas: 1) Side slopes of the processing plant (5 acres), 2) Sugarloaf Mine Entry Way near the intersection of Highway 70 and Cherokee Road (2 acres), and 3) disturbed areas along Haul Roads (2.5 acres). The primary objective of revegetation in these areas will be to control. soil erosion and begin to develop a vegetation screen. Prior to construction activities AMT will salvage all usable topsoil and stockpile and cover it at a temporary location until it can be transported to the permanent stockpile facility in Mining Phase I. AMT will ultimately use this topsoil as part of mine -wide reclamation Salvageable topsoil from the Entry Way will be temporarily stockpiled during earthmoving and grading activities in this area, and then replaced on-site prior to revegetation. In addition, during the Construction Phase and subsequent Mining Phases, all vegetation that is removed prior to construction or mining_ activities will be chipped and stockpiled in the five acre topsoil stockpile area in Mining Phase I. This chipped vegetation will be used to mulch trees and shrubs that will be planted in permanent revegetation areas throughout the mine site. The processing plant side slopes will be approximately 2:1 (horizontal: vertical) following construction. To prepare the side slopes for seeding and planting, AMT will scarify the soil using a dozer -mounted ripper and/or disk. AMT will seed the prepared slopes with the Permanent Seed Mix for clayey soils using a hydroseeder and then hydromulch all seeded areas. Ponderosa pine will be planted on the side slopes on ten -foot centers according to the specifications. The Sugarloaf Mine Entry Way will be revegetated using the Permanent Seed Mix for sandy soils and the tree/shrub mixture. Seedbed preparation and seeding operations will be conducted in this area using tractor - drawn tillage and seeding implements according to specifications. All seeded areas will be mulched with rice straw, which will be crimped into the soil. Trees and shrubs will then be planted in tenth -acre clusters throughout the Entry Way area. AMT will revegetate along haul .roads using the Interim Seed Mix. Because roadside shoulders may be inaccessible to a tractor with tillage and seeding implements (due to narrow size, steep slopes, etc.), AMT anticipates seeding these areas with a hydroseeder and then hydromulching. No trees or shrubs will be planted along haul roads. Immediately following revegetation efforts, AMT will. install biodegradable straw wattles in high erosion potential areas along haul roads. AMT will complete all revegetation work two to three weeks following the end of infrastructure construction activities. AMT will install temporary overhead irrigation systems in tree/shrub clusters on the processing plant side slopes and in the Entry Way area. Irrigation will continue for two years according the irrigation specifications. AMT will begin mining sand in the Mining Phase I area. Mined sand will be trucked to the processing plant where it will be liberated from all other constituents. Mine waste in the form of clay "paste" will be piped to the reclamation area and placed in constructed cells formed with earthen berms. Each reclamation cell will be approximately 100,000 square feet in size and up to 13 feet deep. AMT anticipates that mining activities in Phase I will take approximately four years to complete and all mine waste from the phase will be dispose in reclamation cells. AMT will conduct permanent revegetation on filled cells within the reclamation area in the following manner. Once the clay paste has dried sufficiently to allow access by heavy equipment, AMT will spread composted soil amendments at 100 cubic yards per acre, and then incorporate soil amendments to a depth of one foot with a minimum of two passes of a ripper and/or disk. Following incorporation of soil amendments, AMT will disk and ring -roll the area to provide a well-prepared seedbed. AMT will then drill seed the area with the Permanent Seed Mix for clayey soils. Finally, AMT will mulch all seeded areas and crimp all mulch into the soil. Following seeding and mulching, AMT will then install trees and shrubs in tenth -acre clusters, covering approximately 20% of the reclaimed acreage. Temporary irrigation systems will then be installed to water all trees and shrubs for two growing seasons according to specifications. Because mining activities will last for four years in Phase I, AMT will mine approximately five to six acres per year. In the Fall of each year, AMT will seed areas disturbed from the current year's mining operations in Phase I with the Interim Seed Mix and then mulch all seeded areas. The Interim Seed Mix will be used in Phase I because the clay paste waste generated from Mining Phase II will ultimately be disposed of in constructed cells in Phase I. Mining activities in Phase H will take approximately 5.5 years to complete and the clay paste from Phase H will be placed in Phase I over this time period. Newly filled cells in Phase I will be permanently revegetated every year over this 5.5 -year period in the same manner as discussed for the reclamation area. The only exception to the above revegetation plan for Phase I is a one to three acre area in the eastern portion of this phase may be used for wetland mitigation. Wetland mitigation will be conducted in consultation with appropriate federal and state agencies. The exact size of wetland or jurisdictional waters mitigation will be included in CWA Section 404 permits. 28. Describe how reclamation of this site, in this manner, may affect future mining at this site and in the surrounding area. Sand and aggregate resources from within the mine area will be depleted. Therefore, no other mining of these commodities will be possible. However, extensive clay resources may remain south of the mine area, but within the project boundaries. Reclaimed land conditions will not prevent future mining of similar resources in the surrounding area since the same geologic deposit lies south and west of the project site. -- 29. List any hazardous materials to be used (flammables, explosives and strong chemicals) Mining operations require fuel for mine equipment and maintenance. All fuel and fuel storage facilities will be constructed above ground and will meet state and county requires for AST. No hazardous materials will be disposed on site. No explosives will be stored or used on site (It may be necessary to use �20 0 MW limited blasting to construct portions of the haul roads, however, final geotechnical and construction parameters have not been identified.. If explosives are necessary during road construction, licensed professionals will conduct blasting with approved plans. No blasting or other use of explosives is necessary during mineral extraction operations.) Fuel and hazardous materials stored and used on site will include: • 10,000 gallon above ground storage tank for diesel • 20,000 gallon above ground storage tank for propane • 1000 gallon above ground storage tank for gasoline • 500 gallon above ground storage tanks for waste oil (from maintenance facility, regularly recycled) • Quantities of motor oil and lubricants (maintenance facility, 55 gallon drums as needed) • Sodium Bromide • Quantities of flocculent 30. Proposed daily hours of operations: • Mine operations: 7:30am to 5:30pm • Mineral Processing: 24 hours/day 7days/week 31. Proposed number of employees: 30 to 40 co t r r\ BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA R Figure 1 Note: LOCATION MAP Access` State Route 70, 1.2 miles north of Oroville to Cherokee Road, south, NORTH j <300 -feet to mine- access road.i Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee Not drawn to scale I [""Butte County, California JIM WALLACE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES Advanced Mineral Technology, Inc. 5266 Ridgevale Way Fair Oaks CA 95628 916-536-01017. i February 2001 WAR n, ow ��7111 SCALE 0.50 1.00 MILES Base map: Cherdkee, CA, USGS 7.6 minute topographic quadrangle na I FIGURE2 VICINITY MAP SUGARLOAF M,I,NE,AT.CHE ' ROKEE February 2001 Rg..7 -2 SCALE 0.50 1.00 MILES Base map: Cherdkee, CA, USGS 7.6 minute topographic quadrangle na I FIGURE2 VICINITY MAP SUGARLOAF M,I,NE,AT.CHE ' ROKEE February 2001 SM. EXCAVATOR S(10ARLDAF fflIVE .,4 T TRUCKS PROCESS PLANT WET FEED HOPPER FLOW SHEET • ADVAM'ID ffliVE 'AL STACKER TECHNOLOGY, - INC. DATE: JANUARY 5, 2001 SURGE PILE 6,528 TONS LOADER [�1011RE / FEEDER - CONVEYOR SUPER ` SCRUBBER -------- WATER , I SURGE HEAVY 3/8' SCREEN TANK MINERAL PROCESS .PLANTSLURRY PUMP CYCLONE -: --- ; , OVERFLOW ' i ?TO WASTE?—_QlnAl9 EAGLE ATTRITION CLAY & SCRUBBER KAOLIN ------ -----'--------- `�--- CLEARIFIER------------- PROCESS PLANT/ - EAGLE - - - DE -SLIME ---- j i WASTE PLANT RECLAIM ------------ PAN -AM ----- --- EAGLE -- r a-- --- JIGS SCREEN +�z MESH COARSE j ' STORAGE i --------------- - ------------------- EAGLE LIGHTS LEGEND ' DE -WATER SOLIDS FLOW PERC/SURGE PILE WATER FLOW , �; 5+�t.1�t f�.�� r'"!4* F_> ��• F;F. ham.. 'Yl�,�`?'nt .�./'R {, . ;:'};T.'„k �" .^�� 6� A�i f jr 4�.�-� f F-�f.�µ4ti� 'f � d ��w 9 '`_ :..� it'iR'•.,h*T.C.,. :..,.z •!�;,jk ,?;.>..yiy}+• �. •� , �.,s- ;, e-+ :w, r 3..t '°' � t;'y`t''' ?frcµt�� .w :r� � . ;� -ht.�'.�R.�x .t�,..: _.��«.'�a t • • I 1 DECANT PILE --- -� I. I , I CYCLONE -.---' PASTE. PUMP I • , I I SLURRY FILTER PUMP , - I I --- ------- ++ WATER CLARIFIER--------------�1 '� ; ----- SURGE ir ---------------------- —r----- TANK I I � EAGLE ------ *--------------------= != I 1 1 SLURRY ; WET ; PUMP PLANT 1 I 1 I 1 1 I 1 - DE -SLIME ----� I 1 - EAGLE -- -- PLANT -----------------a -------------------- -------------------' - ' I I I _ EAGLE ---- SLURRY PAN-AM_________________� PUMP JIGS I � - , I 1 I - I I I #12 ----------------- SCREEN _ I SLURRY ' i== --------------------- PUMP ' I - Vil I CYCLONE------------------------------•-� I ' , I 1 1 , ----------- EAGLE ------- I FZOURF (9 LIGHTS SLURRY - PUMP SU0,4jv& -11 O�1 F ffl-IV ' 4 T---- CYCLONE --------------------------- —) I • CH�'I�OI>��'�' � 1 1 � I PROCESS PLANT WET DECANT PILE EAGLE FLOW SHEET DRYING 4PV,4XCED fflyV 'RAL PLANT FEcffNOLOGY., INC. ;i DATE: JANUARY:' -2001 .Y -�F i4,. y✓y�Jtif yr � SE,+s'`.4d1♦ ♦ � 2�' a�.i ,. .a .; „1 srZ f`ifz'' r'.,s ?h. L. n . ^•i r q 1!� Mr' ,t S-••'' � .�. r� of r� �" ✓ _ ira ' �m�5 �i,' n'..,'a;.�'�.'. S..#,. _ i ' ;`e:...;;Y✓�' rE"a;>h + `-s`.;i av�'j` i '`.y ?'! ! .,e .?tet •�4- ' ! .. r •s. 's a 4.. '4,i. "-" : ': •t .. §..t .�±�rs. i k '. LOADEP. r !FEEDER � r CONVEYOR _ r r NOTE: DUST COLLECTOR PULLS .FROM DRYER ALL. DRY PRODUCT TRANSFER POINTS CONVEYOR +#2o VIBRATING —#40 SCREEN #20+#30 #30+#40 z ;' SOOT SILO 500T SILO 500T SILO 500T SILO`. ! FEEDERFEEDER- FEEDER FEEDER r BLENDING � ' • � • � _.-- � _ , •,`'• �� CONVEYOR• OVERFLOW' • �t•, � `tom. ;x: PRODUCT t ' SILOS BULK TRUCK BAGGING - r LOADER MACHINE BAG` LOADING--] 21 Z f DRY PROCESS PLANT FLOW-.S,HE.E�T' 4p V4-/VCE,0 ,-MI1iNERA.z FEcffNOLOGY,. INC - , - " -`,,DATE:. ;,JANUARY ''5, t;2001 1 • �1F' � .y, �i n .M �C ..5 "t:! ,i.1.. ~±Y 4- ;,t 4 .%' -4 -• R. �w.t swlk t �'y i'�'i�R' y K y Y ?r—^�:.yfr .f �„4,x .. �., t�, �' �� , W;s i �V "�'!^�^'�a-` �4 r„�' , f p �.�`k '�'.r � �- •�ci= ^�+, ,s. r c � � � ay � 7 ` i r'� ” r ��. :�`� 'tY. � {�3.'�rr:':�1;. ,� k/ ` <�.8. r�'.+y i'� '• 7"a'-��: y��•`,.Nxi"� 7tl(�.tgt�. r� •"} �� +. �„e_��,C• �" � � 'g" uslt ..• JIM?..✓ih.��`. W: .L.±V, vFX,.'1 �3 ;1.,."I . F 4.�'tt{.%"..tt •9%'j � .`a' t't� # 'r..� 'Y -�,•Jr Y4:.':: :+f fi .."'i h }.:�� i'r_:/`.'.. ••_ 0 v U i 19 CROSS-SECTION OF A CELL CONTAINING MINE WASTE FOLLOWING RECLAMATION TENTH ACRE TREE/ SEEDED GRASS MIX ROAD SHRUB CLUSTER SEEDED GRASS MIX f . 10' . ariable �/ ( ::•','•-.:: •r; height: IM distance between earth berms may vary Overhead view of a typical tenth -acre tree/shrub cluster ... 3 8 .2 W,41 6 4 I: 4 .. , Isa 8 r 3 43.5' ( :. 8. 64 -x'331 • .r 5 2 Rbit+ 4 8 AS q q'? 100' SPECIES KEY (based on species in Table 2A): 1 - Blue oak (5 total per cluster) 5 - Toyon (6 total per cluster) 2 - Interior live oak (5 total per cluster) 6 - Coffeeberry (6 total per cluster) 3 - Canyon live oak (5 total per cluster) 7 - Coyotebush (6 total per cluster) 4 - Ponderosa pine (10 total per cluster) '8 - Buckbrush (12 total per cluster) NOTE: Entire area to be revegetated will be seeded with the appropriate Permanent Seed Mix (Table 1) prior to planting trees and shrubs. j 11 J 570 Om - t OVERHEAD VIEW, OF. PHASE I SURFACE WATER RUNOFF CHANNEL 1 TOPSOIL AND WOOD se�� _ -t 1 MULCH STORAGE AREA approx. 5 acres i Phase IIl Not to Scale 1 ,• :` +.: ,r `� �', -, �.f Phase IV `� t 'Phase V If ..., It EXISTING' >CJ�+ •... _ ACCESS RQAd z /.JURISDICTIONAL WATER i- /• MITIGATION AREA ' TENTH -ACRE REVEGETATION PLOTS,'' l PHASE I RECLAMATION AREA approx. 18 acres . 11 SUGARLOAF MINE AT CHEROKEE APPENDIX A Legal Description . APN Map _ ENGINEERING SURVEYING PLANNING 220 GRAND AVENUE OROVILLE, CA 95965 TEL: (530) 533-2068 FAX: (530) 533-3551 EMAIL: gda®quiknet.com November 27, 2000 Mr. Jim Wallace Environmental Consulting Services 5266 Ridgevale Way Fair Oaks, CA 95628 , RE: A.M.T. - Cherokee Mine Dear Mr. Wallace: Per your request, we have examined the title report prepared by Mid Valley Title Company; for the Cherokee Mine project. Said report is dated September 14, 2000, and the report i number is BU -182939. Please note that this report insures title to the lands optioned by Advanced Mineral Technology (A.M.T.) as well as other lands adjacent thereto. The lands to be considered as a part of the A.M.T. project are: 1) 041-060-038 7): 041-330-028 2) 041-060-088 8) 041-330-030 3) 041-060-129 9) 041-330-038 4) 041-060-130 10) 041-330-039 5) 041-330-022 11) 041-330-064 6) 041-330-026 . The focus of our examination was to verify those parcels in which the owner does not own the mineral rights. It appears that certain mineral interests are excepted from the estate of those lands identified' as title parcels 1-A, 1-13, & 1-C (Assessor's Parcel 041-330-026). 1 would note that this parcel of land is located in Section 29, T21N,.R4E and is adjacent to the Union Pacific Rail Road lands, approximately one mile west of the silica pit: JOHN D. CHRISTOFFERSON, RL.S If you have any questions, or if you wish to expand the score of our title review, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Sincerely, ohn D. Christofferson, P.L GDA Engineering, Sury , Planning dl/letters/00040 enclosure cc: Dick Schmittel Phil Cash 10"N [f .. ` `• S ; MN, w ® 4 m '\ t® +O 3 / pfooM0o ri Z O a g o c ®N dtfo� t ta1 44 vy Itu g•p9 aut fey a 09 Q 1• 150E ... i `4• . FF il- a oil- 1 °' (i '4 ootb 77M0�J0) T " j yL Wil ° o•=E L01 �p N � o o Fj iVb � I H / o r.tz ^ c 4 0, Com .Q G W �1✓ h 1,9 MO I ' l �M1 va y� N bp� Wi at FN I '.l -c _ T 2/ N R. 4 E...Af.41 LjI A-33 BENNUM Q , , �A 70 as SSE BaQ- s SAC — /60 AC O '� as c. 5/ A p • 112.s oZ9Aa yt�a ' 8R7JAc if. AC 1 ? 3 1' 1 WAAAY /7 7.5 AC i q0 NGpV�� e•owa `♦ 0 w —/—/—/ 87.92 AC . A•p r r! 126Ac 12.1 IdBAc Ost r PM7 _2. r ,''1 At161. /3 M 69 II W O 40 /I< M _♦ e;P 9 r. a _,p'd� s� ✓ /p i, 2 da �� I 025AC '•�� \ 56 Ai \ Q G ®30.48 Aa, ct 67 SIA IF f s� / t ' %� 20.61Ac,' I W 57 3 71Ac • I I , n 53.4 AC I ♦/t5b / 1 •'�� '%i 1 �, 0 3 1 '♦ O 22.8 At , 2Ac e a Ras52 ♦ 9 9 -97 7 CUi �� / �`_�Itp e~ - 7/ ` 1 ss. R oars td! _R1364-41',. r i'.. / i ` _ _ _ , •''" 29. j28 �' 7h1e aw may or re.y not be a survey of ft lens d•pkted 32 33 O6 heraorl• You MOW trot rely upon M for arty purpoet OUW ' than alentalbn to the general ballon of the parcel or Assessors Map No. 4/ - 33 • i parcel. depicted. Wd valley rtda and Eeao. cornparj !I aeaebr. 47 br alle"d bee or &sup. County y of Butte, Calif. EXHIBIT "A" AP: 41-06-129 ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS PARCEL "C", ACCORDING TO THAT CERTAIN PARCEL MAP FOR SPRING VALLEY MINERALS, INC., AS FILED FOR RECORD JULY 20, 1984 IN BOOK 97 MAPS, AT PAGE 49, LYING IN SECTIONS 32 AND 33, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. END OF DESCRIPTION NOTE: THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER USES. PREPARED BY: • OHN D. CHRISTOFFERSON :� SND SU9 GDA ENGINEERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING ��5 �HRISTp�, �F C:1MyFiles\WPDOCS\LEGALS100040LDA.wpd August 17, 2000 o No. 4208 0 * Exp. 6-30 Z * . �� OF CAL\FC 0 EXHIBIT "B" A PORTION OF AP: 41-33-30 ALL THAT PORTION OF LOT 39, (MINERAL CERTIFICATE NO. 333) KNOWN AS THE "CHEROKEE FLAT BLUE GRAVEL PLACER MINE" AS DESCRIBED IN PATENT FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO T.Z. BLAKEMAN, DATED NOVEMBER 3, 1899 AND RECORDED NOVEMBER 11, 1899 IN BOOK "E" OF PATENTS, AT PAGE 484, LYING NORTHERLY OF THE NORTH LINE OF PARCEL "C" ACCORDING TO THAT CERTAIN PARCEL MAP FOR SPRING VALLEY MINERALS, INC. AS FILED FOR RECORD JULY 20,1984 IN BOOK 97 MAPS, AT PAGE 49, LYING IN SECTIONS 29 & 32, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. END OF DESCRIPTION NOTE: THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER USES. PREPARED BY: HN D. CHRISTOFFE , P.L.S. v.AND GDA ENGINEERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING �SO GHRISTO�9`F� C:1MyFiles\WPDOCSILEGALS100040LDB.wpd August 17, 2000 {e 9 o No. 420n8, z Exp. 6-30-� lZ �� OF CAN -*O EXHIBIT "C" AP-: 41-06-130 ******************************************************************* ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS LOT 42, (MINERAL CERTIFICATE NO. 80), KNOWN AS SPRING VALLEY MINING AND IRRIGATING COMPANY, BEING A PORTION OF SECTIONS 28, 299 32 AND 33, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED IN PATENT TO SPRING VALLEY MINING .AND IRRIGATING COMPANY, DATED AUGUST 15, 1882 AND RECORDED SEPTEMBER 4,1882, IN BOOK "C" OF PATENTS, PAGE 377, BUTTE COUNTY RECORDS. EXCEPTING THEREFROM THOSE CERTAIN AREAS CONTAINING 5.31 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, (GOVERNMENT LOT #46) AND 2.43ACRES, MORE OR LESS, (GOVERNMENT LOT #6) AS DESCRIBED IN SAID PATENT RECORDED SEPTEMBER 4, 1882, IN BOOK "C" OF PATENTS, PAGE 377, BUTTE COUNTY RECORDS. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM ALL THAT CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY SITUATED IN THE TOWN OF CHEROKEE, BEING A PORTION OF SECTIONS 28 AND 29, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, . �r+ RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 29 FROM WHICH THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION BEARS SOUTH 01 DEG. 24' 16" EAST, 607.25 FEET, SAID POINT BEING ON THE NORTHERLY BOUNDARY OF SPRING VALLEY MINING AND IRRIGATION COMPANY PLACER MINE, AND THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 2, SECTION 29; THENCE WESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 2, SOUTH 80 DEG. 07'45" WEST, 54.08 FEET; THENCE NORTH 61 DEG. 17' 15" WEST, 236.48 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 84 DEG. 27' 45" WEST, 138.14 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 72 DEG. 49' 45" WEST, 597.99 FEET; THENCE LEAVING SAID LINE SOUTH 79 DEG. 37' 13" EAST, .210.93 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 63 DEG. 50' 55" EAST, 369.40 FEET; THENCE NORTH 71 DEG. 49' 47" EAST, 252.58 FEET; THENCE NORTH 57 DEG. 14' 51" EAST, 223.69 FEET; THENCE NORTH 36 DEG. 26'30" EAST, 122.88 FEET TO THAT LINE SHOWN ON THAT CERTAIN RECORD OF SURVEY, RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF THE COUNTY OF BUTTE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, IN BOOK 78 OF MAPS, AT PAGE 90, BEARING PER SAID MAP, SOUTH 80 DEG. 07' 45" WEST, 71.72 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. END OF DESCRIPTION CONTINUED t 9 PAGE 2 LEGAL DESCRIPTION "C" 8/17/2000 NOTE: THIS LEGAL' DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER USES. PREPARED BY: fHN D. CHRISTOFFERSON, .LGENGINEERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING C:1MyFileslWPDOCS%LEGALS100040L.DC.wpd August 17, 2000 Sv LAND S\ r,HRIST0�9`��0 01 No. 4208 z * Exp. 6.30. P 9� OF CAi-1FD�\ y EXHIBIT "D" AP: 41=33-64 ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS GOVERNMENT LOT 2, OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY CALIFORNIA. EXCEPTING THEREFROM ALL THAT PORTION OF SAID LOT 2 LYING NORTHERLY AND EASTERLY OF THE OROVILLE CONCOW ROAD, AS THE SAME EXISTED ON JULY 1, 1957. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM ALL THAT PORTION AS CONVEYED TO NAOMI RUTH HEALD, ET AL, BY DEED RECORDED JUNE 30, 1981, IN BOOK 2635, PAGE 450, OFFICIAL RECORDS, BEING DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY SITUATED IN LOT 2, SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, _ RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: ; BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 29 FROM WHICH THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 29 BEARS SOUTH 01 DEG. 24' 16" EAST 607.25 FEET, SAID POINT BEING ON THE NORTHERLY BOUNDARY OF THE SPRING VALLEY MINING AND IRRIGATION COMPANY PLACER MINE AND THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 2, SECTION 29; THENCE WESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 2 SOUTH 80 DEG. 07' 45" WEST 54.08 FEET; THENCE NORTH 61 DEG. 17' 15" WEST 236.48 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 84 DEG. 27' 45" WEST, 138.14 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 72 DEG. 49'. 45" WEST 597.99 FEET; THENCE NORTH 79 DEG. 32' 15" WEST 222.05 FEET; THENCE LEAVING SAID SOUTH LINE NORTH 66 DEG. 27' 24" EAST, 168.65 FEET; THENCE ALONG. A TANGENT CURVE CONCAVE SOUTHEASTERLY HAVING A RADIUS OF 150 FEET, A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 16 DEG. 04' 58", THE ARC LENGTH OF WHICH IS 42.10 FEET; THENCE NORTH 82 DEG. 32'22" EAST 338.80 FEET; THENCE ALONG A TANGENT CURVE CONCAVE NORTHWESTERLY HAVING A RADIUS OF 350 FEET, A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 20 DEG. 35,52-- THE 5'52"THE ARC LENGTH OF WHICH IS 125.82 FEET; THENCE NORTH 61 DEG. 56'30" EAST 51.62 FEET; THENCE ALONG A TANGENT CURVE CONCAVE NORTHWESTERLY, HAVING A RADIUS OF 350 FEET, A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 41 DEG. 27' 18", THE ARC LENGTH OF WHICH IS 253.23 FEET; THENCE NORTH 20 DEG. 29' 12" EAST 61.41 FEET TO A POINT IN THE CENTERLINE OF CHEROKEE ROAD, SAID POINT BEING THE BEGINNING OF A CURVE CONCAVE NORTHEASTERLY THE RADIUS POINT OF WHICH BEARS NORTH 20 DEG. 29' CONTINUED 0 0 Q aPAGE 2 LEGAL DESCRIPTION "D" 8/17/2000 12" EAST; THENCE EASTERLY ALONG SAID CURVE HAVING A RADIUS OF 200 FEET, A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 18 DEG. 18'34" THE ARC LENGTH OF WHICH IS 63.91 FEET; THENCE CONTINUING EASTERLY ALONG SAID CENTERLINE SOUTH 87 DEG. 4922" EAST 236.32 FEET TO THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 29; THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG SAID EAST LINE SOUTH 01 DEG. 24' 16" EAST, 362.33 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. END OF DESCRIPTION NOTE: THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN .APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER USES. PREPARED BY: 00 (7) JOHN D. CHRISTOFFERS .S. GDA ENGINEERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING C:1MyFileslWPDOCSILEGALS100040LDD.wpd August 17, 2000 F�0 O No. 4208 oZ —' Exp. 6-30� . �� OF CALF/ WME 0 ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. EXCEPTING THEREFROM PARCELS "A", "B", AND "C" ACCORDING TO THAT CERTAIN PARCEL MAP FOR SPRING VALLEY MINERALS, INC., AS FILED FOR RECORD JULY 20, 1984 IN BOOK 97 MAPS, AT PAGE 49, LYING IN SECTIONS 32 AND 33, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.. END OF DESCRIPTION NOTE: THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER USES. PREP RED BY: JOHN D. CHRISTOFFERSO S. GDA ENGINEERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING C:1MyFileslWPDOCSILEGALS100040LDE.wpd August 17, 2000 Sip SND SU9 Vk� GHRIST�� S2 � F9 9 o No. 4208 _ o i EXHIBIT "Fl AP: 41-33-30 ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS GOVERNMENT LOT 1, OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP .21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. END OF DESCRIPTION NOTE: THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS -PREPARED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY -NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER USES. PREPARED BY: C JOHN D. CHRISTOFFER , P.L.S. GDA ENGINEERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING C:1MyFileslWPDOCSILEGALS100040LDF.wpd August 21,2000' 5 �p LAND v��a I✓1"ARISA 0 No. 4208 * Exp.6-30. z OF CAL* EXHIBIT "Gly A PORTION OF. AP: 41-33-38 ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS THE WEST ONE HALF OF THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. END OF DESCRIPTION NOTE: THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED ' SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER USES. PREPARED BY: s JOHN D. CHRISTOFFE , P.L.S. GDA ENGINEERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING C:IMyFilesIWPOOCSILEGALS100040LDG.wpd August 21, 2000 k,ND SU9`F Na. 4208 _ o NO i EXHIBIT ".1-119 AP: 41-33-28 ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS THE WEST ONE HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST ONE QUARTER OF SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. EXCEPTING THEREFROM ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY LYING NORTHEASTERLY OF THE PUBLIC ROAD LEADING FROM PENTZ TO CHEROKEE AND DEADWOOD AS THE SAME EXISTED IN 1902. ALSO EXCEPTING ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED IN DEED DATED MAY 5, 1960 FROM BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE WILL OF D.L. VINTIN ALIAS, DECEASED TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RECORDED SEPTEMBER 7, 1960 IN BOOK 1076, OFFICIAL RECORDS AT PAGE 22. END OF DESCRIPTION NOTE: THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER USES. PREPARED BY: ?OHND. CHRISTOFFE , P.L.S.NGINEERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING C:1MyFilesIWPDOCSILEGALS100040LDH.wpd August 21, 2000 �pND GNRISTp F� o No. 4208 z -' Exp. 6-30- -k \Q. EXHIBIT ".1-119 AP: 41-33-28 ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS THE WEST ONE HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST ONE QUARTER OF SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. EXCEPTING THEREFROM ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY LYING NORTHEASTERLY OF THE PUBLIC ROAD LEADING FROM PENTZ TO CHEROKEE AND DEADWOOD AS THE SAME EXISTED IN 1902. ALSO EXCEPTING ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED IN DEED DATED MAY 5, 1960 FROM BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE WILL OF D.L. VINTIN ALIAS, DECEASED TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RECORDED SEPTEMBER 7, 1960 IN BOOK 1076, OFFICIAL RECORDS AT PAGE 22. END OF DESCRIPTION NOTE: THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER USES. PREPARED BY: ?OHND. CHRISTOFFE , P.L.S.NGINEERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING C:1MyFilesIWPDOCSILEGALS100040LDH.wpd August 21, 2000 �pND GNRISTp F� o No. 4208 z -' Exp. 6-30- -k \Q. S r ' f EXHIBIT "I" AP: 41-06-88 & 41-33-38 A PORTION OF AP: 41-33-26 ******************************************************************* ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS THE 1) SOUTH ONE HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER. . 2) THE NORTHEAST ONE QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER. 3) THE EAST ONE HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST ONE QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER. 4) THE EAST ONE HALF OF THE EAST ONE HALF OF THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER. . ALL IN SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D.M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, LYING SOUTHERLY AND EASTERLY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PARCEL OF LAND: BEGINNING AT A POINT WHICH BEARS SOUTH 33° 22'08" EAST 3,546.37 FEET FROM THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 29, SAID POINT ALSO BEARS SOUTH 42' 00' 00" EAST 150.00 FEET FROM ENGINEER'S STATION B.S. 760 + 52.27 OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES' 1955 SURVEY OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC RAILROAD RELOCATION FROM OROVILLE TO INTAKE (THE CALIFORNIA STATE ZONE II COORDINATES FOR SAID POINT OF BEGINNING ARE X=2,125,655.06 AND Y=721,310.65 AND THE NORTH MERIDIAN USED AS A BASIS OF BEARINGS IN THIS DESCRIPTION IS IDENTICAL WITH THAT OF SAID ZONE); THENCE FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING SOUTH 480 00'00" WEST 852.27 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 42° 00'00" EAST 100.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 48° 00'00" WEST 759.10 FEET TO A POINT WHICH BEARS SOUTH 42° 00'0011 EAST 250.00 FEET FROM ENGINEER'S STATION B.S. 744 + 40.90 OF SAID SURVEY; THENCE CONTINUING SOUTH 480 00'00" WEST 199.87 FEET; THENCE NORTH 420 00' 00" WEST 75.00 FEET; THENCE FROM A TANGENT WHICH BEARS SOUTH 480 00'00" WEST ALONG A CURVE TO THE RIGHT HAVING A RADIUS OF 1,612.34 FEET, THROUGH A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 13' 30' 00", AN ARC DISTANCE OF 379.90 FEET; THENCE NORTH 28' 30' 00" WEST 50.00 FEET; THENCE FROM A TANGENT WHICH BEARS SOUTH 61 ° 30'00" WEST ALONG A CURVE TO THE RIGHT HAVING A RADIUS OF 1,562.34 FEET, THROUGH A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 150 08'00" AN ARC DISTANCE OF 412.65 FEET; THENCE NORTH 13° 22' 00" WEST 25.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 76° 38' 00" WEST 199.87 FEET, TO A POINT WHICH BEARS SOUTH 13' 22'00" EAST 100.00 FEET FROM ENGINEER'.S STATION B.S. 733 + 25.07; THENCE NORTH 13° 22'00" WEST 200.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 760 38' 00" EAST 199.87 FEET; THENCE NORTH 130 22'00" WEST 75.00 FEET; THENCE FROM A TANGENT CONTINUED PAGE 2 EXHIBIT 611" 8121/00 WHICH BEARS NORTH 76' 38' 00" EAST ALONG A CURVE TO THE LEFT HAVING A RADIUS OF 1,262.34 FEET, THROUGH A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 28° 38' 00" AN ARC DISTANCE OF 630.85 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 42° 00'00" EAST 50.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 48' 00'00" EAST 199.87 FEET TO A POINT WHICH BEARS NORTH 42° 00' 00" WEST 125.00 FEET FROM ENGINEER'S STATION B.S. 744 + 40.90 OF SAID SURVEY; THENCE CONTINUING NORTH 480 00'00" EAST 109.10 FEET; THENCE NORTH 39" 27'58" EAST 101.11 FEET; THENCE NORTH 520 17'23" EAST 200.57 FEET; THENCE NORTH 480 00'00" EAST 1,202.27 FEET TO A POINT WHICH BEARS NORTH. 420 00' 00" WEST 125.00 FEET FROM ENGINEER'S STATION B.S. 760 + 52.27 OF SAID SURVEY; THENCE SOUTH 42' 00'00" EAST 275.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. END OF DESCRIPTION + NOTE: THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT -FOR OTHER USES. PREPARED BY: e,L.S�� P RISTOFFER ERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING C:\MyFiles\WPDOCSILEGALS100040LDI.wpd August 21, 2000 SND SUq` r'HRISTp� o Mc 4208 z Exp. 6-30 �� OF CAL�O/ t EXHIBIT "J" AP: 41-33-22 & 41-33-39 A PORTION OF AP: 41-33-26 ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS THE EAST ONE HALF OF THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER; THE EAST ONE HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST ONE QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER; THE EAST ONE HALF OF THE EAST ONE HALF OF THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER; AND THE NORTHEAST ONE QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER AND THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST ONE QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST, M.D:M., BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, LYING SOUTHERLY OF THE SOUTHERLY BOUNDARY LINE OF STATE ROUTE 70 AND LYING NORTHERLY OF AND WESTERLY OF THE NORTHWESTERLY BOUNDARY LINE OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC (NOW UNION PACIFIC) RAILROAD BOUNDARY LINE, AS SAID BOUNDARY LINES ARE DESCRIBED IN PARCEL #5 IN DEED TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DATED MAY 21, 1957 AND FILED FOR RECORD IN BOOK 910 OFFICIAL RECORDS AT PAGE 5 AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT FROM WHICH THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 29, BEARS NORTH 320 38'49" WEST 3274.75 FEET, SAID POINT ALSO BEING DISTANT NORTH 420 00' 00" WEST 125.00 FEET FROM ENGINEER'S STATION B.S. 760 + 52.27 OF SAID SURVEY (THE CALIFORNIA STATE ZONE II COORDINATES FOR SAID POINT; ARE X = 2,125,471.07 AND Y = 721,515.00); THENCE FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING, NORTH 48° 00'00" EAST 187.41 FEET; THENCE ALONG A CURVE TO THE LEFT WITH A RADIUS OF 1407.00 FEET, THROUGH AN ANGLE OF 770 54'58" AN ARC DISTANCE OF 1913.37 FEET (THE CHORD OF WHICH CURVE BEARS NORTH 09° 02' 31" EAST 1769.31 FEET); THENCE SOUTH 650 56'00" WEST 409.92 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 54° 53'31" WEST 261.07 FEET; THENCE ALONG A CURVE TO THE LEFT WITH A RADIUS OF 1850.13 FEET, THROUGH AN ANGLE OF 14° 56', AN ARC DISTANCE OF 482.21 FEET (THE CHORD OF WHICH CURVE BEARS ARC DISTANCE OF 482.21 FEET (THE CHORD OF WHICH CURVE BEARS SOUTH. 580 28'00" WEST 480.84 FEET); THENCE SOUTH 51 ° 00'00" WEST 1674.85 FEET. CONTINUED t i . PAGE 2 EXHIBIT "J" 8/21/00 EXCEPTING THEREFROM ALL THAT PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST ONE QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 29, LYING SOUTHERLY OF THE SOUTHERLY BOUNDARY LINE OF STATE ROUTE 70 AS ABOVE DESCRIBED AND ALSO LYING SOUTHWESTERLY OF THE CENTERLINE OF THE ORIGINAL PENTZ CHEROKEE DEADWOOD ROAD AS SHOWN ON THAT CERTAIN RECORD OF SURVEY AS FILED FOR RECORD. ON JUNE 4, 1956 IN BOOK 22, MAPS AT PAGE 15. END OF DESCRIPTION NOTE: THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER USES. PREPARED BY: • • JOHN D. CHRISTOFFERSDA ENGINEERING, SURVEYING, PLANNING C:%MyFileslWPDOCSILEGALS\00040LDJ.wpd August 21, 2000 , t..J � SND SU9\ 5 GHRISTpF�- V O 0 �F9 0� p No. 4208 z Exp. 6=30-.. * \Q \� OF GPS-�F I I 77 1 I I I LD I I I I I F7 u I WETLAND DELINEATION FOR THE 800± ACRE ' SUGARLOAF MINE PROJECT ' Butte County, California INTRODUCTION ' The proposed Sugarloaf Mine project is located approximately 8 miles north of the City of P P g project . Oroville in Butte County, California. The study area bounds Highway 70 along its north ' boundary, Cherokee Road along its northeast boundary, and North Table Mountain along the southwest border: This location corresponds to portions of Sections 28, 29, 32, and 33, in Township 21 North, Range 4 East of the Cherokee, California USGS 7.5 minute topographic ' quadrangle (Figure 1). Coordinates to the approximate center of the project site are: 39°38'22"N and 121132'45"W. ' Setting The climate in the project area is characteristically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and ' cool, rainy winters. Average precipitation is approximately 30 inches a year, all of which falls as rain. The mean freeze -free period is about 250 to 300 days (USDA).. Elevation ranges from [ approximately 750 feet on the north border of the property to 1600 feet in the central part. The ■ terrain in many places is very rugged and quite steep. ' The study area is situated in the northern Sierran foothills of central Butte County. Land use in this part of Butte County are primarily livestock grazing, agricultural (orchards) and to the east and north, rural residential. Habitats include -oak -pine woodlands, annual grasslands, fodthill chaparral and wetlands arid -riparian communities: The region is transitional between the lowlands of the. Central Valley and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. ' The site has had a long history of mining, primarily gold mining, and later for sand, rock, and gravel. Consequently, the property is heavily disturbed with much of the original.ground altered. Anthropogenic disturbances include former mining operations, altered drainages, ' drainage tunnels, and livestock grazing. The northern portion of the property is currently used for cattle grazing, including one active residence,with outbuildings. The remainder is ' unused. METHODOLOGY. Wetland delineation fieldwork was conducted on March 15,16, May 31, June 1, June 14 and June 16, 2000 by Jeff Glazner, Bob L. Jones and Ron Wirgart. Prior to the field survey, color Iaerial photographs taken by Geoimagery, on March 3, 2000 (Figure 2) and the Cherokee, California' 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle were reviewed. Site specific topography was ' Sugarloaf Mme Wetland Delineation not available for this study. The wetland delineation was conducted in accordance with the �J 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. ' aerial photo was printed at 1"=200' and covered with acetate for mapping details. The p Notable features such as individual trees and wetland edges were recorded on the acetate. ' Because portions of the site are dense with woody vegetation, it was necessary to meandered through these areas from many angles in an attempt to pinpoint wetland edges. Where the edges are below the tree or shrub canopy, we identify the canopy species on the photo and ' project theposition of the edge below. Once the edge is determined, it is validated by walking up to it from different angles. Measurements from knownlocations observable on the photo, such as dirt roads and fencelines, were made to locate the actual locations of each ' feature. Wetland determination forms detailing vegetation; soils, and hydrological characteristics were ' completed at representative locations throughout the site. Plant nomenclature follows The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California (1993). Wetland indicator status was obtained from ' the 1988 National List of Vascular Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands, California Region 0. A Munsell soil color chart was used to determine soil matrix and mottle colors. ' Field data were, digitized and a wetland delineation map was produced using the March 2000 aerial photograph as a base map. kk J - RESULTS ' Vegetation The project site contains five primary habitat types —mixed oak/ pine woodland, oak Woodland, riparian woodland, annual grassland, and disturbed areas from previous mining operations. Over 80 percent of the site is classified as either mixed oak/ pine woodland or oak ' woodland. Mixed oak/pine woodland consists of interior live -oak (Quercus wislizenii), blue oak (Q. douglasii), foothill pine (Pinus sabiniana), and lesser amounts of ponderosa pine (P. ' ponderosa), canyon live oak (Q. chrysolepis), and valley oak (Q. lobata). Oak woodland is predominately blue oak, with lesser amounts of interior live oak, and foothill pine.' Both habitat types have similar understories consisting largely of whiteleaf manzanita ' . (Arctostaphylos viscida), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), buckbrush (Ce anothus cuneatus), and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia). ' The riparian woodland habitat on site consists primarily of willow (Salix spp.), shrubby white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), and Fremont's cottonwood (Populus fremontii). Annual grassland is, composed of typical non-native grasses such as ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), filaree ' (Erodium botrys), clover (Trifolium spp.), and English ryegrass (Lolium perenne). ' Soils Soils on site are highly variable and disturbed. In areas of previous mining operations, the substrate is generally sand, gravel, and silty sand in varying combinations. Reliable soils Sugarloaf Mune Wetland Delineation 2 information is lacking, as there is not currently a modern soil survey of this part of Butte County. Hydrology Y gY Former mining operations have significantly altered drainage patterns and surface hydrology. ' Highly eroded slopes on Table Mountain and Sugarloaf continually wash sediment into the bottomland and into Sawmill Ravine. Water flows into the Sawmill Ravine system, which flows south to north, and under Highway 70. Numerous intermittent drainages occur ' throughout the site and most flow through well drained coarse substrate. Seasonal wetlands form where fines have collected or there is. groundwater seepage. ' WATERS OF THE U.S. Six waters of the U.S. types were identified and mapped from the project site (Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, & attached Wetland Delineation Map). Waters types and corresponding acreages. are listed in Table 1. b r Table 1. Waters of the U.S. Acreage Summary. Riparian Riparian Wetland 8.66 Seasonal Wetland 1.02 Seasonal Stream (Sawmill Ravine) 1.32 Intermittent Drainage . 5.29 Seasonal Pond 4.58 Pond 0.37 _. -- - - --.---Total ----'--21.24- ---'--21.24- Riparian Wetland Riparian wetland (8.66 acres) occurs primarily along the formerly mined Sawmill Ravine bottomland. It also occurs east of Sawmill Ravine at a higher elevation. It is characterized by dense riparian vegetation including willow (Salix spp.); white alder (Alnus rhombifolia),. and cottonwood (Populus fremontii). Riparian wetland occurs where the gradient is not steep and water flows over a wider area. Each of these areas occur'in formerly altered landscapes where soils are sandy and available near surface water is available most of the year. Where similar vegetation occurs along a narrow discernable scoured channel, the feature is mapped as an intermittent drainage. Seasonal Wetland Seasonal wetlands (1.02 acre) are scattered on the project site. They are variable in character but consistently have seasonal (springtime) hydrology and support an herbaceous plant . community. All but one of the seasonal wetlands are small. One relatively large seasonal Sugarloaf Mule Wetland Delineation 3 ' wetland occurs near where Sawmill Ravine flows into a tunnel. It is a low area where water and sediment collect during the wet months. ' Seasonal Stream Sawmill Ravine Se ( ) The lower, downstream portion of Sawmill Ravine below the tunnel exit is mapped as ' seasonal. stream (1.32 acre). The channel carries water for much of the year although at this time it is unclear whether or not it is perennial. Flows were below five cfs on June 16, 2000. Vegetation along the channel is riparian, including white alder, willow, cottonwood, and ' Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor). Intermittent Drainage Intermittent drainages (5.29 acres) exist throughout the project site. They are typically narrow, scoured,.unvegetated, and have a well-defined bed and bank. They flow seasonally ' during the rainy months. The section of Sawmill Ravine upstream of the tunnel exit and north of the tunnel entrance is mapped as an intermittent drainage. Several drainages flowing down the eroded slopes of Table Mountain are mapped as intermittent drainages. ' Seasonal Pond A seasonal pond (4.58 acres) is located in,the west portion of the project site. The pond was '. nearly full during our March 2000 visit. During the May/ June 2000 visit, the .water volume in the pond was approximately 50 percent less than during our first field survey, and without additional rainfall or artificial input would presumably be dry by July. Vegetation growing in Cis the pond was primarily spikerush (Eleocharis macrostachya). I Pond A perennial pond occurs at the southern edge of the project area. The pond appears to serve nearby residents. It is unclear if it remains at spillway elevation throughout the year or if it is __allowed to dry_down. _Spillage from the pond flows. through Sawmill Ravine and the project site. I Other (Non -Jurisdictional) The Upper Miocene Canal meanders east to west across the northern portion of the property. It is a cement -lined channel cut into the hillside contours approximately. 10 feet wide and 4 ' feet deep. Flows were minimal during March and at operational capacity during the June field visits. ' SUMMARY ' North Fork Associates conducted a wetland delineation on the ±800 acre Sugarloaf Mine project site during March, May, and June 2000.. The site has been historically mined which has significantly altered the natural hydrology. Most of the waters mapped have been altered to I varying degrees by previous mining operations. Six waters of the U.S. types were identified from the site and include riparian wetland (8.66 acres), seasonal wetland (1.02 acre), "seasonal I 1 - ' Sugarloaf Mine Wetland Delineation 4 ��- stream 1.32 acre intermittent drainage 5.29 acres), seasonal pond (4.58 acres), and pond (0.37 acre): ' Enclosed with this report are the following attachments: P , • USGS Project Location and Vicinity Map (Figure 1) • Aerial Photo (Figure z) • Site Photos (Figure 3) ' • Site Photos (Figure 4) • Site Photos (Figure 5) ' • Wetland Delineation (11X17) (Figure 6) Wetland Delineation Map (1" = 300') • Wetland Data Sheets (18) I LJ 1 1 _ 1 1 Sugarloaf N ine.Wedand Delineation 5 i j Y\ hico_ 70OrMPROJECT SITE e, • ® \ .", .rf T 1 r-r-t,':`s`-�' C t k /t�ts� �' ibs�{5 { '�T i. ��`t-- t. as ••s+ s i u ilii t lc,ima Or ' OV@Yrtsn; iW �4`j f`� {).."ti,s�, �r 99 - � to •�` tl s `' ''s,� ii: x s• i ; sA/C "�� t� �t Ma Ile' lx� lzF�=tin\ rys `��.:-�riP�i�Z { 1, ''� i � ';�b"C. 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SUGARLOAF MINE Cherokee, CA USGS 7.5 minute' topographic yriaarangle'.. Butte C.ountyCalifomla i. FORM F, E ,:_w x • > aa, � 5 s] tJ x 17�},f � � �$ � � �•w I �1 �7 �? , Y M AR f , t N 4.1 Riparian wetland looking south. Edge of orange sediment is approximate edge of jurisdictional waters. Shrubs left of orange sediment are whiteleaf manzanita. 4.2 Riparian Wetland, southern portion of project site, looking east, near data point 08. north associates fork 4.3 Intermittent Drainage north of North Table Mountain, looking southwest. Fiqure 4 SITE PHOTOS Sugarloaf Mine Butte County, California IN 0 N W E S 0 1000, 2006 3000 4000 Feet WATERS OF THE U.S. CLASSIFICATION WETLAND ACREAGE MR10arian Wetland 8.66 Mseasonal Weiland 1.02 Figure 6 7 OTHER WATERS 4 IIIIIIIIIIIntermittent Drainage 5.29 MSeasonal Pond 4.58 PROJECT NOTES ®Seasonal Stream 1.32 lGross Study Area ',80OAcr WETLAND DELINEATION MAP ortk ®Pond IL 21 .24 _nd037 TA Field Delineation Conducted March. may and June 2000 ' Sijgarloaf Mine orC!' V.,169 I 14j—,j, 5.it. 12 LEGEND .Fieldwork bY Jeff Glawer, Bob L Jones and Ron Wirgart Cherokee, Bude County 01w1j.'r. -,DrOWn by Ron vVirgart California CAC. -,Checked by Jeff Glazner Z,- 0 M]Upper Miocene Canal (Non -Jurisdictional) -t Project Number: 1841 .,'Photo Date 3-3-2000 by Geolmagery 1'. of July 2000 Sheet1 ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Dater May 31, 2000 . t Applicant: AMT Sample Point: �V Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range 4E Atypical Situation?Yes <5Potential Problem Area? Yes VEGETATION Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover h,q.44 eys N r, /0 .L15 ►7l t.uLARg N/A V1 G.t/.i ✓i LLLrbS A L�(nsu s l a q ctz c C- .4Gly 1 0 C_T4iiR�5 ecJ,�-ws Ni- 5 Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: % Remarks: N SOILS Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes /6�P Gleyed? Yes / N� Redoximotphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors. Low Chroma w/ Mottles Aquic Moisture Regime Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Remarks: HYDROLOGY Matrix Color: 10 Ye �/3 Mottle Color Reducing Conditions Sulfidic Odor Concretions Other Inundated? Yes No Saturated? Yes No Depth of/to Free Water: Primary Indicators: Secondary Indicators Inundated Oxidized. Root Channels In Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" Water=Stained Leaves Water Marks/Drift Lines Local. Soll Survey Data Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matting , Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: SGS A - OAJ4-t— 5&5i4�1 4170E! � Wt1LANU/WHItKJ UtItHMINAIIUN Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? YesZ_No Hydric Soils Present? Yes -No- Waters of the U.S.: Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No__X_ Wetland: ' . Yes No� Remarks: �� li 1" r `2 Lb l9Lif�j 4ztq { ` ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM . Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: May 31, 2000 Applicant: AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range 4E Atypical Situation? Yes Potential Problem Area? Yes 10 VEGETATION (Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW,1or FAC: % Remarks: SOILS G20e7ze-os w i s c-4 .%. 'V; ; Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes / No Gleyed? Yes / No Matrix Color: Mottle Color: Redox imorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mottles Suifidic Odor Aquic Moisture Regime Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Other Remarks: lJk-(;96 '13z ' Nvnr?nl nw ' Inund(3ted? Yes No Saturated? Yes No Depth of/to Free Water: Primary,lndicators: Secondary Indicators Inundated Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Water Marks/Driff Lines Local Soil Survey Data Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matfing Drainage Patterns In Wetlands Remarks: =��SanJ� SGdc��iN�- • WtILANU/WAlLH5 L)HEHMINA11UN , Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Waters of the U.S.: Yes__X No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes -No- - Wetland: Yes No_X Remarks: ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: May 31, 2000 Applicant: AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte - State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range 4E Atypical Situation? Yes Potential Problem Area? s Yes VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover �Tw co s ba--! nc� vs _Q&_ l Jjt3 ct) 5 0 SG�L1, L04V1 4,rk AG►w ZO Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: f % Remarks: SOILS Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled?& No Gleyed? Yes Redoximorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors _Low Chroma w/ Mottles Aquic Moisture Regime Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Remarks: HYDROLOGY Matrix Color: D Y� `� Mottle Color: Reducing Conditions Sulfidic Odor Concretions Other Inundated? Yes No Saturated? Yes No Depth of/to Free Water: Primary Indicators: Secondary Indicators Inundated OiadIzed Root Channels in Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" _Water -Stained Leaves . Water Marks/Drift Unes Local Soil Survey Data Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: C 'L MDr ST -+-p SVr Vl Q�{�I GL m G $ 3 viv,NL WtILANU/WAINC) UtItI MIINAIIVN Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes�No Waters of the U.S.: Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes_ —No Wetland: YesNo Remarks: IOWA -L t r►-a=N r' I ROUTINE -WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM J Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: May 31, 2000 ` Applicant: AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range 4E Atypical Situation? Yes. Potential Problem Area? Yes VFGFTATION Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover nt i that. r OB FACW r ° Percents a of domino species are L, , o FAC: /o 9 Remarks: !Jp I�G�-• �w . �+t,�l�- .` �-tauvs r%.>"bi-�o�=,r lan+�s c4u0N l d 'fl. piw An.�A Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes / No Gleyed? Yes / No Matrix Color: Mottle Color: Redoximorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low.Chroma w/ Mottles Sulfidic Odor Aquic Moisture Regime Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soil List • Other Remarks: HYDROLOGY Inundated? Yes X No Saturated? Yes No Depth of/to Free Water: Fi pwt�- Primary Indicators: Secondary Indicators t e v s Inundated Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Water Marks/Driff.Lines " Local Soil Survey Data Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: .1-�2Djv,2c:� is 611/ vrd St-o�E WLILANU/WAILK5 ULIUIMINAIIUN Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Waters of the U.S.: Yes_ — No - Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Wetland: Yes No_/�( Remarks: ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: May 31, 2000 D Applicant: AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones, County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5",USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range aE . Atypical Situation? Yes dro) Potential Problem Area? Yes . VFC-'FTATION Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover ' -os a}c1mi R l s VkcGw —7 C7 SQ -I►% ,S9, t�, f78L Zo Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 Remarks:- ')Its emarks: ]Ils Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes / Vo Gleyed? Yes /(No Matrix Color: )DYR <rl Mottle Color Redoximorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mottles Sulfidic Odor �Aquic Moisture Regime Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Other Remarks: "j41- N S44ND AJ L-% VETZ 5 -ncl&� �flti1E` c-� �R&W I L� Nv ' �� Z " S/,l-tiro 8w II HYUKVLUCvY Inundated? Yes NoSaturated? Yes %< Depth of/to Free Water: Primary Indicators Secondary Indicators Inundated Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Water Marks/Drift Lines Local Soil Survey Data Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: 42192Ttl c,rS vy- <)--,E KA541 lAX sal WFTI ANDM/ATFRS DFTFRMINATi6N Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes�No Hydric Soils Present? YesNo Waters of the U.S.: Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes"Y No Wetland: Yes No Remarks: r �/-111✓iFl �l 14- YL11�t.1 b Ml. d� /�'2�%�-+�►.t/LDw �vn E. ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: May 31, 2000 Applicant: AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" •USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21 N Range aE Atypical Situation? Yes Potential Problem Area? Yes Dominant Plant Species Status %o Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: % Remarks: Fjo E---L— )ILS )ILS Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes / No Gleyed? Yes / No Matrix Color: Mottle Colo: Redoximorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mottles Sulfidic Odor Aquic Moisture Regime Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Other Remarks: -- Inundated? Yes No_.Saturated? Yes No V Depth of/to Free Water: Primary Indicators: Secondary ndicators . Inundated Oxidized Root Channels In Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 1.2"- Water -Stained Leaves Water Marks/Drift tines Local Soil Survey Data ; Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matting Drainage Patterns In Wetlands Remarks: WHLANQ[WA1l:H5 L)HU MINAIIUN Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes - No Hydric Soils Present?Yes No Waters of the U.S.: Yeses No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Wetland; Yes No_ Remarks: _1::�_W .LiJ S I ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: June 1, 2000 . Applicant: AMT Sample Point: 07`V1 Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS - Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21 N Range aE Atypical Situation? Yes Potential Problem Area? Yes Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover vs a /a vs: Lrc F4 C_ 30 Qy�ZGcfs a/�s u2 �i n� r ��C��.�neNnRo�l AL -jgwsiLoa NI 30 /57 JU►J GL15 Glc�i.Ti Lvs bg[- l 6 Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: % Remarks: eAc.i1rtL 1441 V--2* r i;I coM'SrCw SOILS Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes /6,07 Gleyed? Yes 16) Redo)amorphic Features: . Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Low Chroma w/ Mottles Aquic Moisture Regime Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Remarks: Inundated? Yes Nom[_ Saturated? Primary indicators: Inundated Saturated in Upper 12" Water Marks/Drift Lines Sediment Deposit Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: Matrix Color toy R sf 3 Mottle Color: Reducing Conditions Sulfidic Odor Concretions Other No XC Depth of/to Free Water: Secondary Indicators O)adized Root Channels in Upper 12". Water -Stained Leaves .Local Soil Survey Data Other WEILANU/WAILK5 ULItKMINAIIUN Hydrophyfic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Waters of the U.S.: Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes -NO] Wetland: Yes No Remarks; 5A�l UVA< bAn PR ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: June 1, 2000 tca Applicant: AMT Sample Point: b ® Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte State: CA ' Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range aE Atypical Situation? Yes ifCl ) Potential Problem.Area? Yes VEGETATION C/ Ip I Dominant Plant Species Status. % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover 54i -ix 4cw s 5- gC.A4J 5. cJ VtJ Gl) S 424A Lo I' DE,s N FAC 4 .�UI�Ct1 S Ox�1 M eR ► j � 5 QIP DRo�oypAl ViRc,iNIGuS A-3 Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 %, Remarks: (�'L "lil�►1c:KE�i' W! O N! LggGy S ,C E��DD9�N�u SOILS Map Unit Name (Sedes/Phase): Mottled? Yes /6 No Gleyed? Yes / Redoximorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Low Chroma w/ Mottles --,�Aquic Moisture Regime Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Remarks: �M HYDROLOGY Matrix Color: 7.:5 -YR 15/3 Mottle Color: Reducing Conditions Sulfidic Odor 'Concretions Other Inundated? Yes No Saturated? Yes No Depth of/to Free Water: Primary Indicators: Secondary Indicators Inundated Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 120 Saturated in Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Water Marks/Drift Lines Local Soil Survey Data Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: /00iS°r -t-D 519 CJVAJC l) v C s� opus + WETLAND/WATERS DETERMINATION Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Waters.of the U.S.: YesXNo Wetland Hydrology Present? YesNo Wetland: Yes No Remarks: 11 ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: May 31, 2000 r� Applicant: AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range 4E Atypical Situation? Yes L Potential Problem Area? Yes VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover NAn-Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover 6L9beJUlR t5 *wtASIMMY4 0_ L _ KUnq f_,g2iQyn raVQ42 a ey_;w, pig2 .ti,.4-- c- 3U OL- r�q Percentage.of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: Remarks: Qv �v� t-vg,vtn�trc i @ N4Gy C . SOILS Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled?Nes,/ No Gleyed? Yes /0 Redo)dm6rphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Low Chroma w/ Mottles Aquic Moisture Regime Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Remarks: Matrix Color, )'pYp Mottle Color 5 YR Reducing Conditions Sulfidic Odor, Concretions Other Inundated? Yes No Saturated? Yes No Depth of/to Free Water: Primary Indicators: Secondary Indicators Inundated Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Water Marks/Driff Lines Local Soil Survey Data Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matting Drainage Pattlerrns, in Wetlands Remarks: Llai WETLAND/WATERS DETERMINATION Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes _-No_ Hydric Soils Present? Yes No_ Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks:=!/f4'( Waters of the U.S.: Yes No Wetland: Yes No . ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: May 31, 2000 Applicant: AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L..Jones County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, CalifoM1 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range aE Atypical Situation? Yes to Potential Problem Area? Yes C.� VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC:- % Remarks: , rr -- �/_+�Ng=-F- SOILS Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes / No Gleyed? Yes / No Matrix Color: Mottle Color: Redobmorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mottles Sulfidic Odor Aquic Moisture Regime Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Other Remarks: PA -r HYDROLOGY Inundated? Yes No_ Saturated? Yes No_,- Depth of/to Free Water: Primary Indicators: Secondary Indicators Inundated O)ddized Root Channels In Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" Water Stained Leaves Water Marks/Drift Lines Local Soil Surv$y Data Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands - Remarks: C- Lo v2gag mo o _ �oL-CJS WULANO/WAIL S LkILI1MINAIIUN Hydrophytic Vegetation Present?_ Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes - No 'Waters of the U.S.: YesX No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Wetland: Yes No_ Remarks: �-�► ��-r�c ��N,� � c�� .fes w�� J N� ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: June 1, 2000 Applicant: AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range 4E , Atypical Situation? Yes No Potential Problem Area? Yes No VEGETATION Dinant Plant Species Status % Cover 'Non -Dominant Plant Species . Status % Cover EEng c,�;eb�s ,•� . IAENi4,thW . 4AR=_ &CQ0f f !o Lo LI i,•, P;QzOAn Fa -c. Z o ads qt r '� FAc /0 Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: Lipo Remarks: SOILS Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? a No No Gleyed? Yes Matrix Color: L DYK 3/3 Mottle Color: -Ts R Redoxim rphhic Features: Y �� Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mottles Sulfidic Odor __X Aquic Moisture Regime Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Other Remarks: J iUNIKI AM1 al Inundated? Yes No Saturated? Yes No Depth of/to Free Water Primary Indicators: Secondary Indicators Inundated Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Water Marks/Driff Lines Local Soil Survey Data Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: �l►'Vk1�C_ ��Z/L.i�SrLionl �� ,G�'� �/� WtIU4JVU/WHIt1<b UtItKMIIVHIIVN Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes >C No Hydric Soils Present? Yes 3C No Waters of the U.S,: Yes_Y�No Wetland Hydrology Present? YesNo - Wetland: ' Yes x _ No Remarks: �s J;:�POM00(211.0 2A7:26 0 ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: June 1, 2000 . Applicant: AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21 N Range 4E Atypical Situation? Yes Potential Problem Area? Yes VEGETATION int Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover D�NQ f ssp{e a ly�s_ zo V Gin Percentage of dominant species that are.013L, FACW, or FAC: it Remarks: SOILS Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Motfled?yo/ No Gleyed? Yes /� Matrix Color: IOyfZ i Mottle Color: �4�tnt'r Redoxim25rphic Features: ' Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mathes Sulfidic Odor _2CAquic Moisture Regime Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Other Remarks: S[ L-tvj L 41A131 uvnnni nry Inundated? Yes No Saturated? Yes\r- _Nc Depth of/to Free Water: Primary Indicators: Secondary Indicators Inundated Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Water Marks/Drift Lines Local Soil Survey Data Sediment Deposit —Other. Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: ' WETLAND/WATERS DETERMINATION Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes)eNo Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Waters of the U.S.: YesNo Wetland Hydrology Present? YesNo Wetland: YesNo Remarks: r ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site; Sugarloaf Mine Date: June 1; 2000 Applicant: AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner & Bob L. Jones County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21 N Range 4E Atypical Situation? Yes Potential Problem Area? Yes IQ VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover { Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: % Remarks: v SOILS 1 Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes / No Gleyed? Yes / No Matrix Color: Mottle Color Redoximorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mottles Sulfidic Odor Aquic Moisture Regime. Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soli List Other Remarks: Nv HYDROLOGY Inundated? Yes No_,�-, Saturated? Ye Primary Indicators: Inundated Saturated in Upper 12" Water Marks/Drift Lines Sediment Deposit Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: WETLAND/WATERS DETERMINATION NoDepth of/to Free Water: Seconds Indicators Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12" Water -Stained. Leaves Local Soil :Survey Data Other Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Waters of the,U.S.: Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Wetland: Yes No:?7 Remarks:. '7-fL(iNl 41kL 1i ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: June 14, 2000 l ,/ Applicant: AMT Sample Point: "t Investigators: Bob L. Jones & Ron Wirgart County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range aE Atypical Situation? Yes Potential Problem Area? Yes VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Percentage of dominVic) species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: % Remarks: ' . vl=�. I.,i1 SOILS I ....11._19 -.ice Inundated? Yes No-- .Saturated? Ye Primary Indicators: Inundated Saturated in Upper 12" Water Marks/Drift Lines Sediment Deposit Algal - Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: � ✓�� R�N� WtILANU/WAItHb UHU MINAIIUN No___ Depth of/to Free Water Secondary Indicators O)adIzed Root Channels in Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Local Soil Survey Data Other Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Waters of the U.S.: . Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No 'Wetland: Yes No Remarks: ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: June 16, 2000 Applicant: - AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Jeff Glazner. County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township'21 N* Range 4E Atypical Situation? Yes ® Potential Problem Area? Yes VEGETATION Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover d,i�• X02 Q4, 6C WCOOWARpia A." hrtatre iFA-cw Q Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC:. (ov % Remarks: n 'J� 5e!!W DOf7`�.. G%%Ld�ti9►,� ' Lti1 l/�'v,��•U �vN SOILS Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes / No Gleyed? Yes / No Matrix Color: Mottle Color: Redoximorphic Features: . Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mottles Sulfidic Odor Aquic Moisture Regime Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Other Remarks: r moi/ S O tti Pl.�.A HYDROLOGY Inundated? Primary Inds Saturated in Upper 12" Water Marks/Drift Lines Sediment Deposit Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: 1:t- L v No Depth of/to Free Water: FL_&.ry IA1S econdary Indicators !:1-- Z L� Oxidized Root Channels In Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Local Soil Survey Data Other wtIU1114U/wHICK0 UtItKIVIIINMIJUN Hydrophytic vegetation Present? YesNo . Hydric Soils Present? Yes -1c. -No Waters of the U.S.: Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Wetland: Yes—No Remarks: A n ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: June 16, 2000 Applicant: AMT Sample Point: investigators: Jeff Glazner County: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range 4E Atypical Situation? Yes C) Potential Problem Area? Yes VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: % L L ivIW Remarks:g!! 4 rz U n/ q &q ✓I✓ G)—LAIl,•v L_ Pop"us SOILS Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes / No Gleyed? Yes / No Matrix Color: Mottle Color: Redo)amorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mottles Sulfidic Odor Aquic Moisture Regime Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soil List �►,r Other Remarks: _HYDROLOGY_. - - - -- - Inundated? Yes No -,;k_ Saturated? Yes No � Depth of/to Free Water: - Primary Indicators: Seconda Indicators Inundated Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Water Marks/Drift Lines Local Soil Survey Data Sediment Deposit Other Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: C- Wt1LANU/WA1tKZ) UtItHMINAIIUN Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Waters of the U.S.: YesNo Wefland Hydrology Present? Yes No Wetland: Yes No� Remarks: E I ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site: Sugarloaf Mine Date: June 14, 2000 Applicant:, AMT Sample Point: Investigators: Bob L. Jones & Ron Wirgart County_: Butte State: CA Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5". USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21 N •Range aE Atypical Situation? Yes C15a Potential Problem Area? Yes VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover. Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: % Remarks: /O v N / SOILS G Map Unit Name (Series/Phase): Mottled? Yes / No Gleyed? Yes / No " Matrix Color: Mottle Color: Redobmorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mottles Sulfidic Odor Aquic Moisture Regime Concretions -Listed on Local Hydric Soil List. Other. Remarks: "jq C o6 4t_S w. iv L - HYDROLOGY Inundated? Yes No' Saturated? Primary Indicators: Inundated Saturated in Upper. 12" Water Marks/Drift Lines Sediment Deposit Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: WETLAND/WATERS DETERMINATION -No__X Depth of/to Free Water: Secondary Indicators O)ddized Root Channels in Upper 12" Water -Stained" Leaves Local Soil Survey Data Other Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Waters of the U.S.: Yes X No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Wetland: Yes No__X Remarks: ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM Project/Site:. Sugarloaf Mine Date: June 14, 2000 / [3 Applicant: AMT Sample Point: b Investigators: Bob L. Jones & Ron Wirgart County: Butte State: CA -Quad(s): Cherokee, California 7.5" USGS Section 28,29,32,33 Township 21N Range 4E Atypical Situation? Yes No Potential Problem Area? Yes No VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Status . % Cover Non -Dominant Plant Species Status % Cover Percentage of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: % Remarks: /vD vi t11-l14n/NC-1_ Pp u13 r SOILS \ Map Unit Name. (Series/Phose): Mottled? Yes / No Gleyed? Yes / No Matrix Color: Mottle Color: Redoximorphic Features: Gleyed or Low Chroma Colors Reducing Conditions Low Chroma w/ Mottles Sulfidic Odor Aquic Moisture Regime Concretions Listed on Local Hydric Soil List Other Remarks: AJO S.orY— 1r2G1I—.c%E HYUHULU(-iY Inundated? Yes 1\10_7X,- Saturated? Yes No , -�)C-_ Depth of/to Free Water: Primary Indicators: Secondary Indicators Inundated Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12" Saturated in Upper 12" Water -Stained Leaves Water Marks/Drift Lines. Local Soil Survey Data Sediment Deposit f Other Algal Matting Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Remarks: WETLAND/WATERS DETERMINATION Hydrophyfic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Waters of the U.S.:- YesNo Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes - No Wetland: Yes No7,k_ Remarks: BIOLOGICAL AND WETLANDS RESOURCES ASSESSMENT FOR THE 750± ACRE CHEROKEE MINE PROJECT Butte County, California INTRODUCTION 1 Environmental Setting 1 Biological and Wetlands Assessment Objectives 1= METHODOLOGY 3 Literature Review 3 Natural Diversity Data Base Report 3 Field Assessment 3 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 3 BIOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES 7 Mixed Oak/Pine Woodland 7 Oak,Woodland 8 Annual Grassland (Pasture) 8, Riparian Woodland 8 Disturbed Area 9 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES ASSESSMENT 9 Plants 11 `- Invertebrates Vertebrates 12.. 12 Other 14 WETLAND ASSESSMENT 14 Pond 14 Riparian Wetland 14 Intermittent Drainages 16' Seasonal Wetland 16 . Other 16 SUMMARY 16 REFERENCES 16 FIGURES 1 Vicinity and Location Map 2 2 Aerial Photo 4 3 Habitat Map 5 4 Wetland Assessment Map 15 5 Site photos 5 6 Site photos 6 APPENDICES . A Plant Species Observed BAnimal Species Observed BIOLOGICAL AND WETLANDS RESOURCES ASSESSMENT FOR THE 750± ACRE CHEROKEE MINE PROJECT Butte County, California INTRODUCTION The proposed Cherokee Mine project is located approximately 8 miles.north of the City of Oroville, California in Butte County. The study area bounds Highway 70 along its north boundary, Cherokee Road along its northeast boundary, and North Table Mountain along the southwest border. This location corresponds to portions of Sections 28, 29, 32, and 33, in Township 21 North, Range 4 East of the Cherokee, California USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle (Figure 1). Coordinates to the . approximate center of the project site are: 39°38'22"N and 121°32'45"W. Environmental Setting The study area is situated in the Sierran foothills of central Butte County. This region is a mosaic of livestock pasture, orchards, annual grasslands, oak -pine woodlands, foothill chaparral, and wetlands and riparian communities. The region is essentially a transitional zone between the lowlands of the Central Valley and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Land use practices surrounding the study area include livestock grazing and agriculture. The area .contains scattered residential,properties to the east and north. The climate in the project area is characteristically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Average precipitation is approximately 20 to 40 inches a year, all of which falls as rain. The mean freeze -free period is about 250 to 300 days. Elevation ranges from approximately 750 feet on the north border of the property to 1600 feet in the central part. The study site is currently used for cattle grazing in the northern portion of the property. Biological and Wetlands Assessment Objectives The biological and wetlands assessment of the Cherokee Mine project site was conducted to: • Identify and describe the biological communities present on the project site • Record plant and animal species observed on the project site • Evaluate and identify sensitive resources and special status plant and animal species observed or potentially occurring within the project boundaries . • Produce a Habitat map and Wetland Assessment map Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetlands Assessment 1 METHODOLOGY Literature Review The Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (California Native Plant Society 1994), The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California (Hickman 1993), California Birds: Their Status and Distribution (Small 1994), California Wildlife and Their Habitats: Western Sierra Nevada (Verner and Boss 1980), California's Wildlife, Volumes I -III (Zeiner et al. 1988,1990a,1990b) Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California Qennings and Hayes 1994), and Fish Species of Special Concern in California (Moyle et al. 1995) were reviewed to provide information on life history, habitat requirements, distribution, and conservation status of regionally occurring plant and animal species. Natural Diversity Data Base Report The California Department of Fish and Game's (CDFG) Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) (CDFG 1999) contains records of reported occurrences of rare native species and unique natural communities. Legal status, observation. dates, locations, habitats, ecological descriptions, and population data are available through the data base. . Prior .to the field assessment, the NDDB was queried for any reported occurrences of special, status species within the Cherokee, California 7.5 minute USGS topographic quadrangle and the three closest adjoining topographic quadrangles (approximately 220 square mile).. Field Assessment The field survey was conducted -by Jeff Glazner and Bob L. Jones on March 15, 2000, and by Jeff Glazner, Bob L. Jones, and Ron Wirgart on March 16, 2000. Assessment surveys were conducted on foot. Habitat types and other field. data were noted and mapped on the March 2000 color aerial photograph (Figure 2).. On-site habitats were evaluated for their potential to support regionally occurring special status plant and animal species. All plant and animal species observed during the field assessment are listed in Appendices A and B. BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT ,The biological communities described in this section include a characterization of the plant . communities and associated wildlife habitats (Figure 3). Figures 5 & 6 are representative ground photos of the project site. Plant communities (vegetation) were mapped in the field and described according to the California Department of Fish and Game's NDDB list of California terrestrial natural communities"(CDFG 1999) and the California Native Plant Society's A Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler -Wolf 1995). The most recent NDDB list is based on the classification system in the manual and is compatible with previous NDDB natural communities lists. Plant species identifications and botanical nomenclature follow the Jepson Manual (Hickman 1993). Cherokee Mune Biological and Wetlands Assessment . Wildlife is described in the framework of the CDFG Wildlife Habitat Relationship System Q(WHR)(Mayer and Laudenslayer 1988). The WHIZ contains information on the relationship between wildlife species and their habitats. The WHIZ provides a cross-reference- between vegetation classification -systems and wildlife habitat. This methodology allows one to map plant -communities and compare them to the descriptions in the WHR and to put together a predictive list of keystone species: This proves valuable in identifying possible special status species that share similar ecological niches and distribution. Wildlife habitatdescriptions are often closely tied to -observations of birds because of their conspicuous y nature. Reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals are, because of. their secretive nature, rarely observed during surveys and their presence is inferred through both indirect signs (e.g. tracks, scat, etc.) and an understanding of their behavioral ecology. Avian nomenclature follows the American Ornithologists' Union Check -list of North American Birds, Seventh Edition. Aquatic habitats containing jurisdictional waters of the U.S. are. discussed in the Wetland Assessment portion of this document. BIOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES Biological communities found in the project study area include: • . Mixed Oak / Pine Woodland • Oak Woodland • Annual Grassland (Pasture) • Riparian Woodland • Disturbed Area • Wetlands. and Other Waters of the U.S. (see. Wetland Assessment) Mixed Oak/ Pine Woodland Vegetation. The project site contains approximately' 420 acres. of this plant community type. The woodlands on the study site are actually quite variable in ters of species composition and structure. Soil substrate, slope aspect, anthropogenic effects, and other factors alter the nature of the woodlands. . on site. In. general, and on most of the project property, the mixed oak / pine woodland consists of interior live oak (Quercus wislizenii), foothill pine (Pinus sabiniana), ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa), and lesser amounts of canyon live oak (Q. chrysolepis), pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii), and valley oak (Q. lobata). Whiteleaf manzanita. (Arctostaphylos viscida) is the dominant shrub throughout the site.. Other common shrub species include buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), coffeeberry (Rhamnus tomentella), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis). The northeast portion of the property contains.an area with large piles of small boulders and rocks, apparently stockpiled in the past during mining operations. Many of these piles are over 60 feet across and 20 feet high. Since these piles reduce the growth of tree and shrubs, the area is open with no canopy closure. Cherokee Nfine Biological and Wetlands Assessment { Wildlife. Wildlife usage in the mixed oak % pine woodland is variable based on the level of previous t disturbance and current habitat diversity. There.are,food resources, refuge cover, and nesting and breedingsites throughout the woodland. Representative animal species observed during field g F evaluations include: black -tailed jackrabbit, westerif gray squirrel, western fence lizard, bushtit, red- breasted sapsucker, western scrub jay, Anna's hummingbird, plain titmouse, California quail, and white -breasted nuthatch. - - Oak Woodland f, Vegetation. Oak woodland habitat occupies approximately 200 acres within the project site. The areas identified as oak woodland are generally those areas not subject to former mining disturbance. The oak woodland areas are typical of this habitat type for the region. This biologicalcommunity consists of predominately blue oak'and interior live oak, and the spare yet abundant foothill pine. The shrub ; layer is mostly whiteleaf manzanita and it forms dense stands on the slopes near Sawmill Ravine. Wildlife. Wildlife usage in the oak woodland areas is abundant, particularly along the drainage courses. Animals observed include American goldfinch, southern alligator lizard, western bluebird, mourning dove, and yellow -billed' magpie. 3•. - Annual Grassland (Pasture) / t r. Ve eg �tation. Annual grassland (approximately 75 acres) on the project site is typical of non-native grasslands serving as livestock pasture. Dominant species observed include ryegrass (Lolium perenne), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), medusahead (Taeniatherum caput -medusae), clover (Trifoliumspp.), and • filaree (Erodium botrys). A 4 Wildlife. Annual grasslands provide microhabitat for a wide variety of invertebrate and vertebrate ' . animals for all, or part, of their life cycle. However, given the current disturbance regime (livestock grazing), this area has low wildlife value. Animals observed during the field. survey, include black- ; tailed jackrabbit, mourning dove, red-tailed hawk,'and American robin. Grassland areas are 1 ' important.for_foraging_raptors, which_may_nest_in nearby_oak woodlands. 4 Riparian Woodland r Vegetation. This plant community occupies approximately 15 acres in the study area. Riparian ' woodland on the project site is associated with Sawmill Ravine, which is the primary waterway on the project site. The southern portion of the project area, near,the disturbed sandy area, consists primarily of willow (Salix spp.) and Fremont's cottonwood (Populus fremontii). The riparian zone is widest where the stream has cut a series of shallow braided channels through the floodplain. Riparian vegetation drops out to. the north as Sawmill'Ravine has been historically channel zed. The drainage flows into:a man-made underground tunnel that transports.the water 1/2 mile north to Sawmill Ravine proper. Wildlife. Riparian corridors provide abundant wildlife habitat. Availability of water, food, and cover leads to high levels of biological diversity. Value to wildlife on site is highest in the riparian woodland along Sawmill Ravine. Birds and conspicuous invertebrates. (butterflies) observed in this plant community- include mourning cloak butterfly, California tortoiseshell butterfly, California towhee, tree. . swallow, western scrub jay, wild turkey, and red -winged blackbirds. $ Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetlands Assessment ( of Disturbed Area Vegetation. The area we are calling disturbed is the location of previous sand and gravel tailings located in the central part of the site, along but mostly east of Sawmill Ravine. The site contains large piles of sand and gravel and sparse woody vegetation. Whiteleaf manzanita and ponderosa pine are the most common species. Herbaceous cover is nearly lacking due to the limited water holding capacity of the sand. Wildlife. This.area has low value for wildlife. Animals venturing out on the light colored sand and gravel substrate would be obvious, to avian predators, in fact, the only animals observed in this area during field surveys were soaring raptors (birds of prey) such as red-tailed and red -shouldered hawks. In addition to the mapped disturbed area, -erosion off of the east face of Table Mountain from the previous mining era contributes large annual amounts of sediment to Sawmill Ravine. This phenomenon appears to be constant, as the steep face shows no sign of stabilizing. High amounts of sediment have come down the slope with the February 2000" rains. SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES ASSESSMENT. For purposes of this assessment, "special status" has been defined to include those species which are: 11 1) Listed as endangered or threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (or formally proposed for, or candidates for, listing); 2) listed as endangered or threatened under'the California Endangered Species Act (or proposed for listing); 3) designated as endangered or rare, pursuant to California Fish and Game Code (§1901); -- 4)-- -- designated_as-fully protected, -pursuant to California Fish and Game Code (§3511,-,§4700, or §5050); 5) designated as species of concern by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), or as species of special concern to California Department of Fish & Game (CDFG); 6) plants or animals that meet the definitions of rare or endangered under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);. 7) . plants listed as rare under the California Native Plant Protection Act; or 8) plants considered by the California Native Plant Society (CLAPS) to be "rare, threatened, or endangered in California" (Lists 1B and 2). Results of the NDDB query revealed that 18 special status plant and animal species were reported to be found within the area of the project site and the eight surrounding topographic map quadrangles. Utilizing a combination of this query, pertinent scientific literature, and field evaluations, a total of 14 special status species were judged to have a potential to grow, nest, or otherwise occupy the site for all, or at least part, of their life cycle (CQFG 2000a, 2000b) (Table 1). Cherokee Mine Biological_and Wetlands Assessment Common Name. Plants Scientific Name Federal Status State Status CNPS Status Likelihood of Habitat Description Occurance Survey Period Butte County checkerbloom Sidalcea robusta I SC — 1B chaparral & woodlands Possible Aril - June Butte County fritillary Fritillaria eastwoodiae I SC — 1B chaparral & woodlands Possible March - May Jepson's onion Allium a sonii r SC — 1B woodlands & coniferous forest Possible May - June, Veiny monardella Monardella dou lasii ss . Veno SC — 1B valley grassland & woodlands Possible May White-stemmed clarkia i Clarkia ffacilis s albicaulis SC — 1B cha acral 8c woodlands Possible Ma -Jul Invertebrates 1 Valley elderberry longhorn beetle Desmoacros caffomicus dimorphus FT — elderberry shrubs . Possible All year Amphibians ; California red-legged frog Rana aurora draytordi i FT CSC ponds and slow-moving water Unlikely May 1-Nov 1 Foothill yellow-legged frog Rana bo Iii SC CSC rocky creeks and streams Unlikely Consult agency Reptiles Northwestern pond turtle Cemmys marmorata marmorataR SC. CSC still or slow-moving water Possible Allear Birds Loggerhead `shrike Lanius ludovicianus SC CSC V'alley and foothill grassland Possible March-August Cooper's hawk Acci itercoo epi — CSC woodlands Possible March-August White-tailed kite Elanus caeruleus — CFP valley & foothill lowlands Possible Feb - Oct Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia — CSC riparian habitats Possible April - August Yellow-breasted chat kteria virens — CSC riparian habitats Possible May - August Status Codes: Table 1 FT - US Fish & Wildlife Service Threatened" , SC - US Fish & Wildlife Service designated as a species of Concern' CFP- California Department of Fish and Game 'Fully Protected' species CSC - California Department of Fish and Game 'Species of Special, Concern" 1B • California Native Plant Society -1B'Rare or Endangered in CA and Elsewhere' — None POTENTIALLY OCCURRING SPECIAL. STATUS SPECIES CHEROKEE MINE PROJECT BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA r Plants Butte County checkerbloom (Sidalcea robusta) Status: • Federal - species of concern • State - none • CNPS -1B .. - Occurs in chaparral and woodlands and is endemic to Butte County. Found in small draws and rocky crevices. Are along North Table Mountain contain potential habitat. Butte County fritillary (Fritillaria eastwoodiae) Status: • Federal - species of concern ; • State - none • CNPS -1B Occurs,in chaparral, woodlands, and lower.montane coniferous forests. Potential habitat exist on the project property. Jepson's onion (Allium jepsonii) Status: _ • Federal - species of concern • State - none QCNPS -1B Found in cismontane woodlands and lower coniferous forests. Known only from Butte and Tuolumne counties. The volcanic substrate around North Table Mountain is potential habitat. -- Veiny monardella-(Monardella douglasii spp. venosa) Status: • Federal -species of concern • State - none • CNPS -1B ` Occurs in valley and foothill grasslands and woodlands. The grassland and other open areas of the project site is suitable potential habitat. - White -stemmed clarkia (Clarkia gracilis ssp. albicaulis) Status: • Federal-- none • State - none - • CNPS -1B Occurs in chaparral and cismontane woodlands and is endemic to Butte County. Potential _: habitat.exists,_within.the project boundaries,- Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetlands Assessment 11 Invertebrates Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus) Status: • Federal - threatened • State - none The elderberry shrub (Sambucus mexicana) is the exclusive host plant for the valley elderberry' longhorn beetle. Elderberry plants area common along the entire length of the Sierran foothills. Elderberry plants were observed near the residence in the central portion of the site. Elderberry plants are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act and will require a Section 7 or Section 10 permit if they are disturbed. Vertebrates California red -legged frog (Rana aurora draytoni>). Status: • Federal - threatened • State - species of special concern The NDDB indicates one occurrence of the California red legged frog east of the Cherokee Mine in the adjacent Berry Creek quadrangle. The occurrence was recorded in 1998 from a pond in the headwaters of Jack Creek. The riparian corridor along Sawmill Ravine maybe considered habitat by the USFWS. Impacts to these.areas may require further study to determine if potential impacts are significant., Foothill yellow -legged frog (Rana boyli>) Status: • Federal - species of concern • State - species of special concern Foothill yellow -legged frog occurs in the Sierran foothills in swift moving water. The project site represents marginal habitat for this species. It is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Game who will issue an opinion during the Streambed Alteration Agreement process. Northwestern pond turtle (Cleminys marmorata marmorata) Status_ : • Federal - species of concern • State - species of special concern .This turtle is known to exist in the area, but none were observed during field assessment. Suitable habitat exists on the project site where standing water occurs. 12 Cherokee Nfine Biological and Wetlands Assessment Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) Status: • Federal'- none • State -species of special concern Cooper's hawk nest in dense, canopied woodlands and in riparian areas. No birds or nests were observed during our field work.' The woodland areas along Sawmill Ravine represents potential nesting habitat. White-tailed kite (Elanus caeruleus) Status: • Federal - none • State - fully protected Another woodland and riparian nester, the white-tailed kite forages on grassland and savanna areas similar to those found in the western portion of the property., No kites were observed, but suitable nesting habitat exists on site. "Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) Status: • Federal - species of concern • State - species of special concern Loggerhead shrikes prefer open to semi -open country for foraging: and nest in densely foliated trees and shrubs. This project property contains both suitable breeding and foraging areas. Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia) Status: • Federal - none -� --� State - species of -special concern This species is associated with riparian areas, mature chaparral, and wooded areas near stream courses. The project site contains potential nesting and. foraging habitat along the dense willow/ cottonwood portions of Sawmill Ravine-. Yellow -breasted chat (Icteria virens) Status: • Federal - none • State - species of special concern These shy and retiring birds are highly associated with dense thickets and tangles along stream courses. The project site contains potential nesting and foraging habitat. along the dense willow cottonwood portions of Sawmill Ravine. Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetlands Assessment 13 Other Besides the already mentioned birds, all raptors (birds of prey), including relatively common species, and their nests are fully protected according to California Fish and Game Code, Section 3503.5. Special status bat species were not addressed in this report, but may occur in the region. and suitable habitat exists on site for roosting. Pre -construction surveys for special status plants, animals, or nesting raptors maybe required for CEQA compliance. WETLAND ASSESSMENT The wetland assessment was performed in conjunction with the biological assessment. Wetland mapping is preliminary and not a complete delineation of all the Corps jurisdictional features on site (Figure 4). Wetlands and other waters of the U.S. are described briefly below. • . Pond • Riparian Wetland • Intermittent Drainages • Stream (Sawmill Ravine) • Upper Miocene Canal Pond Three water bodies are located on the project site. One stock pond, one detention pond, and one "residential" pond. The stock pond is located at the western boundary of the study area. The pond . has little vegetation growing along.its banks, probably due to grazing cattle. The north side of the pond has a 3 to 4 foot berm acting as a dam. Water flows through the berm and down into the - -. wooded area to the north. The pond contained'mallards and other waterfowl at the time of our visit. The detention pond—near-the-Sawmili-Ravine tunnel, contains sediment and is highly disturbed. The "residential" pond, at the southern end of the project site, which is an inline pond of Sawmill Ravine, spills into the riparian corridor in the disturbed portion of the site. Riparian Wetland (Sawmill Ravine) Two riparian wetland areas occur along Sawmill Ravine, each distinctly different. In the formerly mined area near the southern portion of the site, the floodplain is relatively flat and_the streambed meanders. The bottomland area supports abundant will and cottonwood. Sawmill ravine flows north through a ravine in the northern portion of the property. The narrow corridor supports willow, cottonwood, valley oak and white alder. It is.not clear if the channel carries water perennially. Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetlands Assessment 14 Intermittent Drainages Intermittent drainages occur in many areas of the site. They area generally narrow, unvegetated scoured channels that convey water during the wet season. Seasonal Wetland We have mapped a seasonal wetland in the southern portion of the project site. It is located north of the pond adjacent to an intermittent drainage. The vegetated wetland occurs on a sandy substrate and may possibly be influenced by groundwater. It is likely that other seasonal wetlands are present on the project site. We observed wetted areas along the north -south dirt road through the property. Other The Upper Miocene Canal meanders east to west across the northern part of the study area. The canal is a cement -lined channel cut into the hillside contour approximately 10 feet wide and 4 feet deep. The canal crosses SawmillRavine in a railroad -style trestle more than 50 feet above the stream. Flow was minimal (±6 inches deep) at the time of our assessment and contains what appear to be mosquitofish. SUMMARY The Cherokee Mine project site contains five primary habitat types. Mapped biological communities include mixed oak/pine woodland, oak woodland, riparian woodland, annual grassland, and disturbed areas from previous mining operations. Erosion off of the east face of Table Mountain from the previous mining era contributes large annual amounts of sediment to Sawmill Ravine. The project property contains habitat of varying degrees of suitability for special status plant and animal species. Five non -aquatic plants, and nine animals including five birds, two amphibians, one reptile, and one invertebrate. The project site contains four jurisdictional waters of the U.S. These include pond, riparian wetland, ry, .w intermittent drainage, and seasonal wetland. Sawmill Ravine is the primary on the project site. REFERENCES California Department of Fish and Game. 1999. Natural Diversity Data Base Report for the Cherokee, Berry Creek, Oroville, and Oroville Dam USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles. Sacramento, California. California Department of Fish and Game, Natural Diversity Data Base. January 2000a. Special Animals List. Sacramento, California. 119 pp. California Department of Fish, and Game, Natural Diversity Data Base. January 2000b. Special Plants List. Sacramento, California. 42 pp. Cherokee Ivrme Biological and Wetlands Assessment 16 Hickman, J. (ed). 1993. The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1400 pp: Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California Native Plant Society Special Publication No. 1 (Fifth Edition). California Native Plant Society Sacramento, California. 338 pp. Jennings, M. R. and M. P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian'and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. California Department of Fish and Game. Rancho Cordova, California. 255 pp. Mayer, K.E. and W.F. Laudenslayer Jr. 1988. A Guide to Wildlife Habitats of California. California. Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Sacramento. 166 pp. Moyle, P.B., R.M. Yoshiyama, J.E. Williams, and E.D. Wikramanayake. 1995. Fish Species of Special Concern in California. California Department of Fish and Game. Rancho Cordova, California. 272 pp. Sawyer, John O. and T. Keeler -Wolf. 1995.'A Manuel of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. 471 pp.' Small, Arnold. 1994. California Birds: Their Status and Distribution. Ibis Publishing Company. Vista, California. 342 pp. Stebbins, R.C. 1985. Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians.. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston,. MA. 336 pp.-. Verner, J. and A.S. Boss (tech. coords.). 1980. California Wildlife and Their Habitats: Western Sierra . Nevada. -(-General Technical Report PSW-37.) U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Berkeley,. CA. Zeiner, D.C., W.F. Laudenslayer Jr., K.E. Mayer, and -M -White (eds)--1988: -California's Wildlife, Volume I, Amphibians and Reptiles. California Department of.Fish and Game. Sacramento. 272 pp. Zeiner; D.C., W.F. Laudenslayer Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White (eds). 1990x. California's Wildlife, Volume II, Birds. California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento. 732 pp. Zeiner, D.C., W.F. Laudenslayer Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White (eds). 1990b. California's Wildlife, Volume III, Mammals. California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento. 405 pp. 17 Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetlands Assessment Appendix A r7MI_ . - Plant Species Observed on the Cherokee Mine Project March 15-16, 2000 Scientific Name Achillea millefolium Aegilops triuncialis Aesculus californica Ailanthus altissima Aira caryophyllea Alnus rhombifolia Ambrosia psilostachya Amsinckia menziesii Anagallis arvensis Andropogon mrginicus Arabis sp. Arubutus menziesii Arceuthobium occidentale Arctostaphylos patula Arctostaphylos viscida Aristolochia californica Artemisia douglasiana Baccharis pilularis Baccharis salicifolia ----- . Brassica -nigra - Briza minor Brodiaea elegans Bromus diandrus Bromus hordeaceus Bromus madritensis Calandrinia ciliata Carex spp. Castilleja sp. Ceanothus cuneatus Centaurea solstitialis Centaurium sp. . Cerastium glomeratum Chamomilla suaveolens Chlorogalum pomeridianum Cichorium intybus Cirsium vulgare Clarkia purpurea Claytonia perfoliata Clematis lasiantha Collinsia heterophylla _ Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetland Resources Assessment Common Name yarrow goatgrass California buckeye tree -of -heaven, silver hairgrass white alder western ragweed Fiddleneck scarlet pimpernel broomsedge bluestem rockcress Madrone foothill pine dwarf mistletoe greenleaf manzanita whiteleaf manzanita California pipevine mugwort coyote bush mule -fat black mustard little quaking grass elegant clusterlily ripgut grass soft brome compact brome red maids sedge paintbrush buck brush yellow star thistle centaury mouse -ear chickweed pineapple weed soaproot chicory bull thistle winecup fairyfan miner's lettuce r chaparral clematis Chinese houses Al Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetland Resources Assessment Canada horseweed bermudagrass bristly dogstailgrass tall flatsedge scotchbroom orchardgrass bluedicks dudleya blue wildrye autumn willowweed turkey mullein buckwheat longbeak stork's bill redstem stork's bill California Poppy bedstraw dovefoot geranium toyon narrow tarplant Mediterranean barley . barley smooth cat's ear baltic rush toad rush prickly lettuce, henbit deadnettle common goldfields peavine hawkbit linanthus ryegrass-- - lomatium Spanish clover little lupine lupine common mallow burclover -- white sweetclover common yellow monkeyflower baby blue eyes lousewort cliffbrake goldback fern oak mistletoe ponderosa pine foothill pine rusty popcornflower narrowleaf plantain. A2 l Conyza canadensis Cynodon dactylon Cynosurus echinatus ' Cyperus eragrostis Cytisus scoparius 'Dactylis glomerata Dichelostemma capitatum Dudleya sp. Elymus glaucus Epilobium brachycarpum Eremocarpus setigerus Eriogonum sp. Erodium botrys Erodium cicutarium Eschscholzia californica Galium spp. Geranium molle Heteromeles arbutifolia Holocarpha virgata Hordeum marinum Hordeum murinum Hypochaeris glabra juncus balticus juncus bufonius Lactuca serriola Lamium amplexicaule Lasthenia californica . Lathyrus sp. -- — Leontodon taraxacoides Linanthus sp. Lolium.perenne Lomatium sp. Lotus purshianus Lupinus bicolor Lupinus sp. Malva neglecta ' Medicago polymorpha Melilotus- alba Mimulus guttatus Nemophila menziesii - Pedicularis sp. Pellaea sp. Pentagramma triangularis Phoradendron villosum Pinus ponderosa Pinus sabiniana Plagiobothrys nothofulvus Plantago lanceolata Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetland Resources Assessment Canada horseweed bermudagrass bristly dogstailgrass tall flatsedge scotchbroom orchardgrass bluedicks dudleya blue wildrye autumn willowweed turkey mullein buckwheat longbeak stork's bill redstem stork's bill California Poppy bedstraw dovefoot geranium toyon narrow tarplant Mediterranean barley . barley smooth cat's ear baltic rush toad rush prickly lettuce, henbit deadnettle common goldfields peavine hawkbit linanthus ryegrass-- - lomatium Spanish clover little lupine lupine common mallow burclover -- white sweetclover common yellow monkeyflower baby blue eyes lousewort cliffbrake goldback fern oak mistletoe ponderosa pine foothill pine rusty popcornflower narrowleaf plantain. A2 l 0 Poa annua Polygonum arenastrum Populus fremontii Quercus chrysolepis Quercus douglasii Quercus kelloggii Quercus.lobata Quercus wislizenii Ranunculus californicus Ranunculus muricatus Raphanus sativus Rhamnus tomentella Rubus discolor. Rumex acetosella Rumex crispus Salix exigua Salix gooddingii Salix laevigata Salix lasiolepis Sambucus mexicana Senecio vulgaris Silybum marianum •Stellaria media Taeniatherum caput -medusae Torilis arvensis Toxicodendron diversilobum Trifolium dubium Trifolium hirtum Trifolium repens Trifolium sp. Triphysaria eriantha Triteleia hyacinthina' Triteleia laza Typha latifolia Umbellularia californica Verbena bonariensis Vicia sp. Vitis californica Vulpia myuros Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetland Resources Assessment annual bluegrass common knotweed Fremont's cottonwood canyon live oak blue oak California black oak valley oak interior live oak California buttercup spiny buttercup wild radish coffeeberry Himalayan blackberry common sheep sorrel curly dock sandbar willow Goodding's black willow red willow arroyo willow elderberry common groundsel milkthistle common chickweed Medusa -head field hedge -parsley poison oak shamrock rose clover white clover -clover butter 'n' eggs white brodiaea Ithuriel's spear broadleaf cattail California bay laurel purpletop vervain vetch California wild grape rattail fescue A3 O Appendix B Animal Species Observed on the Cherokee Mine Project Site March 15 & 16, 2000 Invertebrates California tortoiseshell butterfly Mourning cloak butterfly Fish Mosquitofish Amphibians Bullfrog Pacific chorus frog Reptiles Southern alligator lizard Western fence lizard Birds American crow American goldfinch American robin Anna's Hummingbird Bushtit California quail California towhee Canada goose Canyon wren Dark -eyed junco Golden -crowned sparrow House wren Mallard Mourning dove Plain titmouse Red -breasted sapsucker Red -winged blackbird Red -shouldered hawk Red-tailed hawk Tree swallow Turkey vulture Western bluebird Western scrub -jay. White -breasted nuthatch Yellow -billed magpie • Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetland Assessment Nymphalis californica Nymphalis an dopa Gambusia affinis Rana catesbeiana Pseudacris regilla Gerrhonotus multicarinatus Sceloporus occidentalis Corvus brachyrhynchos Carduelis tristis Turdus m*atorius Calypte anna Psaliriparus minimus Callipepla californica PipllO crissalls Branta canadensis Catherpes me., canus Junco hyemalis Zonotrichia atricapilla Troglodytes aedon Anas platyrhynchos Zenaida macroura Par -us inornatus Sphyrapicus Tuber Agelaius phoeniceus Buteo lineatus Buteo jamaicensis Tachycineta bicolor Cathartes aura Sialia mexicana Aphelocoma californica Sista carolinensis Pica nuttallii B1 0 Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetland Assessment Mammals Black-tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus Black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus Cattle Bos taurus Coyote Canis latrans Raccoon Procyon lotor Western gray squirrel Sciurus ppiseus 0 Cherokee Mine Biological and Wetland Assessment M-m- �1101 PROJECT SITE '! 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F ^.4•�`. �•-cH-�� .d:-tit r . '�="<•4s'a"y`:v •'�\r.- ..4.. -4+. 't� � '�'F'¢ , r -'n'=' ''e o= 'fir,•.. ,w .rt . - '.,'-,�•..%, p �'. 9 . Vii, { a� --x: 'f`r.. `•1 > ...r ,Y. ` �' • i 'Rru // .. ,K*iv 's' � , 1. fi {'. �•. - -i fY �5?Kir 7:v qg b .nr' _. •r �• r •�.� r.. �=� .�- .�- .-. t h x . %-:`�a; ,..=.�.:•,, �� - s±x m .c'�.> <¢ al "`•.h'aiSe-�lx,.'�C v ar � :� ! ' � ' :P Y . t.r' ' :� �5 `dI:S.� ,.&. • W � .9C. 2 fe. '+Y. •3•'', I��`' ?'-" a'`i'- j1'i_' v. `Rt" .':Nfby M. .Y.'. .a Fry •�'`+ . WETLANDS"A OTHER 'WATER OF"TIME .U:S. � - P,i': •. i ily r:+Y ^ 7 y,.. °�'t� "�" v'; a r. •ari Wetland U jper Miocene Canal Intermittent Drains a dashed where uncertain ' '. Pond �= 4 $ r4•�' fi IN rr { 9 F ) cY++,� x, „ a _ r .;,fr; .,, 3?' *••a-' c'>`- .rS . {fit _ - 2>3:"x,y TL. Tj 4� rm' • :rSL�,,,� a Aa:r. }�' c.,c.- O P + . }��C,1"".b, '�'-$ w �' r r cry ;-u'� t• a i� %^ sw' AN seasonal'Wetland� N' �t- _ 74 NIN f✓* rE1� , n ri7{ r 1 x 0 500 1000 s1k� 'T5a•'3�vF :. �� A roximate scale in feet F i g u re' 4 ��>�.-N.J.,rx � ;a r� : 4 U ' rit bra. ` a . y N - .. frac � c.� n "�-'� � �,�_:,• '�',' ^^�">,�,'.• b, �i ' c.,s t .v 6 k" a,x y tF ,z lFa'`'-,� '.°•� .�,�� ,ritdgc, jJi:'•J ? �,' F , t � qtr, r c 1�� WETLAND ASSESSMENT MAP uta,w n` n o rt h., w��:. CHEROKEE. IMINE ..: fY_ 'assiitiOtes . ' �.. `ra4ar tt�4 rr f•, ., � � �� `'h�'L 1 - '§ `L`3' "> fr, �3P b:cA•�i�tt �ySJ , k for s ButtaCounty California r r 145 r f Photograph Date: 3-3-20060 by Geoimagery. 1 v r SUGARLOAF MINE AT CHEROKEE APPENDIX C Letter of Intent 02/08/01 15:25 FAX 530+538+3807 Mr. H.P. Cash President Advanced Mineral Technology Inc. Route 1, P.O. Box 1092 Fairfield, ID 83327, WATER AND RESOLTR 1602 LAND OF NATURAL WEALTH AND BEAUTY WATER AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION 2279 DEL ORO AVENUE, SUITE A * OROVILLE, CAUFORNIA 98985-3398 (530) 538-4343 • FAX: (530) 536 -*7 bmater0buttepounty.nat ED CRADDOCK 01tector February 7, 2001 Dear Mr. Cash I 6ve* followed up on your request to use 161 AF of water from the Lower Miocene (Powers) Canal that crosses your property. The conveyance facility is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,* and the water in the canal is sold under contract to California Water Service Company (CWSC) in Oroville, California. While detailed discussions have not occurred, it does appear that it may be feasible to use water from the canal, and make up the difference in supplies to CWSC using the county's State Water Project entitlement. The preliminary response of CWSC was that their only concern was they receive their contracted amount of water. If you wish to pursue this matter more -rigorously, you should request that it be placed on.the . Butte County Water Commission's agenda for a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. If the Board decides to explore a sale of County water to you, negotiations would have to take place between PG&E, the California Department of Water Resources and Butte County to make this happem Such negotiations 'could be time consuming, that will require you to compensate the County for our staff time. Should you have any further questions, please contact me.. AD VANCED MINERAL TECHNOLOGY H. P. CASH, President Telephone 208-764-2323 Fax 208-764-2663 ROUTE 1, BOX 1092 FAIRFIELD,ID 83327 February 9, 2001 Mr. Ed Craddock, Director , Butte County Water and Resource Conservation 2279 Del Oro Avenue, Suite A Oroville, CA 95985-3398 Fax No. 530-538-3807 0 - Dear Mr. Craddock, This.letter was sent to confirm our personal discussion of yesterday. AMT definitely wishes to use 161 AF of water from the Lower Miocene (Powers) Canal that crosses our property. Please pursue this matter rigorously by placing it on the Butte County Water Commission's agenda for a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to make this happen. AMT is willing to compensate the County for staff time involving this matter. Please contact me directly if you have any further questions. Sincerely, H. P. Cash, President kzj i 6 SUGARLOAF MINE AT CHEROKEE APPENDIX D Geotechnical Report HOLDREGE & KULL f0NSUITING ENGINEERS • GEOLOGISTS Project No..1206-01 August 8, 2000 (revised February 2, 2001) Phil Cash Rt. 1, Box 1092 Fairfield, Idaho 83327 Reference: Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee Oroville, California Subject: Slope. Stability Analyses Dear -:Mr... Cash:. ..._ ... - - .. .. . .. ...... _ . - ..... .. ..... in. accordance..with our proposal dated July ' 14, 2000, we have completed our slope stability an of the.proposed slope gradients for the Sugar Loaf Mine at Cherokee in Oroville, California. The purpose of our investigation was to determine the overall slope stability of a slope with gradients of 2/3A or 1:.1, horizontal:vertical (H:V) and observe the existing slopes for signs of slope failure, erosion and other potential sources for'.slope failure. Site Description. At the time of our visit, the site consisted of steep, highly cemented auriferous, sand and gravel deposits. overlain in some areas by fractured basalt.. The majority of the mine area had. minimal vegetation. However, the south draining swale through the center of the mine Was heavily vegetated with trees, shrubs and grasses. We�understand that the existing bluffs at the site were created during hydraulic mining in the mid to late 1800s. Mining. of sand and gravel for concrete aggregate was performed during the construction. of the,Oroville Dam, which was constructed between 1961 and. 1968. We are not aware of any other mining operations occurring on the property. (530) 418-1305 • FAX (530) 418-1019 E-mail: handk@HandK.rtet • 192 Searl, Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959 = A Califoinia Corporation Project No. 1206-01 August 8, 2000 (revised February 2, Slope Stability Analyses at Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee Page 2 The site topography ranges between 1625 feet above mean sea level (MSL) near the central eastern portion of the property to 725 MSL at the northwest corner. Other topographical features include near vertical bluffs, relatively flat plateaus and .a small drainage channel named Sawmill Ravine, which drains from the south to the north. Field Investigation We performed our field investigation on July 6, 2000. Four exploratory trenches were excavated with a Caterpillar 302.5 mini -excavator. Trenches were excavated into the well cemented sand and gravel deposits. Five relatively intact blocks of weathered sand and gravel deposits were removed from the excavation' and returned to our laboratory for testing. The blocks were approximately 2 cubic feet each. Laboratory Testing Two of the most representative intact blocks were trimmed so that the height to width ratio and testing procedure met the ASTM standards for test method D2938. The blocks were capped with a capping compound and loaded at a rate so that the breaks took between 5 and 15 minutes to achieve. Test. results indicated a compressive strength'of.between 8,064 p.s.f. and 8,640 p.s.f. Slope Stability Analyses We performed our slope stability analyses using the Taylor method. This method . consists of calculations using empirical stability coefficients, total unit weights and cohesion. We elected to use a factor of safety. of 1.5. Based on our calculations, we estimated that the overall slope gradient should be no steeper than 1:1, 'H:V, with 20 - foot vertical cuts and 20 -foot wide benches. The overall height of the 1:1, H:V slopes with a factor of safety of 1.5 was determined to be approximately 100 feet. For slope heights greater than 100 feet, we recommend that the 20 -foot bench be extended to 50 feet every fifth bench (100 vertical feet). "This recommendation is valid for slopes up to 380 in vertical height. Holdrege 81 Kull Project No. 1206-01 Slope Stability Analyses at Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee August 8, 2000 (revised February 2, 200 1) Page 3 Slope.Drainage Water should not be allowed to sheet flow over the benches. We recommend that the benches be sloped back into the cut face at a minimum slope gradient of2 percent. The benches should. also be sloped at a minimum of 1 percent toward a central collection point. Water should be discharged in a closed pipe collector to a natural drainage point. Please call us if you have any questions or are of need of any other services. Sincerely, ao=Ess SOP fo HOLDREGE ti Chuck -u G.E. 2359, C.�� o�' attached: Compression Test Results copy: 1 to Jim Wallace, Environmental Consulting Services J:IWPDOCS\LETR1206-01.stb HOLDRE6EK LL CONSULTING EJGI N E E RS.- GEOLOGISTS Project No..1206-01 August 8, 2000 (revised February 2-, 2001) Phil Cash Rt. 1, Box 1 092 Fairfield, Idaho 83327 Reference: Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee Oroville, California Subject... ._.Slope.StabiWkAnalyses Dear: -:Mr... Cash:. In . accordance with out proposal dated July 14, 2000, we. have completed our slope stability analyse . s of the proposed slope gra'dients'for the Sugar Loaf Mine at Cherokee in Oroville, California. Thepurposeof our investigation was to determine the overall slope stability of a slope with gradients of 2/3:1 or 1: ' 1, horizontal: vertical (H:V) and observe the existing slopes for signs of slope failure, erosion and other potential sources for slope failure. Site Description At the time of our visit, the site consisted of steep; highly cemented auriferous, sand and gravel deposits. overlain in some areas by fractured basalt'.. The majority of the mine area had minimal vegetation. However, the south draining swale through the center of the mine was heavily vegetated with trees, shrubs and grasses. We;understand that the existing bluffs at the site were created during hydraulic mining in the mid to late -1800s.. Minin9, of sand and gravel for concrete aggregate was performed during the construction. of the,Oroville Dam,. which . was constructed between 1961 and 1968. We are not aware of any other mining operations occurring on the property. (530) 478-1305 RX (53'0) 478-1019 E-mail: handl,,@Hanknet 792 "earl, Avenue Nevada,Cicy, CA 95959 A California Corporation 0 Project No. 1206-01 Slope Stability Analyses at Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee August 8, 2000 (revised February 2, 200 1) Page 2 P The site topography ranges between 1625 feet above mean sea level (MSL) near the central eastern portion of the property to 725 MSL at the northwest corner.. Other topographical features include near vertical bluffs, relatively flat plateaus and a small drainage channel named Sawmill Ravine, which drains from the south to the north. Field Investigation We performed our field investigation on July 6, 2000. Four exploratory trenches were excavated with a Caterpillar 302.5 mini -excavator. Trenches were excavated into the well cemented sand and gravel deposits. Five relatively intact blocks of weathered sand and gravel deposits. were removed from the excavation and returned to our laboratory for testing. The blocks were approximately 2 cubic feet each. Laboratory Testing Two of the most representative intact blocks were trimmed so that'the height to width ratio and testing procedure met the ASTM standards for test method D2938. The blocks were capped with a capping compound -and loaded at a rate so that the breaks took between 5 and 15 minutes to achieve. Test.results indicated a compressive .strength'of.between 8,064 p.s.f. and 8,640 p.s.f. Slope Stability Analyses We performed our slope stability analyses using the Taylor method. This method consists of calculations using empirical stability coefficients, total unit weights and cohesion. We elected to use a factor of safety. of 1.5. Based on our calculations, we estimated that the overall slope gradient should be no steeper than 1:1, H:V, with 20 - foot vertical cuts and 20 -foot wide benches. The overall height of the 1:1, H:V slopes with a factor of safety of 1.5 was determined to be approximately 100 feet. For slope heights greater than 100 feet, we recommend that the 20 -foot bench be extended to 50 feet every fifth bench (100 vertical feet). "This recommendation is valid for slopes up to 380 in vertical height. Holdrege 8i Kull 0 Project.No. 1206-01 Slope Stability Analyses at Sugarloaf Mine at Cherokee August 8, 2000 (revised February 2, 200 1) Page 3 Slope.Drainage Water should not be allowed to sheet flow over the benches. We recommend that the benches be sloped back into the cot face at a minimum slope gradient �of. 2 percent. The benches should. also be sloped at a minimum of 1 percent toward a central collection .point. Water should be discharged in a closed pipe,collector to a natural drainage point. Please call us if you -have any questions or are of need of any other services. Sincerely,kOFESS HOLDREGE �N> Qj NO Ezp - Chuck Ku,., G.E. 2359, C. J � t• w�...e.-.' . attached: Compression Test Results copy: 1 to Jim Wallace, Environmental Consulting Services J:\WPDOCS\LE111206-01.stb a V1 SUGARLOAF MINE AT CHEROKEE APPENDIX E Reclamation Cost Estimates '1 V1 SUGARLOAF MINE AT CHEROKEE APPENDIX E Reclamation Cost Estimates ME Task: Sugarloaf Mine Reclamation Units Est. Amount Price per Unit Total Price Seedbed Preparation Acre 126.5 $75.00 $9,487.50 Drill Seeding Acre 126.5 $140.00 $17,710.00 H.ydroseeding/Hydromulch Acre 7.5 $1,600.00 $12,000.00 Interim Seed Mix Acre 43.5 $150.00 $6,525.00 Permanent Seed Mix -.for. sandy soils Acre 56.5 $300.00 $16,950.00 Permanent Seed Mix - for clayey soils Acre 72 $300.00 $21,600.00' Mulch and crimp Acre 126.5 $400.00 $50,600.00 Production -.1 OT - Heteromeles arbutifolia Plant 1200 $1.23 $1,476.00 Production - 10T - Rhamnus tomentella Plant 1200 $1.42 $1,704.00 Production -1 OT = Ceanothus cuneatus Plant 2400 $1.39 $3,336.00 Production -10T - Baccharis pilu/aris Plant 1200 $1.34 $1,608.00 Production - 16D - Quercus douglasii Plant 1000 $1.80 $1,800.00 Production.- 16D - Q. wislizenii Plant 750 $1.80 $1,350.00 Production : 16D - Q. chrysolepis Plant 750 $1.80 $1,350.00 Production -1OT - Pinus ponderosa Plant 5000 $.1.10 $5,500.00 Production -1 OT - A/nus rhombifolia Plant 100 $1.18' $118.00 Production = 1 OT - Salix spp. Plant 200 $1.90 $380.00 Production- 3T - Carex preagracilis Plant 400 $0.56 $224.00 Production - 3T - Juncus effusus Plant 400 $0.66 .$264.00 Production - 3T - Typha /atifolia Plant ..400 $0.47 $188.00 Installation - 1 OT - H. arbutifolia Plant 1200 $3.20 $3,840.00 Installation - 1OT - R. tomentella Plant 1200 $3.20 $3,840.00 Installation - 10T - C. cuneatus Plant 2400 $3.20 $7,680.00 Installation -10T - B. pilulads Plant 1200 $3.20 $3,840.00 Installation -16D - Q. doug/asii Plant 1000 $5.00 $5,000.00 Installation -16D - Q. wislizenii Plant 750 $5.00 $3,750.00 Installation -16D - Q. chrysolepis Plant 750 $5.00 $3,750.00 Installation -10T - P. ponderosa Plant 5000. $3.50 $17,500.00. Installation -1 OT - Alnus rhombifolia Plant 100 - $3.20. $320.00 Installation -10T - Salix spp. Plant 200 $3.20 $640.00 Installation - 3T - Carex preagracilis Plant 400 $0.55 $220.00 Installation -.3T - Juncus effusus Plant 400 $0.55 $220.00 Installation - 3T - Typha /atifolia Plant 400- $0.55 $220.00 Soil Amendments - delivery and spreading Cubic yard 7,000 $15.00 $105,000.00. Incorporation of soil amendments Acre 106.5 $75.00 $7,987.50 Herbicide Application - Transline Pint 100 $55.75 $5,575.00 Herbicide Application - Telar Ounce 134 $26.75 $3,584.50 Herbicide application - Labor Acre 200 $100.00 $20,000.00 Installation of silt, fencing Linear foot 1600 $2.60 $4,160.00 Installation of straw wattles Linear foot 3000 $3.00 $9,000.00 Overhead irrigation system Acre 25 $1,000.00 $25,000.00 TOTAL $385,297.50 I