HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Agenda Item No. 7 Exh. 2R E C L A M A T I O N P L A N
A l b e r h i l l S h a l e M i n e
M a r u h a c h i C e r a m i c s o f A m e r i c a , I n c
Prepared for:
Maruhac hi Ceramics of America, Inc.
1985 Samson Avenue
Corona, California 92879
Prepared By:
Lilburn Corporation
1905 Business Center Drive
San Bernardino, California 92408 May 2010
RECLAMATION PLAN
FOR
ALBERHILL SOUTHWEST SHALE MINE
MARUHACHI CERAMICS OF AMERICA, INC.
PREPARED FOR:
Maruhachi Ceramics of America, Inc.
1985 Samson Avenue
Corona, California 92879
PREPARED BY:
Lilburn Corporation
1905 Business Center Drive
San Bernardino, California 92408
May 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
MCA, Inc. 4/5/2011
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Reclamation Plan
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INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 1
Project Overview ..............................................................................................................1
Need For Project ...............................................................................................................7
Project Objectives .............................................................................................................7
A. SITE AND AREA CHARACTERISTICS .............................................................................8
1.0 Site Description .................................................................................................................8
2.0 Access ...............................................................................................................................8
3.0 Utilities ..............................................................................................................................8
4.0 Land Use and Zoning ........................................................................................................9
5.0 Geology .............................................................................................................................9
6.0 Hydrology .........................................................................................................................9
7.0 Soils ................................................................................................................................10
8.0 Biological Resources.......................................................................................................10
B. OPERATIONAL INFORMATION .....................................................................................13
1.0 Approximate Commencement and Duration of Operations ...........................................13
2.0 Proposed Hours and Days of Operations ........................................................................13
3.0 Type and Volume of Excavations ...................................................................................13
4.0 Method of Extraction and Processing .............................................................................13
5.0 Mine Equipment..............................................................................................................24
6.0 Operational Practices to Reduce Impacts To Noise, Dust, and Air Contaminants .........24
7.0 Methods To Prevent Water Pollution .............................................................................26
8.0 Limited Blasting ..............................................................................................................28
9.0 On-Site Lighting .............................................................................................................28
10.0 Signage ............................................................................................................................28
C. RECLAMATION PLAN .......................................................................................................29
1.0 Statement of Planned Reclamation .................................................................................29
2.0 Reclamation Plan ............................................................................................................30
3.0 Phasing Plan ....................................................................................................................31
4.0 Removal of Equipment and Structures ...........................................................................31
5.0 Revegetation… ...............................................................................................................32
6.0 Reclamation Monitoring and Maintenance .....................................................................34
7.0 Reclamation Mitigation Assurance .................................................................................34
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Reclamation Plan
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D. STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY ...............................................................................35
REFERENCES AND ACRONYMS ..........................................................................................36
FIGURES
Figure 1 Vicinity Map ..................................................................................................................2
Figure 2 Project Site .....................................................................................................................3
Figure 3 Project Aerial .................................................................................................................4
Figure 4 Assessor Parcel Map .....................................................................................................5
Figure 5 On-site Vegetation .......................................................................................................11
Figure 6 Mine Plan - Phase I ......................................................................................................15
Figure 7 3D Reclamation Simulation .........................................................................................16
Figure 8 Cross Sections ..............................................................................................................17
Figure 9 Process Plant Detail .....................................................................................................19
Figure 10 Mine Plan – Phases II and III .......................................................................................20
Figure 11 Reclamation Plan - Phase IV .......................................................................................23
TABLES
Table 1 Phasing and Reserve Data ............................................................................................22
Table 2 Typical Mine Equipment .............................................................................................24
Table 3 Proposed Seeding Rates ...............................................................................................32
ATTACHED SHEETS
Sheet 1 of 4 Mine Plan - Phase I
Sheet 2 of 4 Mine Plan - Phases II and III
Sheet 3 of 4 Reclamation Plan - Phase IV
Sheet 4 of 4 Cross Sections
APPENDICES
Appendix A - “Geotechnical Services and Report.” Jay K. Dig Consulting, July 2005
Appendix B – Plant Species Tables
MCA, Inc. 4/5/2011
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Reclamation Plan
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INTRODUCTION
Project Overview
Maruhachi Ceramics of America, Inc. (MCA) is submitting this application for a Reclamation
Plan approval on a vested 85.76-acre mine site located in the northern part of the City of Lake
Elsinore. The site is located to the east of Interstate 15 (I-15) between the intersections of Lake
Street and Nichols Road (see Figures 1 and 2). The site is accessed east off the Lake Street
intersection with I-15 onto Walker Canyon Road easterly to the project site entrance. An existing
unpaved mining access road will be utilized within the project site for mining and reclamation.
Figure 3 shows an aerial photograph of the project site.
The two parcels, (APN 390-210-014 and 390-210-019), that make up the triangular project site
are owned by Delilah Properties, Inc. a subsidiary of MCA (see Figure 4).
MCA is the mine operator and proposes to develop and reclaim the shale mine to produce clay
material to supply the company’s production facility in Corona. Operations are expected to begin
within six months of City approval or the second half of 2010 and continue for the next 5-15
years or to approximately December 31, 2025 or earlier depending on the market for clay and
other residual aggregate materials followed by two years for final reclamation completed by
December 31, 2027. MCA produces customized clay roofing tiles for projects throughout the
United States and world ranging from residential to high-end commercial developments
including Walt Disney Studios, the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and the Venetian casinos and hotels
in Las Vegas, and the Getty Museum.
This Reclamation Plan describes the planned mine operations and the ultimate reclamation and
end use conditions of the site. The Reclamation Plan is designed to minimize impacts to the
surrounding community and environment and to meet the City’s Resource Extraction procedure
listed in the Zoning Code under Chapter 14.04 and the State’s Surface Mining and Reclamation
Act (SMARA). The planned reclamation will leave the site with stable, revegetated pads and
slopes available for future mixed use development per the overlying Alberhill Ranch Specific
Plan and City review and approval.
The site is located within the northern half of Section 23, Township 5 south, Range 5 west, San
Bernardino Base Meridian (see Figure 2). Elevations of the site range from near 1,275 feet above
mean sea level (msl) in the northwest corner where the site access with I-15 will be located, to a
height of 1,500 feet msl in the east central portion of the site. The site will be excavated in three
phases to form a series of developable pads along I-15 extending north and east into the higher
elevations of the site. The excavation plan will utilize the onsite ridgelines to limit views of the
mining and processing operations during the active mining phases. The onsite excavations will
ultimately total approximately 52 acres with a frontage road alignment along I-15. Final
reclamation will be conducted in Phase IV for a two year period.
The mining and reclamation of the site will require the removal of rock and additional material
not suitable for clay products. These aggregate materials will be excavated and used for on-site
and off-site fill and construction materials to be made available to outside aggregate companies.
7
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MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
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LILBURN
C O R P O R A T I O N
Project Site
Prepared By:
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MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
2000
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Project Aerial
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MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
LILBURN
C O R P O R A T I O N
Assessor’s Parcel Map
Figure 4
MCA, Inc. 4/5/2011
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Reclamation Plan
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The site contains areas of (1) shale and clay to be used by MCA in the production of their clay
roofing products; (2) unusable material for clay products (defined as overburden) which can be
used for on-site and off-site fill; and (3) rock and aggregate that can be used for construction
materials such as road or building base or possibly concrete and asphalt depending on the quality
of the rock.
Approximately 30± acres will remain undisturbed within three drainage areas, steep slope areas,
and in 50-foot setbacks along the north and east sides of the property. These areas will act as a
buffer to the adjacent properties. Note that the adjacent 60-acre site to the northeast is an
approved Surface Mining Plan 173 through the County of Riverside (SMP 173) and is also
owned by Delilah Properties (APN’s: 390-260-012, 390-290-017 & 390-290-018). The entire
frontage boundary of the mine site located on the southwest, bounds with CalTrans’ right-of-way
along I-15 approximately ½ the distance between Lake Street and Nichols Road.
Mining and crushing specifically for clay will take place approximately one to two months every
one to two years or more often as required by market demand and supply. A small mobile
impactor (crusher) will be brought onsite as needed to crush the shale to produce sized clay
material at the excavation site. The crushed clay material will be stored in a long-term stockpile
located in the north central portion of the site, mostly hidden from view of I-15. The clay material
stockpiled onsite will be loaded onto 15-ton or 25-ton haul trucks by a loader and shipped to the
Corona tile manufacturing facility as needed. The Focused Traffic Impact Analysis (Linscott Law
& Greenspan April 2007) reports a worst-case daily operation of approximately 60 two-way
truck trips dispersed over a ten-hour period between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. In addition, with a
Passenger Car Equivalency (PCE) applied to each truck trip, the site is forecasted to generate
240 daily trips, 24 AM peak hour trips (12 inbound and 12 outbound) and 24 PM peak hour trips
(12 inbound and 12 outbound). The analysis concluded that the mining operations traffic would
not significantly impact the surrounding transportation system. Note that the 4 to 8 mine
employees would access the site before and after truck movement.
The overburden or fill material and rock will be excavated intermittently, as needed, to develop
the stockpile pad, to access shale deposits, and provide fill and construction material. When in
operation, a portable crushing and screening plant would be set up near the clay stockpile to
crush and screen rock and gravel. Sized material would be loaded onto trucks for off-site delivery
based on available on-site rock and construction demand.
In addition to the portable clay plant, a portable trailer to act as an administration and employee
building, a portable water tank, mobile equipment, and a parking area will be set up on-site or
constructed. The structures shall be placed on-site generally as depicted on the Mine Plan as
detailed in Figure 9. The aggregate processing will also require the intermittent set down of a
portable processing plant powered by a portable propane generator permitted through the South
Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) or registered under the Air Resources
Board's (ARB) Statewide Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP). The entrance/access
road will be a 26-foot wide graded roadway with two existing culvert crossings of existing
drainages.
The clay reserves are estimated at approximately 700,000 tons based on proven and estimated
additional reserves. Current production needs are approximately 26,000 tons per year with the
MCA, Inc. 4/5/2011
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
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7
possibility of demand nearly doubling in the upcoming years. Approximately 3 million tons of
rock and overburden may be excavated on-site. The project and the reserves will be excavated in
three phases over a total of approximately 15 years. Certain reclamation activities will be
ongoing throughout the operational life of the mine. Once each pad (or mine phase) has been
mined and vacated, a reclamation phase will commence. Final reclamation and restoration may
occur for an additional two-year period during Phase IV once the final mining and production of
the last mining phase has been completed. The proposed post-mining or future land use will be
commercial, business park and/or light industrial uses along I-15 per the Alberhill Ranch
Specific Plan. Land use classifications should be suitable to permit MCA to construct an
operational clay tile plant on a reclaimed parcel. The City will review these future uses under a
separate entitlement process.
Need for Project
MCA available resources of quality clay material that meets the unique specifications for MCA
clay tile roofing will not meet future demand. Therefore, MCA is planning on utilizing additional
clay resources in order to maintain its clay supply to its existing roofing tile plant in Corona. The
proposed site has available clay reserves that meet the current and future needs and specifications
for the production of MCA roof tiles. MCA may expand its plant operations into Lake Elsinore
onto one of the post-reclamation pads, to be closer to its clay deposits and embrace a larger plant
area.
Project Objectives
MCA proposes to provide clay for its Corona roof tile production facility to continue supplying
the construction industry with high quality tile roofing and to reclaim its property for future
development. The following objectives have been incorporated into the reclamation plan
application:
1) To develop a clay resource that meets the City of Lake Elsinore Municipal Code
Chapter14.04, Surface Mining and Reclamation, the City’s implementation of SMARA;
2) To satisfy all requirements of Lake Elsinore Code Section 15.64 regarding flood hazard
regulations and Section 15.68 regarding flood plain management;
3) To comply with the zoning and development standards identified within the City of Lake
Elsinore and the Alberhill Ranch Specific Plan and corresponding amendments thereto;
4) To secure adequate clay reserves to provide a reliable and economic source to meet
MCA’s projected needs for the up to the next 15+ years;
5) To develop a mine site that is relatively close to its production facility (20 miles) and has
direct access to a major transportation corridor so truck traffic does not pass through
residential neighborhoods;
6) To provide excess fill material and rock for local construction activities;
7) To develop a mine site that limits off-site visual, noise, or air quality impacts to the
surrounding area;
8) To reclaim the site concurrently for post-mining uses which will be the creation of pads
suitable for commercial, business park and/or light industrial uses along I-15; and
9) To reclaim and maintain the site as necessary to eliminate hazards to public health and
safety.
MCA, Inc. 4/5/2011
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Reclamation Plan
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A. SITE AND AREA CHARACTERISTICS
1.0 SITE DESCRIPTION
The Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine consists of 85.76 acres in southwestern Riverside County
located within the northeast portion of the City of Lake Elsinore. The site is located in the vacant
hills on the east side of I-15 between Lake Street and Nichols Road. The site is accessed via the
Lake Street intersection with I-15 and Walker Canyon Road. An existing private dirt access road
will be improved from near the end of Walker Canyon Road to the project site. One single family
home is located near the entrance to the project site. The site is located within Section 23,
Township 5 south, Range 5 west, San Bernardino Base Meridian. The site is composed of a
series of vacant, rolling to steep hills with three minor ephemeral drainages flowing northeast to
southwest through culverts under the I-15 Freeway. Elevations of the site range from near
1,250 feet mean sea level (msl) in the northwest corner to a height of almost 1,500 feet msl in the
east central portion of the site.
2.0 ACCESS
Access to the site will be off of I-15 at the Lake Street intersection moving to the northeast to
Walker Canyon Road and then approximately 1 mile southeast to the project entry. Both
northbound and southbound traffic will access off the freeway directly from the I-15 right-of-way
and will not need to access any local, city or County streets. Traffic exiting from the site will use
this same access road and enter onto I-15 north to Corona. MCA will delineate the service access
routes to keep the contractors within these routes as well as prevent them from entering sensitive
or reclaimed areas.
The project will include, prior to export of on-site material, minimal improvement of the existing
dirt mining access road of approximately 3,500 feet to the clay storage and the mining areas. As
part of the site access, the existing dirt road will use the existing crossings of the ephemeral
streams found on site. A gate at the main entrance point will control access up to the site on this
private road. The access road will be a 26-foot wide graded dirt roadway graveled where
necessary to control erosion. Sight distances for ingress/egress at all driveways shall meet
CalTrans standards for sight distance.
3.0 UTILITIES
Water Supply - Water will be required on site for dust control during mining operations,
grading, loading of trucks and for reclamation activities. Fresh water will come from either the
East Valley Municipal Water District line at the entrance or northwest corner of the site or from
an existing well on the adjacent property to the northeast owned by Delilah Properties (MCA).
Water will be stored in a portable water tank. Bottled water will be supplied for employees.
Sewage Disposal - There will be portable toilets stationed at the mine and plant site as needed.
These portable facilities will be properly maintained and cleaned. Hand-wash stations will be
provided at each portable facility.
Trash Disposal - There will be trash containers located near the operations area, plant area, and
near the front gate for easy access by the local trash service.
MCA, Inc. 4/5/2011
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Reclamation Plan
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Power Supply - A portable propane fueled generator will be brought on-site as needed to power
the occasional use of the impactor and conveyor, as well as the portable aggregate plant crusher
and screens. The portable generator will also be used on-site until all phases of reclamation work
have been completed, at which time the generator will be removed. Diesel will be used for
mobile equipment including a dozer, loader, and water truck. No on-site diesel fuel tanks will be
constructed. Diesel fuel will be transferred to the site by maintenance trucks as needed. No fuel
tanks will be placed on-site. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for transfer of fuels and a Spill
Prevention, Control, and Counter-measure Plan (SPCC) will be implemented.
4.0 LAND USE AND ZONING
Existing Land Use Onsite - The entire site is presently undeveloped except for several dirt roads
that traverse the site. Access to the site is from Walker Canyon Road accessed off Lake Street on
the northeast side of the I-15 freeway. The northwest portion of the site was mined for soil and
aggregates during construction of I-15. The site is currently covered with mostly non-native
grasslands and about 27 percent with Riversidean sage scrub. None of the land is developed other
than for mining and the site is presently zoned Alberhill Ranch Specific Plan and has a land use
designation of Freeway Business.
Adjacent Land Uses - The site is bordered on the southwest by I-15 and generally vacant parcels
within the City of Lake Elsinore; to the north by generally vacant, 20-acre parcels within the
County of Riverside; by SMP 173 owned by Delilah Properties on a 60-acre parcel to the
northeast located in the County of Riverside; and by larger vacant parcels to the east privately
owned and also government owned and managed by the BLM within the County of Riverside.
There is a ranch house located to the northwest at the project entrance but no other adjacent
developments. The site is located approximately one mile from the Lake Street intersection.
There are no known easements onsite.
5.0 GEOLOGY
Proximity to Faults - The site is not located within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone as
designated by the State of California. The closest known fault is the Elsinore Fault Zone located
approximately 3 miles southwest north of the project area. This fault is considered active by the
State of California.
Slope Design - Dig Consulting (see Appendix A) has assessed the overall slope design and the
2 horizontal:1 vertical (2H:1V) slopes meet the SMARA thresholds for slope stability both under
active mining conditions and for conditions as planned under the final end user.
6.0 HYDROLOGY
Rainfall in the area averages about 12 inches annually. The historic flow patterns and rates of the
four on-site drainages will be avoided and preserved during the planned operations except for
several existing road crossings. These crossing may be upgraded as required to handle additional
traffic and to protect the streambeds. California Fish and Game (CDFG) would be consulted if
improvements are required on crossing of the four drainages.
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Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
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As excavations progress, precipitation falling directly on the site and storm water runoff will be
detained onsite by erosion and sediment control basins and other best management measures. A
combination of erosion control measures will be used on-site depending on actual circumstances
and may include one or more of the following: seeding, mulching, blankets, mats, desilting
basins, graded berms, sand and/or gravel bags, fiber-rolls, filter cloth, and check dams. Runoff in
the process plant area will be directed into desilting basins for filtering and eventual recharge or
evaporation. Drainage for the access road will be designed to control erosion and meet storm
water requirements. Within the excavations and plant site, run-off from on-site precipitation will
comply with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for
Storm Water Discharges associated with industrial activities and employ appropriate storm water
Best Management Practices (BMPs). NPDES requirements are to eliminate unauthorized non-
storm water discharges, submit a “Notice of Intent” (NOI), develop and implement a Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), then monitor and report on storm water discharges
visually and/or by sampling. Detained runoff will be allowed to evaporate or recharge.
Impact to ground water is not expected, as no mining pits are proposed.
7.0 SOILS
The site is composed of Cajalco-Temescal-Los Posas soil association (Soil Survey – Western
Riverside Area, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture 1971). These soils are well drained, undulating to
steep, moderately deep to shallow soils that have a surface layer of fine sandy loam and loam.
8.0 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Vegetation and habitat descriptions are summarized from a biological survey report prepared by
The Planning Associates-Dr. Jack C. Turner, PhD, and Philippe J. Vergne, M.S. July 4, 2007
(refer to Appendix B for species tables). Approximately 22 acres (27%) of Riversidean sage
scrub (Buckwheat Series) occurs on the site. It forms a mosaic of vegetation being represented by
equal amounts (~20% each) of coastal sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat
(Eriogonum fasciculatum), red brome (Bromus madritensis rubens), an aggressive invasive
Mediterranean grass, brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), and black and white sages (Salvia mellifera
and S. apiana).
Non-native grasslands occur on approximately 59 acres (67%) and are likely the result from
physical disturbance (fire, grazing, clearing, mining, etc.). Approximately 5 acres are disturbed
by roads and prior mining on-site (see Figure 5). Four ephemeral washes occur on-site flowing
from the northeast to southwest towards and through culverts under I-15. These drainages lack
any significant riparian vegetation and are characterized by upland vegetation. Large sections of
the site were burned in May 2004.
No special status plants were found on site during the site reconnaissance. Several sensitive plant
and wildlife species have the potential to occur on site due to the presence of suitable habitat but
none have been observed throughout a series of biological surveys through the past several years.
Theses wildlife species were not previously found on site but could occur include Bell’s sage
sparrow, burrowing owl, California horned lark, coastal western whiptail, Cooper’s hawk,
northern red-tailed diamondback, orange-throated whiptail, rosy boa, San Diego
MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
LILBURN
C O R P O R A T I O N
Existing Ve geta tion
Figure 5
Source: The Planning Associates
MCA, Inc. 4/5/2011
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
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black-tailed jackrabbit, San Diego horned lizard, rufous-crowned sparrow, and white- tailed kite.
Most of these potential species are not currently found on site and are not on the state or federal
endangered species list.
Sensitive plant species with the potential to occur include the thread-leaved brodiaea, smooth
tarplant, round-leaved filaree, Parry’s spineflower, long-spined spineflower, San Diego ambrosia,
Munz’s onion, and the many-stemmed dudleya. None of these plants have been observed on site
throughout a series of plant surveys.
The site is located within the boundaries of the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for Stephens’
kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) [SKR] in Western Riverside County (1996) requiring
payment of SKR mitigation fee.
Pre-grading nesting bird surveys will be conducted in any area where earth moving is to occur
within the nesting season (February 1 through August 31), where there is sufficient habitat to
promote nesting. In addition, pre-grading burrowing owl surveys per Riverside County MSHCP
guidelines will be conducted in any area where earth moving is to occur within 30 days of
grading activities.
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Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
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B. OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
1.0 APPROXIMATE COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION OF OPERATIONS
MCA will be the mine operator and proposes to develop the shale mine to produce clay material
to supply the company’s production facility in Corona. Operations are expected to begin within
six months of City approval or the second half of 2010 and continue for the next 15 years or
December 2025 or earlier depending on market conditions, followed by reclamation.
2.0 PROPOSED HOURS AND DAYS OF OPERATIONS
Mining and material processing hours during active mining operations will normally be from
7:00 AM until 7:00 PM, five days per week, Monday through Friday. Typical hauling of clay
material from the long-term stockpile will occur as needed Monday through Friday from
9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, only. The pick-up of clay material will only occur, as needed depending on
the production of the plant. The Focused Traffic Impact Analysis reports a maximum daily
operation of clay and aggregate of approximately 60 two-way truck trips dispersed over a ten-
hour period between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. In addition, a Passenger Car Equivalency (PCE) was
applied to each truck trip and the site is forecasted to generate up to 240 daily trips; 24 AM peak
hour trips (12 inbound and 12 outbound) and 24 PM peak hour trips (12 inbound and
12 outbound).
The excavation, occasional processing, and removal of fill and/or rock from the site would also
take place within the hours listed above. No extraction, processing, removal of fill and/or rock
from the site, or truck traffic shall occur on Saturday, Sundays and legal holidays.
3.0 TYPE AND VOLUME OF EXCAVATIONS
Mining will be conducted on approximately 52 acres in four phase areas of the 86-acre site. The
mineral commodity to be mined on the site is siliceous shale or clay as exposed on several
hillsides. The shale will be crushed and aged in on-site stockpiles, then shipped to the clay tile
plant in Corona. Dig Consulting estimates that there are approximately 230,000 cubic yards (CY)
or 350,000 tons of proven reserves on the property with a likelihood of 460,000 CY or
700,000 tons to support mining of up to 46,000 tons of clay material annually for 15 years.
In addition, approximately 1 million CY of overburden or fill material and 1 million CY of rock
will be excavated on-site to facilitate the clay removal and to grade the site into developable pads
for final reclamation.
4.0 METHOD OF EXTRACTION AND PROCESSING
Prior to commencement of grading activities, the Superintendent on-site shall be familiar with
the Reclamation Plan, the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan, and the Conditions of
Approval and shall ensure that all contractors are in compliance with the requirements of those
documents at all times.
Grading work will initially be conducted for the improvement of the access road and construction
of pads or level areas for the plant facilities and stockpiles followed by the clay excavations in
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Phase I. The mining will include pre-mining salvaging of soil, removal of overburden and rock,
mining of the shale and clay, erosion protection, and proper sloping and grading.
Pre-Mining Activities
The following activities will be conducted by MCA prior to actual shale and rock extraction in
order to facilitate ongoing and future reclamation and revegetation:
Construct a temporary berm, wall and/or fence for screening purposes as needed to limit
visual effects from I-15;
Place a weatherproof 3’x 3’ sign at the entrance to the project site identifying the site and
its approved days and hours of operation;
Survey property and drainage setbacks, excavation limits, and planned facilities and mark
them clearly in the field; and
Stockpile available soils in separate identified stockpiles near the edges of the
excavations for use as a seed bank and seedbed during reclamation. Soil and overburden
stockpiles will be seeded with an erosion control seed mix or covered with larger material
to limit wind and water erosion.
Mine Operations
Please refer to attached Sheet 1 and Figure 6 that shows the mine excavations and processing
areas for Phase I. Mining activities will begin in Phase I on Pads 2 and 3 with the removal and
stockpiling of topsoil (approximately the top one-foot) and overburden by a dozer. Pad 3 is the
location of the primary clay deposit. The overburden will consist of pockets of loose soils and
decomposed rock ranging from 1 to 5 feet below the existing surface. The project is designed
such that overburden will be deposited in separate stockpile areas for on-site or off-site use as fill
or for final pad construction. Any rock encountered will also be stockpiled and then occasionally
crushed and screened and transported off-site for construction material. Some limited blasting
may be conducted on-site (refer to Number 8 below).
Activities during Phase I will include grading of the access road; pad construction for the clay
crusher, the clay stockpile used for ageing, the portable aggregate plant, and stockpiles on Pad 2;
and mining on Pad 3. Shale and clay will be excavated primarily over an approximate 10-acre
portion of Pad 3 to a depth of approximately 35 feet based on an exploratory drill hole program
and sampling conducted by Dig Consulting. Material will be pushed by a dozer, and then loaded
with front-end-loader(s) onto haul trucks for transfer to the portable clay impactor. The clay
material will be crushed and ground by the impactor and stockpiled for ageing on several acres in
the north portion of Pad 3 as needed.
The excavations during Phase I will be designed to ultimately develop a two pads separated by
existing drainages with stable slopes of 2H: 1V for final slopes along the backwall similar to
existing topography. Figure 7 shows a 3D simulation of the final pad development at the
completion of mining. The maximum reclaimed slope angle will be 2H: 1V. The finished cut
slopes will be stable under both static and dynamic conditions per SMARA requirements. For the
site’s typical Cross Sections, please refer to Figure 8 (Cross Sections).
LILBURN
C O R P O R A T I O N
Mine Plan - Phase I
Prepared By:
Figure 6
MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
LILBURN
C O R P O R A T I O N
3D Reclama tion Simulation
Prepared By:
Figure 7
MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
LILBURN
C O R P O R A T I O N
Cross Sections
Prepared By:
Figure 8
MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
MCA, Inc. 4/5/2011
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Reclamation Plan
18
The Phase I clay excavations will mine about 35 feet off the east central hill, lowering its peak
elevation from approximately 1,500 feet to 1,465 feet msl. The sized and aged clay material will
be loaded in to street legal haul trucks from the long-term ageing stockpile on Pad 2 and shipped
to Corona as needed to supply the Corona tile plant. Separate stockpiles of rock and overburden
will be established in the mine and process plant area and these materials would be sold and
hauled off-site as demand warrants.
Dust emissions will be controlled by the natural moisture content of the mined material and by a
water truck, which will spray the mining areas, stockpiles, and roads as necessary to limit dust.
All trucks exiting the project site shall be water sprayed and rattled over a rumble grate to
prevent materials from spilling onto adjacent paved roads and streets.
Processing
A portable impactor (crusher/grinder) and a conveyor will be used for the sizing of the shale and
clay material (see Figure 9). A trailer for administration and an employee facility, a portable
water tank, and truck and equipment parking areas will be brought on-site or constructed. As
needed, a portable aggregate plant consisting of a series of crushers, screens, and conveyors will
be brought on-site to process the rock and overburden. Portable propane-fueled generators will be
used to generate power onsite. In addition, depending on the size of rock excavated, a portable
crusher or non-mechanical screen may be located at the active mining location on the other pads
to reduce the size of the material prior to transporting.
The plants will have valid South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Permits to
Construct and Permits to Operate or statewide registration for portable units from the state. MCA
and all operations will comply with all SCAQMD rules, regulations and requirements including
control of fugitive dust (Rules 403 and 1157). The portable clay and aggregate plants will need to
have either baghouses or water spray systems to control dust. No wastewater will be produced.
Portable sanitation units will be used onsite.
A copy of any and all permits secured on behalf of MCA from either the SCAQMD and/or State
Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) will be provided to the Community Development
Director or Designee.
Work Force
The project will employ from 4 to 8 people directly at the site to perform the necessary work
relating to mining, processing, management, and administration tasks. This does not include
truck drivers. Employees primarily will be skilled workers in the construction material industry;
namely, mobile equipment operators, plant operators, and support staff typically consisting of a
mine manager or foreman, a geologist, and a quality control technician.
Mining & Reclamation Plan Phasing
The excavation and reclamation plan for the Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine is divided into four
phases based on clay reserves and logistical, engineering, and environmental concerns (see
Figure 10 – Mine Phases II and III).
LILBURN
C O R P O R A T I O N
Mine Plan - Phase II and III
Prepared By:
Figure 10
MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
LILBURN
C O R P O R A T I O N
Process Plant Detail
Prepared By:
Figure 9
MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
MCA, Inc. 4/5/2011
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Reclamation Plan
21
However, mining operations will experience unscheduled interruptions and/or phasing changes
due to various market/economic demands and variation in the clay material, rock quantity and
quality, and overburden volumes beyond MCA’s control. The City will be updated in the annual
monitoring report on the status of operational phases.
The following is a summary of the planned operations by phase. Table 1 lists the pertinent data
per phase including the expected years of operation, size, and reserves.
Phase I – Pads 2 and 3
Phase I will be initiated after project approval and compliance with pre-construction conditions
and last for approximately 10 years. The expected length of operation for Phase I, an area of
36.2 acres in size, is based on an estimated clay reserve of nearly 650,000 tons and a future
demand of up to 46,000 tons of clay per year. It is likely that the demand will gradually increase
over the years from its current need of 26,000 tons per year. The following activities will be
undertaken during Phase I (refer to Figure 6 – Mine Plan Phase I):
Improvement of the graded dirt access road as needed from the northwest corner of the
site to Pad 2 and to the excavation area in Pad 3. Portions of the road will be graveled to
reduce maintenance and erosion;
Construction of the long-term stockpile and process area pad at an average elevation
1,280 feet amsl on Pad 2, a cut averaging 25 feet in depth with a maximum of 40 feet at
the base of the back slope;
Excavation of the 10-acre clay mine site to a depth of 35 feet in the east central portion of
the Pad 3;
Utilization of the impactor to grind the shale material to desired size and place in
stockpiles until shipment;
Loading and shipping aged clay to the Corona plant as needed;
Excavations on Pad 3 to a maximum depth of 160 feet at approximately 1,330 feet amsl
with a back slope height of 100 feet from a base elevation of approximately 1,360 feet
amsl;
Removal and storage of overburden and rock from the excavation areas in Pads 2 and 3;
and
Crushing and screening of overburden and rock on Pad 2 to be either hauled off-site for
fill or construction materials and/or stockpiled on-site.
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Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
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Table 1
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Phasing and Reserve Data
Source: Lilburn Corporation; Jay K. Dig Consulting, March 2008
Notes: Varying demand rates and product quality may affect estimated reserves, annual production, and phasing. Clay and aggregate pr oduct
or reserves based on 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Overburden or fill material based on 1.25 tons per cubic yard.
Phase II – Pad 1
Phase II will be a continuation of excavations on the 7-acre pad to the west of the Phase I mining
(see Figure 10 and Sheet 2 of 4 – Mine Plan Phases II & III). Mining will be similar to Phase I
with excavations developing a pad at approximately 1,280 feet amsl with final back slopes
constructed at 2H: 1V to blend with existing topography. Maximum depth of the excavations will
be approximately 40 feet. Clay reserves are unknown but are estimated at approximately 20,000
tons based on area geology. Rock and overburden volumes will vary depending on the geological
conditions encountered with depth. Phase II is expected to occur over about 1.5 years. The
process area will remain the same as that developed in Phase I on Pad 2.
Phase III – Pad 4
Phase III will be a continuation of excavations for the 9 acres to the east and adjacent to Phase I
mining. Mining will be similar to the other phases with maximum excavations of 50 feet in depth
and final back slopes constructed at 2H: 1V to blend with existing topography. The final pad will
range from 1,300 feet to 1,330 feet amsl. Clay reserves are unknown but are estimated at
approximately 30,000 tons based on area geology. Rock and overburden volumes will vary
depending on the geological conditions encountered with depth. Phase III is expected to occur
over about 1.5 years. The process area will remain the same to that developed in previous Phase I
on Pad 2.
Phase IV – Final Reclamation
Phase IV is the final reclamation of the mine (see Figure 11 and Sheet 3 of 4 – Reclamation
Plan). At the conclusion of mining, final contouring, cleanup, and erosion control will be
implemented. Within one year of the completion of mining, stockpiles, process plant equipment,
mobile equipment, water tanks, infrastructure, and buildings will be removed from the site that
will not be needed for the reclamation of the site and future uses. Any over steepened mine
slopes will be sloped to 2H: 1V with a 6-foot bench and V-ditch for drainage for every 30 feet in
height. In order to limit wind and water erosion, disturbed pad areas will be seeded with a seed
erosion control mix and the slopes hydroseeded with a native plant mix. Any areas susceptible to
public trespass will be fenced and warning signs posted. Reclamation is discussed in detail in
Section C.
PHASE
PAD YEARS OF
OPERATION
(estimated)
AREA
(in acres)
EST. CLAY
RESERVES
(tons)
EST. ROCK
RESERVES
(tons)
EST.
OVERBURDEN
(tons)
I 2 & 3 12 36.2 650,00 1.4 million 1.17 million
II 1 1.5 7.0 20,000 66,000 55,000
III 4 1.5 9.0 30,000 100,000 84,000
IV All 2 (reclamation) 52.2 --- -- --
TOTALS 15 (operations)
2 (reclamation)
52.2 700,000 1.72 million 1.43 million
LILBURN
C O R P O R A T I O N
Reclamation Plan - Phase IV
Prepared By:
Figure 11
MCA - Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Riverside County, California
MCA, Inc. 4/5/2011
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Reclamation Plan
24
5.0 MINE EQUIPMENT
The following typical equipment listed in Table 2 will be utilized for the mining activities
conducted on-site. The number, makes, and sizes of the mobile equipment will vary depending
on mine needs and normal replacement of old equipment.
Associated with the mine will be one portable crusher and screens/conveyors for the clay
processing, another portable crusher or two and screens/conveyors for rock and overburden
processing, a trailer for administration and an employee facility, a portable water tank, and truck
and equipment parking areas. Structures shall be placed on-site as depicted on Figure 9, which
shows the general planned location of the process plant and the ancillary facilities needed for the
production and shipment of the mined material. Depending on the size of rock excavated, a
portable crusher or a non-mechanized screen may be located at the active mining area in the other
pads to reduce the size of excavated material prior to moving to the processing plant.
Table 2
Typical Mine Equipment
Equipment
Typical
Number
Purpose
Dozers 1 - 2 Removal of topsoil and overburden. Mining of material.
Construction and maintenance of access roads.
Haul or Dump Trucks 1 - 2 Transportation of material from excavations to processing
plants.
Motor Grader 1 Maintain roads onsite.
Water Truck 1 Water haul roads, stockpiles, and general dust suppression at
site.
Front-End Loaders 1 - 2 Loading of materials into impactor and haul trucks. Load trucks
for shipment to Corona Plant
Shale Impactor
(Crusher) and Conveyor
Belt(s) with generator
1 Reducing the oversized shale for desired product size.
Conveying material to long-term stockpile.
Portable aggregate plant
with generator
1 Series of crushers, screens, and conveyors for sorting aggregate to
desired product size.
Portable Water Tank 1 Store water for dust control
Source: MCA, Lilburn Corp. 2008
6.0 OPERATIONAL PRACTICES TO REDUCE IMPACTS FROM NOISE, DUST,
AND AIR CONTAMINANTS
Noise - The site is located along I-15 and the only adjacent residence is located to the northwest
of the site along I-15. The process plants will be located nearly 2,000 feet from the residence
behind an intervening ridge and shall be constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with
Lake Elsinore Municipal Code (LEMC) Section 17.78. Plant operations will be limited to
daytime hours only. No noise impacts are expected from the mine operations over the ex isting
noise levels from I-15. (Refer to Noise Impact Analysis Report within the Initial Study).
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Those standards for noise suppression, set forth in Chapter 17.78 of the LEMC, which
apply to construction-type activities, shall apply to the activities undertaken pursuant to
the Reclamation Plan.
The project site will not exceed the maximum permissible sound levels by receiving land
use set forth in Section 17.78.060 of the LEMC and is based on the Noise Impact
Analysis Report. During those times not restricted in Section 17.78.060 of the LEMC, the
project shall not exceed an exterior ambient noise level standard of 75 dBA Ldn at any
non-residential perimeter and 70dB L50 (residential daytime allowable noise threshold)
with 65 dB Ldn (nocturnal residential noise standard) at the outer project boundary
adjacent to the only residence. There are no sensitive receptors adjacent to the site’s
project boundaries.
The “Noise Impact Analysis Report” has identified mitigation that will assist in
maintaining the expected “less then significant” construction activity disturbance; they
are: 1) limiting construction activities between certain hours and no extractions or
processing activities shall occur on Saturdays, Sundays or legal holidays, as previously
stated within this report; 2) Construction equipment, fixed or mobile, shall be equipped
with properly operating and maintained mufflers, to City’s Public Works or Building
Inspector Standards; and 3) during construction, stationary construction equipment shall
be placed such that emitted noise is directed away from the existing residence, to the
extent practical, to the satisfaction of the City’s Public Works or Building Inspector.
Dust - Dust emissions (including particular matter less than 10 microns in diameter or PM10) will
be limited due to the natural moisture content of the mined material. Fine Particulate Matter
(PM2.5) refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in size. PM2.5 arises
primarily from combustion sources not from fugitive dust sources and are controlled by measures
listed under air contaminants below.
The operations must comply with the SCAQMD’s Rule 403, which requires the control of any
fugitive dust that could leave the property site and Rule 1157 to control PM10 emissions from
aggregate or processing operations;. Dust will be controlled by a water truck, which will spray
the mining areas, plant areas, stockpiles, and roads as necessary to limit blowing visible dust. As
needed, the operator will implement the following control measures:
Fugitive Dust - Use periodic watering for short-term stabilization of disturbed surfaces at
least twice per day and more often during visible dust episodes. All roads, driveways, and
staging areas shall be kept wetted while being used, and shall be treated with EPA
approved dust suppressants as needed to prevent dust emissions from exceeding
20 percent opacity anywhere on the property and to prevent visible dust more than
100 feet from any earth moving or mining activity.
Onsite Roads – Limit vehicle speeds to 15 miles per hour.
Track out - Prevent track out onto paved surfaces and wet sweep as needed. Cleanup
spills on public paved road surfaces as needed.
Loaded Trucks - All loaded trucks leaving from the site shall be properly trimmed with
a 6-inch freeboard height and/or covered and sprayed with water so as to minimize dust
and prevent spillage onto a public roadway per California Vehicle Code 23114.
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All trucks exiting the Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine project site shall be washed and
rattled over a rumble grate to prevent materials from spilling onto adjacent roads and
streets.
Stockpile Protection - Apply water daily or use a soil stabilizer on stockpiles to prevent
visible dust from leaving the property boundaries as necessary.
Suspend Operations for High Winds - Surface mining shall be suspended when
sustained wind speed exceeds 25 miles per hour and extra watering shall be implemented.
Permits - The process plants must have valid SCAQMD Permits to Construct and/or
Permits to Operate or statewide registration for portable units from the state. MCA must
comply with all SCAQMD rules and regulations including control of fugitive dust during
operations and reclamation. The portable clay and aggregate plants will need to have
either baghouses or water spray systems to control dust.
Air Contaminants – The project will emit air pollutants from the onsite portable generators,
equipment, and trucking. (Refer to the Air Impact Analysis Report in the Initial Study). The
operator will implement the following measures:
The portable generators must use propane fuel and be permitted through the SCAQMD or
under statewide registration for portable units from the state.
All equipment and trucks must be maintained and tuned according to manufacturers’
specifications.
Activities shall be scheduled to minimize daily equipment operations and idling
equipment and trucks.
All equipment and trucks will comply with all existing and future CARB and SCAQMD
rules, regulations and requirements related to diesel-fueled trucks and equipment, which
may include among others: (1) meeting more stringent emission standards; (2) retrofitting
existing engines with particulate traps; (3) use of low sulfur fuel (already required); and
(4) use of alternative fuels or equipment.
7.0 METHODS TO PREVENT WATER POLLUTION
The site is located along a series of hills and ridges with four drainages running from northeast to
southwest. Any storm water runoff from adjacent areas will naturally flow to existing site
drainages. All the drainages will be avoided by on-site operations and there will be no discharge
of any water associated with the project operations or reclamation. Within the excavations and
plant site, run-off from on-site precipitation will comply with National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Storm Water Discharges associated with
industrial activities and employ appropriate storm water Best Management Practices (BMPs).
NPDES requirements are to eliminate unauthorized non-storm water discharges, submit a
“Notice of Intent” (NOI), develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
(SWPPP), then monitor and report on storm water discharges visually and/or by sampling.
Detained runoff will be allowed to evaporate or recharge.
After each major storm event or at least once per month during the rainy season defined as
between October 1 and May 31, the mine site and stockpiles will be visually inspected to
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27
determine if any substantial erosion is evident such as sheet, rill or gully erosion or any surficial
instability. A major storm event is defined as precipitation totals of 0.5 inches per 24-hour
period. The operator will visually inspect the perimeter of the excavations to observe all drainage
that may be entering or leaving the excavation and plant areas and document the observed and
potential erosion occurring. Monitoring times, the person conducting the inspections, inspection
results, and maintenance, repair, or construction of any erosion control measures (date, type, and
location) shall be included in the Annual Monitoring Report submitted to the City not later than
July 1 of each year.
Significant erosion is defined below to include any erosion identified as “Class 3” or higher.
Qualitative Descriptors of Soil Surface Status (Stoddard et al. 1975) (modified for site specific
application):
Class 1: No surface material loss or erosion; surface material layer intact; no obvious rills
forming.
Class 2: Surface material movement slight and difficult to recognize; small deposits of sand in
form of fans or cones at end of small gullies or fills, or as accumulations back of plant
crowns.
Class 3: Soil movement or loss more noticeable; surface material loss evident, with some
plants on pedestals or in hummocks; rill marks evident. Any rills or gullies in excess
of 8 square inches in cross sectional area and are more than 10 linear feet located on
slopes shall be arrested using straw mulch, hay bales, sandbag barriers, and/or silt
fences within one week of observation.
Class 4: Soil movement and loss readily recognizable; sand and gravel remnants with vertical
sides and exposed plant roots; roots frequently exposed; soil washed into erosion-
protected patches. Class 4 erosion shall be arrested using those measure identified in
Class 3 above, rock mulch, and/or sediment traps within one week of observation.
Class 5: Advanced erosion; active gullies with steep sidewalls; well-developed erosion
pavement on gravelly soils. Class 5 erosion shall be arrested using those measure
identified in Class 4 above, drainage swales and lined ditches, and/or reinforced
drains within one week of observation.
If erosion is observed onsite, the physical measures listed above will be implemented as
determined on a case-by-case basis in order to immediately limit the erosion. Revegetation will
be used for the long-term control of erosion, if needed. Diversion ditches, straw bales, or rock
will be used to reinforce ditches and drains where erosion of the slopes, roadway or other parts of
the property is occurring. If needed, drains may be constructed with one of the following: rock
reinforced with energy dissipaters; a corrugated metal pipe (CMP); or a flexible conduit of
heavy-duty fabric.
There will be no imported waste materials or chemicals brought onto the project site. Best
Management Practices (BMPs) for transfer of fuels and a Spill Prevention, Control, and Counter-
measure Plan (SPCC) will be implemented throughout the operation and for all reclamation
activities.
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8.0 LIMITED BLASTING
Limited blasting will be conducted on-site between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM on a planned
and intermittent basis and MCA will be required to inform the City of Lake Elsinore Planning
Department by telephone 24 hours prior to such operations. The blasting that will occur onsite
will not cause a disturbance or distraction since there are no sensitive receptors nearby or in the
proximity to the project site. MCA shall submit a Blasting and Monitoring Plan to the Lake
Elsinore Community Development Director, the Riverside County Fire Department, and other
appropriate local, state and federal agencies prior to the commencement of blasting operations.
Blasting data shall be reviewed periodically and the blasting size and pattern shall be adjusted if
necessary. This plan’s records, findings, blast adjustments, and reports shall be submitted to the
City planning department on an annual basis and more often if requested. A qualified blaster
having a valid California blaster’s license and certificate shall be present for and supervise all
blasting on-site including but not limited to the blast design and the transportation, storage, and
use of explosives and shall notify the Sheriff’s Department within 24 hours of blasting.
9.0 ON-SITE LIGHTING
Exterior security on-site lighting will be provided. The lighting will be shielded and directed on-
site so as not to create glare onto neighboring property and streets or allow illumination above the
horizontal plane of the fixture.
10.0 SIGNAGE
MCA will place a weatherproof 3’x 3’ sign at the entrance to the project site identifying the site
and its approved days and hours of operation.
Signs and 3-strand wire fencing will be installed at the top of all manufactured slopes (cut or fill),
with signs at intervals not greater than 100 linear feet. Each sign will read “DANGER”, “OPEN
PIT MINE” and “STEEP SLOPE”. Signs will be at least 18” x 18” square with contrasting
background to lettering (i.e.: white background and black lettering).
Perimeter signs around the approved Surface Mine boundaries will be installed with contrasting
lettering/background warning of “DANGER”, “KEEP OUT” and “MINERAL RESOURCE
ZONE” or “SURFACE MINING OPERATION”.
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C. RECLAMATION PLAN
The intent of the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) is to “maintain an
effective and comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy with regulation of surface
mining operations so as to assure that: (a) adverse environmental effects are prevented or
minimized and that mined lands are reclaimed to a usable condition which is readily adaptable
for alternative uses; (b) the production and conservation of minerals are encouraged, while giving
consideration to values relating to recreation, watershed, wildlife, range and forage, and aesthetic
enjoyment; and (c) residual hazards to the public health and safety are eliminated”
(Section 2712).
Article 9, Section 3700 of SMARA states the following for the project site operations:
“Reclamation of mined lands shall be implemented in conformance with standards in this Article
(Reclamation Standards). The standards shall apply to each surface mining operation to the
extent that:
(1) “They are consistent with required mitigation identified in conformance with CEQA;
and
(2) They are consistent with the planned or actual subsequent use or uses of the mining
site.”
MCA proposes to reclaim the mine site to minimize impacts to the surrounding community and
environment. The objectives of this Reclamation Plan are to:
Eliminate or reduce environmental impacts from mining operations;
Reclaim in a usable condition for post-mining end uses, which will include pads suitable
for commercial, business park, light industrial and open space;
Contour mining features and apply erosion control seed mix on disturbed areas to
minimize aesthetic and erosion impacts; and
Reclaim the site as necessary to eliminate hazards to public health and safety.
1.0 STATEMENT OF PLANNED RECLAMATION
The proposed post-mining land uses, or future land uses, will be commercial, business park,
and/or light industrial per future land use entitlements from the City and open space along the
drainages. Concurrent and final reclamation will consist of the development of four rough graded
pads with 5 percent or less grades suitable for future development. The usable net acreage for the
four pads will total approximately 45.2 acres following reclamation activities with approximately
7 acres of reclaimed mined slopes: Pad 1 – 7.0 acres; Pad 2 - 7.9 acres; Pad 3 – 28.2 acres and
Pad 4 – 9 acres.
The back slopes adjoining the adjacent hills will be cut and reclaimed as necessary to meet 2H:
1V overall slopes. Slopes greater than 60 feet will be benched with a 6-foot bench with V-ditch
for drainage, every 30 vertical feet of slope. The slopes will be revegetated with a native seed
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30
mix and with container plants on a permanent basis. Due to future development for the pads,
interim native hydroseed vegetation for erosion control will be implemented after each pad is
completed and prior to future development. The drainages will be avoided during the mining and
reclamation except for approved road crossings.
2.0 RECLAMATION PLAN
The Reclamation Plan is depicted on Figure 11 - Sheet 3 of 4, Phase IV. The legal description of
the property is along the project boundary on each map.
Final Grade - The final grade of the excavated pads average about 5 percent with the back
slopes at 2H: 1V. No fill material is expected to be used for fill besides the stockpiled topsoil
to be spread over the pads and slopes for aiding revegetation. The developable pads will
require geotechnical testing to support future development to be permitted under separate
entitlement process.
Roads – All internal haul roads will have any gravel surface removed, compacted areas
ripped, covered with salvaged soil, and revegetated. The access road that connects the four
pad areas and a road to the parcel to the northeast will be left in place for site access
Drainage - The planned mining and reclamation areas, except for road crossings, will not
impact the on-site drainages. The existing culverts’ design for mine roads and access roads
will be reviewed by both the CDFG and the City. Methods to prevent water pollution are
discussed under Section B, Number 7, above.
Soils and Fine Textured Waste – Topsoil will be stockpiled prior to initial mining activities
for use during the reclamation phases. Please refer to Sheets 1 and 2 for locations of
stockpiled topsoil for future revegetation. The stockpiles will be clearly posted as such.
Revegetation - The revegetation effort is for the control of wind and water erosion prior to
future development on the level pad areas. If future development is scheduled more than six
months after the completion of mining within specified phases and after the final termination
of mining, then the disturbed pads and slopes will be ripped to break up compacted areas and
broadcast seeded with an erosion control mix of local native species including grasses and
wildflowers. The slopes will be hydroseeded for erosion control and would be seeded with an
appropriate fuel modification plant mix per City requirements. Commercially available seeds
of native species will be used for the erosion control seed mix. Seeding will take place
between November and January to take advantage of winter precipitation. Reclaimed areas
will be clearly staked and flagged to eliminate additional disturbance from ongoing
operations. Revegetation shall be undertaken consistent with the standards set forth in this
Reclamation Plan.
Monitoring - The operator will assess the results of erosion control seeding on the disturbed
areas of the site until such time as future development takes place. The monitoring plan will
annually monitor and assess vegetation growth and erosion. Illegally dumped trash and debris
will be removed and fencing and signs maintained at a minimum on a quarterly basis. A
monitoring report submitted annually by the operator to the City will be part of the overall
compliance with conditions.
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Reclamation efforts will be monitored pursuant to SMARA requirements and according to
this City approved Reclamation Plan. MCA will be required under SMARA (Public
Resources Code Section 2207) to submit an annual mine report to the City and the Sta te
Department of Conservation. SMARA (Section 2774(b)) requires the lead agency (the City)
to conduct an inspection of the mining operation within six months of receipt of the required
Annual Report. In addition, MCA will submit an annual Status Report to the City to update
the current and planned activities on-site.
Post-Mining Safety – After completion of mining, the excavated site must be protected from
trespassing. The site’s main access road will be gated and locked at the northwestern
entrance. Signs and 3-strand wire fencing will be installed at the top of all manufactured
slopes, with signs at intervals not greater than 100 linear feet. Any additional potential access
points will be posted with both trespass and warning signs during and after the mining
operations such as (“Warning – No Trespassing” and “Danger – Active Mining Area or Steep
Slopes”).
Future Mining - Reclamation and potential end uses will limit any future mining within the
area.
3.0 PHASING PLAN
The phasing plan is discussed under Section B, Number 4 above and summarized in Table 1.
Reclamation for the site will be taking place concurrently during the plan’s 15-year duration.
Mining will excavate areas to the planned pad elevations and grades. After termination of mining
per phase, final grading and revegetation for the pads and slopes in that phase will be conducted.
After termination of all mining at the end of Phase III, all process plants, structures, debris, and
equipment will be removed, and disturbed areas revegetated per the approved Reclamation Plan
within two years during Phase IV to control erosion on the level pads and return the back slopes
to native vegetation on a permanent basis.
4.0 DISPOSITION OF EQUIPMENT AND STRUCTURES
All clean-up operations will be conducted within one year of the termination of mining. All
process plant facilities and equipment will be removed from the site. Scrap material, refuse,
equipment, and surplus materials will be removed, sold, recycled, and/or disposed of at an
appropriate landfill site. Excess material piles and disturbed areas will be regraded as necessary
for positive drainage and seeded with an erosion control mix.
MCA will comply with the requirements of the California Industrial Storm Water Permit by
implementing a SWPPP that incorporates BMPs and a SPCC plant throughout the operation of
the mining and processing activities and during reclamation. During removal of plant equipment
and other facilities, any fuel or oil spills, or other contaminants will be cleaned up immediately
per the SPCC plan. After reclamation, there will be no contamination sources remaining on-site.
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5.0 REVEGETATION
Site Preparation
Prior to mining undisturbed areas, soil will be salvaged under the direction of a project landscape
architect and/or botanist. Onsite vegetation will be removed in areas to be immediately mined
and either chipped for mulch or crushed with the soil for later use. Since the project area was
severely burned during the year 2004, most of the mature native vegetation was destroyed.
Revegetation Methods
The areas to be revegetated are defined as the more level or flatter Pad Areas (45.2 acres) and the
reclaimed mining slopes (7 acres). Upon completion of mining within specified areas, pads and
slopes ready for reclamation will be graded to provide positive drainage and ripped to break up
compacted areas. The salvaged topsoil material will be spread over the areas to be reclaimed to
create islands of material with final grading to create ridges and furrows to aid in holding
moisture and windblown seeds. Prior to soil spreading, a soil analysis will be conducted to
determine if the stored material meets the existing soil conditions on-site and if added soil
amendments would improve the revegetation success. The pad areas will be broadcast seeded
and the slopes hydroseeded with grass and flower species obtained at local native plant nurseries
to help contain erosion. Seeding will take place between November and January to take
advantage of winter precipitation and eliminate or minimize the need for irrigation. Reclaimed
areas will be clearly staked and flagged to eliminate additional disturbance from ongoing
operations.
The site is currently vegetated with sage scrub and non-native grasses. The reclaimed flatter areas
within Pads 1 thru 4 will be revegetated with an erosion control grass and wildflower mix (see
Table 3) to provide erosion control until future development occurs. The reclaimed slope areas
along the perimeter of Pads 1 thru 4 will be hydroseeded with a similar mix. This plant mix may
be revised to be compatible with fuel modification requirements in the City.
Table 3
Proposed Seeding Rates – Broadcast/ Hydroseed Mix (Typ.)
Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Common Plant Name Species Name Bulk Seeding
Rate (Lbs./Acre)
Blando brome Bromus hordeaceus 20
Hykon rose clover Trifolium hirtum Hykon 30
Zorro Annual Fescue Vulpia myuros var. hirsuta 8
California Poppy Eschscholzia californica 4
Arroyo Lupine Lupinus succulentus 4
Native Wildflower Mix Varies as provided by seed
company and year.
10
Note that grass and wildflower mix varies with year.
The average precipitation in the area should be sufficient for seed germination and root
establishment of native seeds. Irrigation or fertilization will be minimized, as native seeds are
tolerant to existing temperatures, precipitation and soil conditions. Irrigation and fertilization also
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tend to encourage non-native invasive species. Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) and other invasive
plant material will be removed (manually) for the first two years after a portion of the site is
seeded or planted. During assessments, the consulting biologist or landscape architect will
determine the need for further weeding, reseeding, or if additional watering is needed. Sufficient
irrigation is to be applied by water truck if needed to adequately germinate and establish the
applied seed. Once assessments are completed, the consulting biologist or landscape architect
will then coordinate with the responsible contractors for any work required.
Weed Control
The purpose of the weed control plan is to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of non-native plant
species that may invade the site where previous mining activities have removed the native plant
cover and where active and natural vegetation is taking place. Non-native invasive species
(weeds) can compete with native plant species for available moisture and nutrients and
consequently interfere with revegetation of the site. Weed or non-native species of concern at the
site may include some or all of the following. Many of these species are common onsite now and
will be difficult to control.
Avena barbata slender wild oat (common)
A. fatua wild oat (common)
Bromus diandrus ripgut brome (common)
B. madritensis red brome (common)
B. tectorum cheat grass, downy brome (occasional)
*Cortaderia spp. Pampass grass (uncommon)
*Nicotiana glauca tree tobacco (uncommon)
*These species will be completely eliminated from the site. Note that no pampas grass or tree
tobacco was found onsite (Biological Survey, July 4, 2007).
The occurrence of weeds on site shall be monitored by visual inspection. The goal is to prevent
weeds from becoming established and depositing seeds in areas to be revegetated at a later date.
No areas will be allowed to have more than twenty percent (20 %) of the ground cover provided
by non-native plant species. If inspections reveal that weeds are becoming or have established on
site, then removal will be initiated. Inspections shall be made in conjunction with revegetation
monitoring.
Weed removal will be accomplished through manual, mechanical or chemical methods
depending on the specific circumstances. For example, solitary or limited numbers of tree and
tree-like species will be manually removed (chopped) and the stumps sprayed with an approved
weed killer such as Round-Up. Smaller plants (wild oats and bromes) that cover more area may
be sprayed, scraped with a tractor, or chopped by hand, depending upon the size of the area of
infestation and the number of desired native plants in proximity or mixed in with the weeds.
Reports of inspections and weed control implementation shall be part of the annual revegetation
monitoring and kept on file by the operator.
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Monitoring
The Biological Monitoring will be an ongoing effort to assess the results of the vegetation on the
disturbed areas of the site with the end purpose to limit wind and water erosion prior to future
development. The monitoring plan conducted by a qualified biologist or landscape architect, who
shall be approved by the Community Development Director or designee, will be followed
regularly and annually reported to the City of Lake Elsinore to monitor and access completed
revegetation areas and areas where revegetation is being planned or just beginning. A Biological
Monitoring Report submitted by the operator to the City will be part of the overall compliance
with conditions. These reports will assess progress toward final erosion protection goals as well
as any revisions to the approved Reclamation Plan. These reports will include an overview of the
revegetation effort, the method used to assess these parameters, and photos from designated
photo stations.
Revegetated areas will be assessed based on adequate ground cover to limit wind and water
erosion (75 percent cover and a species richness of 5 plant species, not including weed species).
MCA will notify the City with an official letter of completion of the reclamation activities.
Revegetation Goals
Revegetation goals will be based on the overall quality of the revegetation to limit water and
wind erosion. The success criteria will be 75 percent cover and a species richness of 5 plant
species (not including weed species). From completion of the revegetation for a specific area, the
consulting botanist shall annually evaluate the surviving plant species for relative growth and
coverage. Remedial actions include removing invasive weed species or reseeding during the
appropriate time of the year after identifying the inadequacy. The above procedure will be
repeated annually until the site’s vegetation meets the above success criteria to limit wind and
water erosion and is self-sustaining, or development takes place. The property owner is
responsible to control any off-site erosion affecting adjacent properties.
6.0 RECLAMATION MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE
Reclamation mitigation efforts will be monitored pursuant to SMARA requirements and
according to this Reclamation Plan. MCA will be required under SMARA (Public Resources
Code Section 2207) to submit an annual report to the City and the State Office of Mine
Reclamation. SMARA (Section 2774(b) requires the lead agency (The City of Lake Elsinore) to
conduct an inspection of the reclamation mitigation site within six months of receipt of the
required Annual Report. In addition, MCA will be required to submit an annual Mitigation
Monitoring and Compliance Report to the City of Lake Elsinore to review the reclamation
mitigation implementation and the status of the Reclamation “Mitigation” Plan Approval
conditions and mitigation measures.
7.0 RECLAMATION MITIGATION ASSURANCE
MCA assures reclamation of the site in compliance with Section 2773.1 of SMARA in the form
of a bond payable to the City of Lake Elsinore and the California Department of Conservation,
Division of Mines and Geology. The financial assurance will be approved for the implementation
of this proposed Reclamation Plan and will be reviewed and adjusted annually to account for new
lands disturbed, inflation, and reclamation of lands accomplished in accordance with the
approved Reclamation Plan (SMARA, Section 2773.1 (a)(3).
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D. STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
The statement of responsibility for the reclamation of the site (below) will be signed by MCA’s
representative.
I, the undersigned, hereby agree to accept full responsibility for reclamation of all mined
lands as described and submitted herein and in conformance with the applicable
requirements of Articles 1 and 9 (commencing with Sections 3500 et. seq. and 3700 et.
seq., respectively) of Chapter 8 of Division 2 of Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations, the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act commencing with Section 2710 et.
seq., and with any modifications requested by the administering agency as conditions of
approval.
Signed this day of , 2010 by
Signature _________________________Title ________________________
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REFERENCES AND ACRONYMS
REFERENCES
“Air Quality Impact Analysis.” Giroux & Associates, August 2, 2007.
“Biological Constraints Analysis,” The Planning Associates, July 4, 2007
“Focused Traffic Impact Analysis Report for the Proposed Alberhill Southwest Shale Mine
Project.” Linscott Law & Greenspan, April 13, 2007.
“Noise Impact Analysis.” Giroux & Associates, June 7, 2007.
“Preliminary Geotechnical Report for the Proposed Lake Elsinore Mine,” Dig Associates, June
2005.
“Soil Survey of Western Riverside Area California,” U.S. Department of Agriculture, S oil
Conservation Service, 1971
“Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA,” California Department of Conservation,
Office of Mine Reclamation, 2007.
“Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan,” County of Riverside,
Dudek & Associates, approved June 17, 2003.
ACRONYMS
BACT Best available control technology (for control of air emissions)
BMP Best Management Practices
CDFG California Department of Fish and Game
CESA California Endangered Species Act
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CY Cubic yards
FESA Federal Endangered Species Act
I-15 Interstate 15
mph miles per hour
MSHCP Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan
msl mean sea level
NOI Notice of Intent
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management Plan
SMARA Surface Mining and Reclamation Act
SPCC Spill Prevention, Control, and Counter-measure
SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program
USGS United States Geological Survey
APPENDIX A
GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES AND REPORT
JAY K. DIG CONSULTING
JULY 2005
APPENDIX B
BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS
THE PLANNING ASSOCIATES
JULY 4, 2007