MINUTE ITEM This Carendar·ftem No O.CJo was a~roved as Minute ii;; No. 0 by the State Lands Commission by a_vote.~ "'2-to o at Its a?Yl~ -meeting. CALENDAR ITEM

A 68

s 36

APPLICANT:

AGENT:

C20 09/14/88 WP 6789 PRC 6789 Pelka

"PP~OVAL OF A PROSPECTING PERMIT FOR MINERALS OTHER THAN OIL, GAS, GEOTHERMAL

RESOURCES, SAND AND GRAYEL, RIVERSIDE COUNTY

Texasgulf Minerals and Metals, Inc. 5332 Mcintyre Street Golden, Colorado 80403

Paul D. Hartl~·~ 5932 Mcintyr~·street Golden, Colorado 80403

PROPOSED AUTHORIZATION: Approval of a Prospecting Permit for two years to prospect for precious metals and other valuable minerals, other than oil, gas, geothermal resources and sand and gravel on 640 acres of land located in Riverside County.

CONSIDeRP-tION: Filing fee of $25, expense deposit of $250 and an acreage deposit of $640.

TYPE OF LAND AND LOCATION: State school land - Section 16, T2S, R2SE, SBM, Riverside County, ten miles southwest of Vidal.

PROPOSED PROJECT: Texasgulf Minerals and Metals, Inc. proposes to prospect by drilling eight (8) diamond core holes, up to three inches in diameter, to a maximum depth of 500 feet. A Longyear 38 or equival~nt core rig will be used. Support ~quipment will include a Beane water pump. A Soloy Bell helicopter or equivalent will be used to f~ly the drill rig into the area an;t from site to site. Small drill pads meas~rini

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I: ,\lENOARPAGE

j:-\INUTE PAGE

CALENDAR ITEM NO.C 2 Q (CONT'D)

approximately eight feet by ten feet will be prepared with hand-held picks and shovels. Each drill hole will require a sump measuring approximately four feet by six feet by two feet for drill cuttings and drill mud. These will also be excavated by hand. The drill mud will consist of finely crushed barite and water. Bentonitic clays may be used to stabilize holes. A water supply will be provided by driuing a four wheel drive water truck to the closest spot along existing roads, then pumping the water to the site. A two m~n drilling crew and one geologist will walk to the rig: ~~-ter driving to the closest spot along exist'·~,rfg roads. All personnel will lodge in Blyth~. Core boxes will be either packed out or flown out for off-site assay.

This project is a progression f~om geologic mapping, ro~k ship sampling and drilling performed by Texasgulf Minerals and Metals, Inc. under a previous permit held April 1, 198S through March 31, 1988.

SURFACE DISTURBANCE:

RECLAMATION:

TERM:

All vehicle access will be restricted to existing roads and jeep trails. No road construction, blasting or clearing is permitted.

The maximum estimated surface disturbance is less than 0.02 acre. The maximum excavated volume, including drill holes, pads and sumps~ is approximately 22 cubic yards.

Each drillsite will be returned to its original contour to the extent feasible. Mud pits wilL.be backfilled with drill cuttings upon completion of drilling and each site will be cleared of all trash and debris. Drill holes shall be abandoned by backfilling from bottom to top with a suitable impervious mate~ial and surface plugged with three feet of cement.

The primary term of this Prospecting Permit is two years. The Commission may, in its discretion, extend the term for one additional year.

-2- (4lENDARPACiE

MINUTE PACiE

ROYALTY:

CALENDAR ITEM NO.C 2 Q (CONT'D)

Royalty payable under the permit shall be 20 percent of the gros~ value of the minerals secured from the permit area and sold er otherwise disposed of or held for sale or other disposition.

Royalty payable under any preferential lease issued shall not be less than ten percent of the gross value of all mineral production from the leased lands, less any charges approved by the Commission made or incurred with respect to transporting or processing the State's royalty share of production. The determination of said royalty .char-ges shall be at ,the discretion of the Commission and set forth in said lease.

PREREQUISITE ITEMS: 1. Required statut~~Y filing fee, processing

fee and acreage deposit have been submitted by the App+icant.

2. Subject parcel is not know~ t~ contain a commercially valuable deposit of minerals.

STATUtORY REFERENCES~ A. P.R.C.: Div. 6, Section 6891. B. Cal. Adm. C_cde: Title 2; Section 2200.

AB 884: 11/19/88.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION: 1. The California Department of Fish and Game

has recommended that project activities be confined to the months of October, November, December, January and Feb~uary to preclude adverse impact to the desert tortoise. Their recommendation has been incorporated as a mitigation measure in Exhibit 11 A11 of the permit.

2. The permit lands are located within Bureau of Land Management Wilderhess Study Area CDCA-321. The surrounding lands ar~ also within the lands which Senator Alan Cranston, by his 11 Califor~ia Desert Protection Act 11 (S.7), seeks to make into a

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CALENDAR PACiE

:-.UNUrE PACI

113 2698

CALENDA~ ITEM NO. C 2 Q (CONT' I})

wilderness area. Thus, the permit lands, within two years, would be surrounded by a federal wilderness area. The prospecting permit specifically states that ·a lease may be denied for env~ronmental reasons, including the inclusion of the surrounding lands in a federal wildernes·s, area.

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION: 1. Pursuant to the Commission's delegation of

authority and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Adm. Code 15061), the staff has prepared and circulated for public review a proposed Negative Declaration i'isentified as EIR ND 443, State Clearinghouse· No. 88041102, pursuant to the provision of the CEQA. A copy of this er.vir.onmental document is attached as Exhibit 11 C11

•

Based upon the initial study, the proposed Negative Declaration, and the comment received 1n response thereto, there is no substantial evidence that the project 1'1ill have a significant effect o~ the environment (14 Cal. Adm. Code 1S074[bJ.).

2. Pursuant to P.R.C.: Section 689S, upon establishing to the satisfaction of the Commission that commercially valuable deposits of minerals have been discovered within the limits of the permit, the Applicant would have a preferential right to a lease for a maximum of 640 acres embrac~d·~ithin the permit. S8id right will be s~bject to all necessary environme~tal approvals. The issuance of the permit will not affect the discretion of the Commission in granting or "ei·enying such lease because of environmental considerations.

3. Permit shall provide for a performance bond of $10,000 in favor of the State.

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,i).\R PAGE

~:\Gf

11 4 2699

CALENDAR ITEM NO.C 2 0 (CONT'D)

APPROVALS OBTAINED: Pursuant to P.R.C.: Section 6890, the subject oermit application has been approved by the bffice of the Attorney Genera~ as to compliance with the applicable provisions of the law.

A. Land De»cription. B. Site Map.

EXHIBITS: C. Negative Declaration. D. Riverside County Planning Department Letter

of Approval

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE COMMISSION:

1.

2.

3.

4.

CERTIFY THAT NEGATIVE DECLARATION EIR ND 443, STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO. 88041102, WAS PREPARED FOR THIS PROJECT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CEQA AND THAT THE COMMISSION HAS REVIEWED AND CONSIDERED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.

DETERMINE THAT THE PROJECT, AS APPROVED, WILL NOT- A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

DETERMINE THAT THE LANDS DESCRIBED IN THE PERMIT ARE NOT PRESENTLY KNOWN TO CONTAIN COMMERCIALLY VALUABLE DEPOSITS OF MINERALS.

AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A MINERAL PROSPECTING PERMIT TO TEXASGULF MINERAL ttND· METALS, INC. FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS, FOR ALL MINERALS OTHER THAN OIL, GAS, GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES, SAND AND GRAVEL ON SECTION 16, T2S, R23E, SBM, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CONTAINING APPROXIMATELY 640 ACRES, MORE OR LESS; IN ttCCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARD FORM OF PERMIT, SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT IF A COMMERCIAL DISCOVERY IS MADE, THE LEASE MAY BE DENIED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REASONS, INCLUDING THE INCLUSION OF SURROUNDING LANDS IN A FEDERAL WILDERNESS AREA. ROYALTY PAYABLE UNDER THE PERMIT SHALL BE TWENTY PERCENT. ROYALTY PAYABLE LINDE~ ANY PREFERENTIAL LEASE ISSUED UPON THE DISCOVERY OF COMMERCIALLY VALUABLE DEPOSITS OF MINERALS SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN TEN PERCENT OF THE GROSS VALUE OF ALL MINERAL PRODUCTION FROM THE LEASED LANDS, LESS ANY CHARGES APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION MADE O~ INCURRED WITH RESPECT TO TRANSPORTING OR PROCESSING THE STATE'S ROYALTY SHARE OF PRODUCTION. THE DETERMINATION OF SAID ROYALTY AND CHARGES SHALL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THt COMMISSION.

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CAL":NDAR PACE

MINlit:: PACE

11~

2700

EXHIBIT "A"

LAUD DESCRIPTION

A parcel of C~lifornia State school lands in Riverside County, California,

described as follows:

Section 16, T2S, R23E, SBM.

END OF DESCRIPTION

PREPARED DECEMBER 26, 1984 BY BOUNDARY SERVICES UHIT, M. L. SHAFER, SUPERVISOR.

I

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CAlENDAR PAGE

MINUTE PAGE 2701

c I I _,/~ '\ I

-< • 3'; \·

\

-

EXHIBIT "D" :Y/P:: 6789.2

.s=rATE LANDS cor\1MISSION \1107 \ :l'Tl-I S'T RI t 'T SACRAMEr:no. CALIFOllN!A !)~U\4

EXHlBlT "C"

PROPOSED NEGhTIVE DECLARATION

ElP.. 'ND 443

file Ref.: WP 678S

sea ii :sso4 li.02

Project Title: Mineral prospecting permit

Project Proponent: Texasgulf Minerals and Metals, Inc.

Project Location:, section 16, T2S, R23E, SBM, located in the Riverside Mountains of Riverside county approximacelY 2B miles

north of Blythe. Drill eight diarrond core holes total ling approxirr.c:itely 3;·800 feet using a IJ:>ngyear 38 core rig or equivalent, to obtain samples for off-site assay. A helicopter will transport the drill rig onto the parcel and from site to site. Drill sites

Pxoject Description:

(approximately 8 1 by 10') on slopes greater than 10 degrees nay be cut with hand tools to accomodate the drill rig and water pump. ones- per hole 14' bt 6' by 2'1 may be excavated with hand tools to ac~orrodate drill cuttings and drill-mud.

Telephone: (916) ~22-7813

Contact Person: •red T. Fukushima

>hi• document is prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Cslifon>ia Environmental QualitY Act (Section 21000 et seq., Public Resources Code), ~he Stote CEQA Guidelines (Section 15000 et seq., Title 14, California Administrative cOde), and the State Lands Co""'1ssion regulations

( Se<ti on 2 90 l et seq., Title 2·, Coli fo rota AduJ.nis tr a ti ve Code) •

Based upcn th• attached Initial Study, it has been found that:

~ the project vill not have a significant effect on the environment.

~ mitigation Neasures included in the project vill avoid potentially significant effect•• -CALENDAR PAGE

MINUTEPACf 27 3

e

MITIGATION MEAStikES

File Ref.: WP 6789 SCHi 88041102

Proposed for Incorporation Into The Project Description

1. Project activities· shall be confined to the months of October, November, December, January and February to p·reclude adverse impacts to th!? d(:sert tortoise.

2. All vehicle speed shall not exceed 20 miles pe·r hour for the safety of personnel and equipment and to reduce the production of fugitive dust.

3. All vehicular access shall be confined to existing roads

and jeep trails.

4. Lessee shall perform a_l activities so as to minimize impact on vegetation. No vegetation may be removed.

5. All drill holes shall be· abandor d from bottom to top with a suitable impervious material. suitable impervious materials include neat cement, l:. ind-cement grout, concrete

or bentonite clay.

6. Drill muds, cuttings and sump material shall be used to properly abandon any sumps excavated. Remaining materials sh~ll be evenly spread on the drill site so as to blend with the surrounding area.

7. All disturbed drill sites shall be ·r~contoured and raked.

8. All trash generated from the project shall be promptly removed and disposed of -at an appropriate public site.

9. Permittee shall notify staff member Greg Pelka at (213) 590-520J at lease one week prior to commencing operations.

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CALENDAR PACE

MINUn: PAGE 2704

File Ref.~ WP 6789.2 SCH No.: 88041102 June, 1988

INITIAL STUDY urrRODUCTION

Texasgulf Minerals and Metals, Inc. nas applied to the State Lands Commission for a mineral prospecting permit on 640 acres of Seate school land described as Section 16, T2S, R23E, S~I, located in the Riverside Mountains of Riverside County. The proposed project is for <lri.lliny ci3ht diamond coL·e holes co u maxi~um deptn of 500'. Su1all 8 x 10' drill sites wi·!,l be prepared with nand held picks and shovels. SmRll sumps excavated for drill cuttings and drill mud will be filled during abandonment. A helicopter will transport the drill rig fro~ site to site to avoid any new road construction. Cures will be removed for off-site analysis.

Texasgulf under a previous permit effective April 1, 1985 tnrough Harch 31, 1983 performed geologic mapping, rock chip sampling and some drilling. The proposed project is a logical progression of this earlier work.

Ti1e permit, .when issued, is for a two-year period and may he extended for a maximum one year.

This lnicisl Study consists of general project information, location maps, envil.onmental setting, detailed project description, applicant's assessment of environmental impacts and certification, st.aff environmental impact assessment checklist and discussion.

The proposed project is for tnis specific prospecting only. AQY change in activity will require the preparat~on and c i:rculation for review of appropriate CEQA docume)1ts.

ST i~T E LANDS COHM ISS ION

1547A

CALENDAR PAGE

MINUTE PAGE

. . STATE LANDS COMMISSION . . .

e ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM - Part I (To be completed by applicant) FORM 69.311 t/821

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. NamP.. adrlrc~s. and rclephonc number·

a. Applicant

Texasgulf ~inerals and Metals.Inc.

2932 Mcintyre St.

Golden, CO 80403

I 303 l 279-9181

Date Filed: 03 · 2e / 88

File fief.: WP 6789

SCH# 88041102

b. Contact person if other than applicant:

Paul. D Hartley

5932 Mcintyre St

Golden CO 80403

I 303 l 279-9181

') .1. J>roj1:ct locn1ion: IP!casc rcforcqCl! to l\flillP.Sl tOWll 01 comnmniry an<l mclude COll•lty)

Section 16, T2S, R23E,SBM. located jn t·be Riverside Mountains of

•. Riverside ~ounty approximately 26 mjles north of Blythe ....6A!L.Acres

!>. Ass•:srnr's parcel number: _a_o~6_-_1~4~h_-_1._q~~0~3--------.,...--------·

3. Exrsungzonmgolprojectsitc: Rjversid~Cannty• Nat11ralJsset Zane BLM COCA Plan: Class L

4. Existing land use of project site: _N....,..o .. n~e----,-------------------------

5 PrnposPrl use oi ~•tr.:£.LQ.SP~~tjng for precjau.s_.me.t.a.l.s . ..a.od other ya 1 nahl e minerals

by drilling eight diamond core.::.ha.les to a maximum depth of 500 fee•

to obtain cores for off-site assay

6. Other permits requircd:...A_El an of Opera ti ans wj l ]" be required fO'" work on

suq·mmdi ng federal lands managed c~y theJlnreau of I and Managemsnt

CAUNDARPACE 1 21 MINUrr rAGE .1_7 0 6

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EXHIBIT 11

A" ST ATE LANDS COMMISSION

WP 6789

APPLICATION FOR PROSPECTING PERMIT

TEXAS~· m"='~rrm~~~~~~~ AN

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WP 6789.2

SCH. 1/88041102

DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Texasgulf :1inerals aqp Metals, Inc. proposes to prospect by drilling eight diamond core holes, up to three inches in diameter, to a maximum depth of 500 feet.. A Longyear 38 or equivalent core rig will be used. Support equipment will include a Beane water pump. A Soloy llell helicopter or equivalent will be used to fly the drill rig into the area and from site to site. Exhibit B shows the approximate location of proposed drill holes. Small drill pads measuring approximately 8 feet by 10 feet will be prepared with hand h~ld picks and shovels. Each drill hhole will require a sump measuring approxiamtely 4 feet by six feet by two feet for drill outtings and drill mud. 'fhese will also be excavated by hand. The drill mud will consist of finely crushed barite and water. Bentonitic clays may be used to stabilize holes •. A water supply will be provided by driving a four wheel drive water truck to the closest spot along existing roads, then pumping the water to the site. A two man drilling crew and one geologist will walk to the rig after driving to the clos~st spot along existing roads. All p~rsonnel wil~ lodge in Blythe. Core boxes will be either packed out or flown out for off-site assay.

The 10mdmu1:1 estimated surface disturbance is less than 0 .02 acre. The maximum excavated volume including drill holes, pads nn<l sumps is approximately 22 cubic yards.

Proposed Reclumation:

1) Uackf il 1 a 11 holes from byi:.'~om to top with an impervious material such a~ bcntonitc or concrete.

i) Place all drill cuttin3s and drill muds into the sump and reclaim the sump.

3) Recontour and rake drill sites.

'•) ltemove all ta:ash from ttle area and dispose of it at an appropriate public site.

1548A

•, .

CALENDAR PACE

1.\\INUf£ PAGE 2709

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

This State parcel is situated within the central Ri~@rside Mountains of the Colorado Desert geologic province. It is within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wildern~ss Study Area CDCA-321 and land which Senator Alan Cranston, by his "California Desert Protection Act" (S7) seeks to make into a wilderness area. The BLM has recommended CDCA-321 as non-suitable for wilderness.

~he topography slopes gently to the southeast from approximately 1190 feet near the west quarter corner to approximately 750 feet in the southeast corner. Geologically the State parcel is composed of Precambrian igneous and metamorphi9 rocks in contact with Tertiary sedimentary rocks. Vegetation is sparse and is dominated by Creosote Bush, Brittle Bush, Burro Bush, Beavertail Cactus, Krameria, Desert Trumpet, Phacelia, Mojave Mound Cactus, Silver Cholla, Catclaw Acacia, Palo Verde and Smoke Tree'. Wildlife includes mammals, reptiles and birds. Mule deer are found in the Riverside Mountains. Prior to the installation of guzzlers, the mule deer were believed to migrate do_wn to the Colorado River in summertime. Now it is postulated that the mule deer are residing year round in the Riverside Mountains. The nearest guzzler is approximately 1 mile west of ther northwest corner of the State parcel. There are no known rare, thr~atened or endangered plants and animals on the State parcel.

On May 24, 1988, Paul Hartley of Texasgulf Minerals and Metals, Inc. met with Wildlife Biologist Andy Pauli of the California Depart~ent of Fish and Game and Greg Pelka of the __ _ State Lands Commission on the project site, to inspect proposed drill sites and the surrounding area. Mr~ Pauli did not perceive any significant impacts to the mule deer and other wildlife resulting from the proposed prospecting activities. The project are~ is believed to host low to moderate- densities of desert tortoise (20 - SO/square mile). To preclude impacts to the desert tortoise, Fisheries Biologist Mike Giusti of the California Department of Fish and Game has recommended that pr~ject activities be limited to the time period of October l through the end of February when the tortoise would be in hibernation. This restriction has been add~d ~s- a mitigaticin measure.

The property surrounding Secti:on 16 appears to be environmentally simila,r_. The Riverside Mountains range in

\ '

IC,Ui:H)ARPACI:

,:.UNUrE O'AGF. 2710

elevation to 2254 feet. There were no structures observed in the immediate project area and surrounding lands. Dominant land use of the Riverside Mountains is minP-ral exploration by the applicant and other mineral exploration entities. The ar.ea is designated Class' L (Limited use) in the California Desert Conservation Area Plan of 1980.

~oposed Mitigation Measures:

1. Project activities shall be confined to the months 9f October, November, December, January and February to preclude adverse impacts to the desert tortoise.

2. For safety and the reductio~ of fugitive dust, ali vehicle speed shall not exceed 20 mph. ,

3. Vehicular access shall be confined to, existing roads and jeep trails. ,

-4. Lessee shall perform all activities so as to minimize impact on vegetation. No vegetation may be removed.

GJP:vnD54i20

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..

e

APPLIC'ANTS • SECTION C: ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

All phas~ ot a prolect, such as planning. acauisition. development and operation. shall be considered when evaluating 1t\ impact on the .environment. Please answer the following questions by placing a check in the appropriate box.

O:scuss all items cli~::ked "yes" or "maybe" on additional sheet(s).

•::1!1 the projeet involve: YES MAYBE NO

L

2.

3.

4.

s.

6.

7.

6.

9.

rn.

n.

i1.

13.

A change in P..<istin9 features of any bavs. tidelands. hec::che~. lakP.~ or hills. or substanria! alteration of grcund contours? •••.•••.• '" ••••.•.•••.•.••...

tX I

A ::hange in scenic "Jiews from existing resideotial·areas or pu!>lic lands or roads? ••• l x 1

A c!iange in pattern. scale or ch;iracter of the general area of the project? ••.•• . . ( x 1

Significant effect on plant or animal life? ••...•.•.• "'" ..•••••.••••....• ( x l

Significant amounts of solid waste or litter? •..••••.•••.••.••..••••..••• ' [ r·X l

A ch:mge in dust, ash, smoke, fumes or odors in the vicinity? •.••••••.......• tX 1

A change in ocean, bay, lake, stream or ground water quality or quantity, or an altering of existing drainage patterns? ~ .•••••••••••••••••.••.•.••••.•

[ x 1

A change in.existing noise or vibration levels in the vicinity? •••••••••••..••• lX I

Construction on filled land or on a slope of 10 percei:it or more? •••••••.••••. 1X I

Use or d1tposal of potentially hazardous material~ such as toxic or radioaciive substances. flammables or explosives? •••.••••••••••••.•••.••••...•••

L l I Xl

A change in demand for municipal services (e.g., police, fire, water. sewage)? •••.•. ( .1 l x;

lneiease in fossil fuP.I consumption (e.g., electricity, oil, natural gas)? .•.•..•••• l x 1

A larger project or a series 91, projects? . ............................. i X I

1) The drill sites may require a small cut to flatten out the surface for tne rig and to provide room for the .water tanks. A sump ( 4 1 x6 e x2 1 ) will be dug by hand t;o accomodate drill

5)

cuttings.

Approximately 100 lbs of cutting~· p~r hole will be generated. Trash frdm .supplies will be minor and def~nitely removed from the site.

6) Diesel fumes will develop while drilling.

8) Noise from drilling.

the diesPl motors will be present while e 9) Several of the holes will require sites on slopes ~hat are

greater than 10% in grade. The sites will be cut by hand and be only large enough to accomodate the drill rig and water pump (approximately S'xlO'). -

12) Diesel will be required for the drill rig.and water pumps. Aviation fuel will be used in the helicopter.

~J) Hopefully, the drill program will be succiessful and another round of drilling will c~ proposed. If t~e final round is positive, the deposit will be proposed· for mine development. A heap leach, open pit operation ~ould be the most likely proposal.

PART V

CERTI Fl CATION

I certify that all inlormatton and materials fumished in this application are trve and complete ro the bm of my knowledse and belief. I recognize that this application and the projt:et it addre~s are·s1Jbject to all la'Ns oi th~ Sr are ol Califomia, an'd the regulations and discretionary policies of tht! Scatt: Lands Commission.

Applicant: Texasgulf Mi nera 1 s and Meta 1 s, J nc. Date:...;·--------

Title:

Agent:~P~a~u~l....;D:..;..•....;H~a~r....;t~l~e~v---------------~ Date· _____ ,..;._ __ _

Title: Exploration Manager

.... ·- --- - -Ii -

'\i1NU(l: ~,\(iii

·STA TL' LANDS COMMISSION

• ·ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST- PART II Form 13.20 17/82)

• BACKGROUND INFORMATION

File Ref.: WP 6789. 2 SCH# 88041102 •

A. Applicant· _ ... T'""e""'x"'"a""....,.s .... g..,.u~l =f_,,M ..... i=-· n:.:...;::e:..:r""'a:;:...:;.l.=s___,a::.:n:.::.d::-..:..M""'e=-t=a-=l=-=s"-£.., _..I..Ln...,c::...., -------------------5932 Mcintvre street

Galdon, Colorado 80403

B. Ct>eckhs1 Date: 0 6 I 01 / a a__ C. Cont.1c1 Pr.rson: Greg Pe.lk_..a.__ __ ...:.

r1?lephonP.: ( 213 ) 590-5201

D Purpr>st• Prospect for pxecious metals and other valuable minerals other

than sand and gravel, 6il, gas and geothermal resources. E Location Se,... ti on 16~ T2S, B23E, SBM. located in the Riverside Mountains

_of._Ejyerside County a&proximately 28 miles north of Blythe.

F O.-sn1p11on prospecting for precious rn.~tals and other valuable minerals

~y drilling eight diamond core holes ~o a_m3_Ximum depth of 500 feet

to obtain core samples for off-Site assay .. G Pr.r~oas Conl~cted: ___________________ _

9 Andrew Pauli-Wildlife Biologist, California Dept. ·of 'Fish and,Game

Mike Giusti-Fishery Biologist, California Dept. of Fish and Game

II. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS. (Explain all "yes'" and "maybe" answers}

f, /;ur1h. Will, 1he proposal result in: Yes Mayoe

I. Unstable earth conditions or changes in geologic.substructures? .................•.... ,_, i I

t2j I - I

I _-J ,, __ . 2. 01~r1J(ltfons, displacements, Cof!1pac1ion, or overcovering of the soil7 ..........•.......•..

J. Chan9e in topography or grc:iund surf• ce relief features? .......................... . I , ~ I . - I ' L! i..-• •I The dL'Strucuon, coverrng. or modific; t1on of any unique geologic or physical features? ...... . ....

R L._J v.. 5 Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off the site?. . . . . . . . . . . .....

No

x , ... ,

! . '

. i

~ ,. ' '

'3 r:i-.m•J.:!S .n deposition or erosion of beach sands. or changes m siltation. depos1t1on or 1?ros101, .v:11ch mJy ·-othf•1 the channel of a river or stream or the hed of the ocean or any hay, inlet. o,~1 """-.._..'"-====~---~=-=~X -"•'"· .1e 11 .111 pco;i.t! or property 10 geologic h;izards such a~ carthqu.,ke\. '""'·"~;t_:·~~ACc. ,, ... · .1 2·9--=. •·•.we or s1miiar hazards? . . . . . . . . . · · 2 71 4

. . a. ;It/. \'/ill the proposal result Ill

c;.

1. Suh.,;t;;nt1al ;ur tt!'m~\1uns 01 rll!tcrmrat.on of amb1erll c 11 \\uahty J • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2. The creation of o~;e-.:t1onablc odors?. . .................................. . ~- Alter:iticn oPair movemen't, mo1swre or tempr.rature, or any change 1n climate, either lotjlly or re~i.onally?.

h'1111•r Will th1: 11ro;·nsal resul1 an~

1. Chanyr.s.~n the currents, or the cour~e 01 direct1or of water movements, in either marine or fresh waters?

2 Chan!J'!\ 111 alno1pt1un r;ites. draa:iaqo> J>Jtterns. or the rate anlJ .lmo:>:mt of surface water runoff? •••••...•

3. Alh?rat•on\ t<lilhP. course ur flow of llnod watP.r\' •.

V111 M•vlh? Nu

x

i 4 Chang-: '" the amounl o! sur filr.c witer-m.:i!lY watrr hod·1 J •••••.••••.•.••••••••••••••• ' .I

x x

S. Disct1~1.r•1t!' 11110 surface Haters, or in any altl'lahnn ol s11rl.1r.c w .. : .. r quality. including hut not limited to

ll?m111!1.•tur••, 1l.s\~lvPrf r J(yqcn m turhithty?

6. Alh:r.::.J11 111 ;he d111fct 011 or:rate of flow of !11<1111111 \",.11ers'

7 Chanaie 111 Iii!! quantity of qrouud wJtl!I~. either thro1111h duecl .ilJd1tions or withdrawals, or through inter r.cp11~11 ol .sn Jt1111fc:1 hy cuts or -:xc.1vatinns? · .. ._ ..•.••.•••••.•

8. Suhsta11t•al re~lucuon m the dmount of water oti11!rw1se avaal.li:!tlfor pubhc water supplies?

9. Er.11osu1c of iieople 01 property to water·related hazards such as flooding or tidal waves? ...•••..•••.•

10 5u1nilrr..1nt 1:hJnqt>~ m the 11m1peraturc. flow m r.hemic:rl content of surface thermal springs? .••••.....•

D. /'/111111/ 1(•' Wall the proposJI rr,ult m:

Ch;111111: 111 1he 1hv.:1s11y ul .pec•cs, or 1111rnb1:1 of any species of plants (including trees, shrubs:grass. crops. ,1r\d a1111at11· plants I' . . ........... _ ................................ .

2 R1•d11r.1iu11 of thP 11111nlwr~ c1I any unique, rare or endangered spr.c1c_s of plants? ••••••••••••.•..•...

3. !111roc111r.11011 ot new spcc11Js ot 111ants mto an area. or 111 ;i ha111er to the normatf~lihldn1$i!ffic1wG:'1:xistiny \Jll!Cll?s 1 • • • • • • • • • • • : ' ' • • : ••• ' ' ' ' "·. ·• " " ":" "" ' " • • • •

4 Rr•u11c11011 111 acreage of any .ig11cultural crop?

E 111111111/ /If•' Will tht' p101Msi1l result 111:

I Ch:1n11•• 111 the 1hvers1t\ ol \(lc1:1e\, or numhP.r\ ol any species of animals (birds. land anrmai~ rncludin!J 1~ptilc~. !1~h .inti Shl!llf1~h. hcnth1c oryamsms. or mscctsl'. • •..•.••••..•.•..••••••...•

'·?-· R·•d11ct1on of thr. numh•:rs of Jny uni111:i:. r;irc or endangerncl s11cc1P.S of animals? ..•.•

:I lntrr1clm:11un ol 11~·,•1 \ll :cies of Jnirnals mto an ,uea, or rnsult 111 a barr icr to the mi!Jr .itron or movement of a1111nJIS' •••••• • · • • • • • · • -- • • • • • • • •

4 l>•ltl'l1•11:.11on to c111st111•1 fl~h ur wildhlr. hilhit.it?.

lncr••.1\•' 111'.!X•StlllY1101\:l levi:ls1.

2. (x11n~1111! ,,1 pco11li• :o s•!Vl'll? nm\c lc·1d,/

G 1.(-llll um/ <:!art' Wrll the 11ropos;il rc\ult 111

1 Thi' P'<'"l11c:11011 of 1~ew light or ylart!'

H /.11111/ { "" Will thP. propu~ .. l res.ult 111 ·

1. A ~uh~tJllt•iil iJlter.•t~on.of.thc wes1:nt 111 pl0>J1m:cl l;md use ol an area? ••

I. S11111r11f l<1•v111rt·1•.\, \Viii the propos1. ·e~ult 111:

l. lncreaie m me rate of use of any natural resources?

2 S11hst_~1ni.1I ~leplet1011 of any nonrcncwilhlc re,ources?

.. ,

• ....... 11 ............. .

,. ............... .

1. J

.I

I I • .J

. i

x

x x x x· x x

x x

xe x

X, x x x

'· .,.•,

x: / .

x

~ ,. 3 ff . -~-" 2715 l

I

•

.. J. • /(11/.. 11/ l'I'"''· D1•~\ the p1011osJI 1cs11ll in Vt1 Maybe No

1. A mk of an explosion or the release ot hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, oil, pestic;!des, O O fV1 chemicals. or radiation) in the event of an accident or upset conditions? . . • . • • • • • •.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • ~

.2. Possible interference with emergency response plan or an emergency evacuation plan? . • • • • . • • • • • . • • . 0 0 l8J K. /'nJ111/111ion. Will the propos3l result in:

1. The altcr<itron. distribution, density, or growth rate of the human population of the area? • • • • • • • • • . • • 0 0 l&J L. llml.\illJC, Wrll the prvposal result m:

0 i] 1. Aflecting existing housing, or crcatl? a demand for additional housing? • • . • . • . . . . . • . . . • . • . . • • . . . I _

M. /"ri:ll.\/lllTla1iu11/Circulatin11. Will the proposal result in:

1. Generation of substantial additional vehicular movement?. • • . . • • . • • • • • • . . . • . • • . • • • • • • 0 [] l&1 2. Allcctmg existiJ\g parking facilities, or created demand for nP.w parking?. . . . • • • • . • • . • . • . • • . • . • • • 0 [J t8J 3. Suhstantral imp:ict upon existmq uansportation systems?. • • . • . • . . . . • • • • . . . • . • . . . • • • . 0 [] ~ 4. Alle1ations to present pattern'> of circulation or movement of people and/or goods? . . • . • • • • . • . • . . • • 0 0 ~ 5. Altr.ratrons to waterborne, rail, or air traffic? • • . • . . • • • . • . • • . • . • . . • • . . • • • • • . . • . • • . . • • • • . 0 0 Ji<l G. lnc11•ase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians? • • • • • • • • • . • . • • . • • • • • . . . . . 0 l=:I ~'

N. /'11h/1r Sc•rri1"C'l. Will the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered governmental se1vrccs in any of the following areas:

1 Fire pro~cr.tion? •..•..••.• , .•••••••.•.•••••••••.••••.•••• · •• • .• • • • • • • · • • • • · · ·

2. Police protection? ••.•..•••••••••.•••••••••••.•••••••.•.•.•••.•.•••. : _ .•••.•••

3, ~chuols 7 •.... • .................. '> •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

4, P.11ks ;mlf other rncreational facihli"1 •••...••.•••••••••••••••.•••••.••••••.••••.•.•.

5. Maintenance of puhhc facilitit:'i, including roads? •.•.•• . ............................. . .. 6, Olher \1overnmental services? •••••..•.•••••.•••• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 [J. ~. DD (gl DD~ Cl D ~ 0 Cl~· [I [J i>-j

O. /:'ill'rx.1·. Writ the proposal result in:

1 Ilse of suhstantral amounts of fuel <?r emirgy 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 t8J 2. Suhsta111ral increase 111 dr.mand u1mn existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources? • 0 0 ~

p l/1ili1i1•\ Wrll the proposal result in a necd tor new systems. or substantial alterations to the following utilities:

Pnwer or natural gas 7 • . .............................................. . 2 Co_mrnurucauon s•1stcms! ....................................................... .

:1. Watt!r? ••.. ............................................................. •1. Scwl!I •ll septrc tanks 7 ..•..•.....•. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. Storm wat'!r dr.imauc? .. .. .......................................... . 6. Sol11I waste and clrs11osal? ....................................................... .

.CJ L l rxl D Cl~ D i;..1 'V\ ·- 1.1 ~

[J' 1 ··1 v, L. ~

[l 0 (81 [] [l !>?J

O. 1/11111011 /fr11/1lt. Will the proposal result in:

I. Creation of any health halard or potential health hazarci (excluding mr.ntal health)? • . • • . • • • • • • • • • • . [J [.J . X /.. F.x

11osure of people to potential health hazards? • . • • • • • • • • . • • • • • . • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . . • [J [\ iXl

R • lc'lf/1t•1ic.\. Will the proposal result in:

t. The ohstruction of any scenic vista or vi~w open to the public, or wiil ih·i: ;;iro~s~) rest~~·;n th~ C!_e~iion of [-.J 1~""·l. :~-: an :ll!~th•:trcally offensive site open to public view? . . • . . ... • . • . • . • . • • • . . • • • . • • • • • • • • . • . . • • ;. "

~ l~1•c·r1·•1l11•11. 'Nrl!,:h1! proposal result rn·

i ;.,, ,1111

1o1r.1,/111111n lh•• 1111.1lity or riu:mtity of existing recreational opportunitits? ...

-3 ·-

T • <.'11/111r11/ /lc'.\t111rces. . . 1. Wall the proposal result an the alteration of or the desiructaon of a prehistoric or historic archeological site?.

2. Will the. proposal result i~ adverse physicai or aesthetic effects to a prehistoric or historic building, struc!ure. or object? •••••.•••••••••••••••••.•.•.••...•.•.••.•.••••••••••••••••••

J. Does the proposal have tho: potential to cause a phy.sical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? . • • . . • . . . • • • . •...••.. ~ •••••..••...•••..•...••.••.••.••.•.• · • • · • • ·

4 Will the proposal restrict exi~ting religious or sacred uses within the potential impa<"t area? .••..••....•

U. Mumlator.1· Fi111li11[{S of Significance.

1. Ooes the pro1ect have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment. reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife pcpulation to drop below self·sustaining leveis, threaten to eliminate

Y111 Maybe No

D ~ 1 ~

0 [] ~­L.J I. I ~ DLllXJ

a plant or animal.community, reduce th·4 number or restrict the range of a rare or endal"lgered plant or 1

__ J I animal or eliminate 1mp~rtant examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? ....... .

Z. Dolls the .pr::.1ect have the potential to achieve short t.:rm. to th1~ 1..hsadvanta!)'? of long·term, environmental · goats? ..•.•.•.• : .•.• ·'"···.. . .•...•••... , . . . . . . . . • • . . . • . • . • . . . . . ..•••. [ ·1 j -) IVl

..J ~~ V\J

3. Does the project have impiicts which are ind1vioually limited. but cumulatavelv considerable? •.•..•.... . . .. [] [! ~ . .

4, Does the Prl•ject have environmental 1{ffccts which wall cause suhstJntial advi?ase effects on human beings, •lather directl'r or indirectly? •. : ..•. ·'· • • . . . • • . . • • . . . • ••..•........••.•..•.. [J FJ ~

Ill. DISCUSSION. Of ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION (See Comments Attacher/)

A:2. Proposed drilling, drill pad preparation and construction of mud sumps will cause minor disruptions of the soil.

A.3. If drill ·P~d preparation is required, minor changes ·fn: topography or ground~surfac..e relief features may result.

A.5. Minor amounts of wind and water er?sion of soil may result from drilling activity.

- . ..

F.1. The helicop.ter, drill rig and support vehicles will t:e·mporarily e increase noise levels.

....

IV. PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION

On th•: ha~1s of this initial evaluation: ..

\ ..... ' :.

•

, 1 I 111111 1111? 1.ropo)cJ p101ec.t COULD NOT hJ~e cl s1gnil11..a11t cff.~'Gt on the environment, and a NEG_ATIVE:'OECLARATION wall } hr? 11rop;111~d.

X I 111111 that although the paoposecl 11ro1ect could hJve cl s1gnif1c~f\t cflect on the environment, there wall not be a significant effect 111 t111s case because -the mit1ga11011 measures dc~_r.rihctl on _.,_r, attached sheet-have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prnparctl .

: , I l111d the proposed pro1ect MAY have a s19111i"icant cffec~ on the environment, and an° ENVIRONMENTAL IMPft.CT REPORT 1\ 1 e:1u1ed.

o.11e: X I 01..0 I 8'!

. 4 ••

State Lands Commission 245 \Jest Broadway, Suite 425 Long Beach, CA 90802

Attention: Mr. Greg Pelka

Subject:

Dear Greg:

.June 22, 1983

Initial Study - Mineral Prospecting Texasgulf ttinerals and Metals, Inc. Riverside Mountains Area

Thank you for informing us of the application for a prospecting,pennit by Texasgulf Minerals and Metals, Inc.

This area is identified as "Mountainous" and "Desert" areas on the Riverside County Comprehensive General Plan, Open Space and Conservation Hap; and is zoned N-J\, natural Assets. A summary of the uses pennitted in the N-A Zone, from Riverside County Land U~e Ordinance No. 348, is attached.

Based upon our review of the project and your initial study, it appears that a tlegative Declaration should be appropriate for this project. Please note that if the applicant decides t~ either do small-scale~ on site testing or mining that is within the provisions of the California Surface Mining and 8eclamation Act or Riverside County's Ordinance 555 (Implementing SHARA) he shali then be required to obtain' the necessary permits from Riverside County.

Ph~ase do not.h~~.it~~~ .~o ~~.1.1 me at (714) 787-1377, if you have any qu~s~.ions • . . . .. . . ... . .. .. . "' . . .. . . . . .. .. . . . . . . Very truly yours, }

SAK:rd

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RIVERSIDE COUUTY PLANN~NG OEPA~TMENT Roger s. Streeter - Plpnning Director ---- . . ... · I I I '

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Steven A. Kupferman · / f Engineering ·Geo 1.ogi s y //

CAl:NOU PACE

MINUF:; PAGE

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4080 LEMON STREET. 9 111 FLOOR RIVERSIDE, CALIFGi=iNIA 92501

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