MINUTEJTEM Tim Cale..ridar Hem No.~ was ~~ed as Minute nam No. by th£A State1.ands Commission by ~ote of~ ~o a- at ltS -av-27 •neetlng.

A 80

s 39

APPLICANT:

CALENDAR ITEM

35

APPROVAL OF A PROSPECTING PERMIT FOR MINERALS OTHER THAN OIL, GAS, GEOTHERMAL

RESCYJRCES, SAND ANO GRAUEL, IMPERIAL COUNTY

Walter H. Wheeler P. 0. 80)( 1755 Yuma, Arizona 85364

09/23/87 WP 6395 -PRC 5395 Pelka

PROPOS~D AUTHORIZATION: Approval of a prospecting permii for two years to prospect for gold and silver and other valuable min~rals, other than oil, gas, geothermal resources, sand and gravel, on approximately !27 acres of land 19cated in Imperial County.

TYPE OF LAND AND LOCATION: State School Land - Portion of W 1/2 of W 1/2, Section 36, Tl3S R22E, SBB&M, Imperial County, 1.3 miles so~thwest of Picacho, more par~icularly described in Exhibit "A".

PROPOSED PROJECT: The Applicant wi11 take exploratory samples from the subsurface in two phases by excavating ~ix sample pits, three per ehase. The samples will be assayed for gold and s~lver to discover and delineate any possible gold and/or silver deposits. Pit dimensions will be approximately six feet wide, fifteen feet long and eighteen feet deep. Each pit shall be backfilled prior to proceP.ding with the next location.

Ueh1cle access is restricted to existinq roads, jeep trails, and washes. No surface disturbance such as road construction, trenehing, blasting, or clearing will be permitted.

-1-

CALENDAR PACE

CALENDAR IT!.:'-1 NO. 3 5 rcoNT ID) ·__;.~""-~-.>.lo.. -

If commencial mining operations are proposPd, appropriate environmental documentation will be prepared and certified prior to issuing a mineral extraction lease. ·

TERMS OF PROPOSED PERMIT: The prirnc'\ry term of a prQspecting per·mi t is two years. The Commission may, in its discretion, extend tha term for one additional year.

CONSIDERATION: Filing fee of t2S, expense deposit of $250, and acreage deposit of $127.

ROYALfY: Royalty payable unddr the prospacting permjt shall be twenty percent of the gross value of the minerals secured from the permit area and sold or otherwise disposed of or held for sale or other disposition.

Royalty payable under any preferent±al lease issued shall not be less than ten percent of the gross value of all mineral production from the l~ased lands, less any charges approved by the Commission made or incurred with respect to transporting or processing the State's royalty ~hare of production. The determination of said royalty charges shall be at the di$cretion of the Commission and set forth in said l~ase.

PREREQUISITE ITEMS: 1. Required statutory filing fee, expense

deposit and acreage deposit have been submitted by the Applicant.

2. Subject parcel is no~ known to contain a commercially valuable deposit of minerals.

STATUTORY REFERENCES: A. P.R.C.: Div. 6, Section 6691. 8. Cal. ndm. Code: Title 2, Section 2200.

AB 884-: 10/10/87.

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

authority and the State CEQA Guidelines ( 14 Cal. Adm. Code 15.025), the staff has prepared a Negative Declaration identified

-2- CALENOAR PACiE

MINUTE PACE

208 3": 10

CALENDAR ITEM NO. 3 5 (CONrn

as EIR ND 32!, State Clearinghouse 82041850; such negative de(laration was prepar_ed and circulated· in Dacember 1982 for pu)lic review pursuant to the provisions of CEQA. A copy of this environmental document is attacherl as

. Exhibit "C 11 •

In May or 1987, staff recirculated EIR ND 321 for an identical project application submitted by the Applicant. Based upon the recirculation of the Negative Declaration, and the comments rece1ved in response thereto, additional mitigation measur~s have been added to the permit. There is no substantial euidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment (14 Cal. Adm. Code 1S074(b).

2. Pursuant to P.R.C. Section 6895, the Applicant would have a preferential right to a lease for a maximum of 127 acres embraced within the permit. Said right shall be subject to all necessary environmental approvals. Tha permit will not affect the discretion of the Commission in granting or denying such environmental approvals; it is understood that the Commissidn may deny the issuance of a lease based upon environmental considerations pursuant to CEQA.

3 Permit shall provide for a performance bond or other security device ~f $2,500 in favor of the State.

APPROVALS OBTAINED:

EXHIBITS:

Pursuant to ?.R.C. Section 6890, the sub~ect permit application and form have been approved by the Office of the Attorney General as to compliance with the applicable provisions of the law.

A. - Land Description. 8. Site Map. c. Negative Declaration.

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IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE COMMISSION:

1. CERTIFY THAT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION EIR ND 321, STATE CLEARINGHOUSE 82041850, WAS RECIRCULATEQ FOR THIS PROJECT, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CEQA ANO THAT THE COMMISSION HAS REVIEWED AND CONSIDERED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THERFIN. THE ~ROJECT SHALL INCLUDE fHIS PROSPECTING PERMIT A~D A~¥ EXTENSION THE COMMISSION MAY GRANT FOR THE SAME PROJECT DESCRIBED IN THE PERMIT. ANY EXTENSION SHALL NOT EXCEEO ONE YEAR.

2. DETERMINE THAT THE PROJECT, AS PROPOSED, WILL NOT HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE ENVLRONMENT.

3. DETERMINE THAT THE LANDS DESCRIBED IN THE PERMIT ARE NOf PRESENTLY KNOWN TO CON1A!N COMMERCIALLY VALUABLE DEPOSilS Of MINERALS.

4. AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF THE PROSPECTING PERMIT TO WALTER H. WHEELER, FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS, FOR ALL MINERALS, OTHER THAN OIL, GAS, GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES, SAND AND GRAUEL ON A FRACTIONAL PORTION OF THE WEST HALF Of THE WEST HALF, SECTION 36, T13S, R22E, SBB&M, IMPERIAL COUNTY, CONTAINING APPROXIMATELY 127 ACRES; IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARD FORM OF PERMIT. ROYALTY PAYABLE UNDcR THE PERMil SHJU.L BE TWENTY PERCENT. ROYALTY PAYABLE UNDER ANY PREFERENTIAL LEASE ISSUED UPON THE DISCOVERY OF COMMERCIAL VALUABLE DEPOSITS FOR ANY AND ALL MATERIALS EXTRACTED OR REMOVED FROM SAID PREMISES FOR SALE OR STOCKPILING SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN fEN PERCENT OF f~E GROSS REVENUE, LESS SPECIFIC CHARGES, AS APPROVED BY TKE CO~MISSION, RELAT~D TO TRANSPORTING AND PROCESSING, AS SET FORTH IN SAID LEASE; THE.DETERMINATION OF SAID ROYALTIES SHALL ~~ AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COMMISSION.

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CAlCNOAI{ PAGE

MINUTE,rAGE

?10

,e

EXHIBIT "A"

.AND DESCRIPTION WP 6~95.2

Those portions of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 in the W 1/2~f the NW 1/4 and the W 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of Section 36, T13S, R22E, SBM, Imperia-1 County,, California.

EUO OF DESCRIPTJOH

PREPARE[; NuVEMBER 16, 1982, BY BOUNDARY AND TITLE UNIT, LEROY HEED, SUPERVISOR.

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EXHIBIT "B" WP 6395.2

ST.~ TE LANDS COMMISSION

ProJecc 'l;'.itle:

EXHIBIT •c•

PROPOSED ::Er.A'lf\7~ OECLt.RATTO:l

Mineral Prospecting Permit, Walter H. Wheeler

UCICUflVE. OHll"r 1101 • T~lh Stror &.c:r.n.nto. Cal.for!'•• ~.! : •.

EIR ND 321

-~· "~·f w ~0316 ~-.&.· nC -~

Seil: 82'141S50

Project Location: Portion of W1J of WJ.s, Section 36, T. 1.3 S., R. 22 E., S.B.B. & M., Imperial County.

Project Descr.:.?:ion: Walter H. Wheeler ;.rill take exploratory ~amples from the subsurface in two phases, and assay them. for gold and ~ilve: content to discover and deli~eate any possible sold and/or silver aepos1ts .

•

Th.is N!:e-AT!VE D.E:C' .... \R.\"J;ION is prep:ired pursuant to the require::.ents of the Ca!!fc:-=:.i.: Environ~cnt~l Qu~licy Ace (Section 2tOOu et seq. of th~ ·~ublic Resources Code). the s:~:~ CEQA: ~;;iaeli:les (Sei:cion 1.5000 et s0:q,. 1 'l"ic.le 14, of the C.J.ifornia Adm.!nistr:itivP. Co'"!! J. and the St::.te L?nas Coorunission regulacicns (Section 2901 et a .. q., Title' 2

1 of the. .

. California Ad::itl.istrative Code)c

ksed u1:an the attac:hed Ini'tial Sc:w!y, it has b~en found that;

.f!!I the project vill aot ~ave a si&nificant effect on the enviro~~enc.

t::J the ~tcached a:iti.,t!on a:z:e.isurcs will avoid pote.~tially siga:Lfic:uit effEcts.

Cont.ice Person: Ted T. Fukushima r.807 - 13th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Tel: (916) 322-7813

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COMMEi.:TS RECEIVED AND RESPo:.;sES TO Il~ITIAL STt!DY

1. Departnent of Parks an~ Recreation

Comments:

"There are several items which 1n·ill need to be discussed in m re detail in the Negative Declaration tor prospecting per­ntl.t W 40316. Since the project . s adjacent to Picacho State Recreation Area, the general public may have occasion ~o be in the project area. Some sort of warning sign to alert tee public to keep out of the project area wil! be needed. Because camping and other recreation~l activities occur throug.•out this area, even if the digs are only of a few days duration, on-site signs should be posted.

Also, a thorough investigation of the weather and climate patterns should be done, to determine the potential effects any flash flooding may have on the project site or acj~cent areas. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, and the rate and amount. of surface runoff should be included-.

The use of backhoes and other equipment will produce fumes and odors and digglng will generate dust. These items need ~o be mentioned and measures taken to minimize their effect.

Picacho State Recreation Area is a quiet, rural area, where the general public goes to enjoy the outdoors. The quality of this recreational experience rnay be dirn~nished if the scenic vistas and relative quiet are disturb~d. There::ore, the project site land alterations should be kept to a mini­mum and the machinery creating a~y noise should only be operated !or one eight hour pe::-iod per day, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m."

Rcsoonsc:

1. Paragraph eight of the prospe·cti!lg permit provides for no~ifying the public bi' rcquirir.g th~ permi ttee to mark each corner of the r.crmitted lands with a substantial monument and :">Ost a· notice in il com;oic':.!ous }.ocation on the permitted land stating Lhnt the prospecting p~r­mit has been issued and d~scribing the permitted l~nd~i

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l. 01..;?urtm~nt or Pc:ir};s uncl r::ccrcu tiein {Conlcl.)

Rt:!leonsc: ( Co:i td. )

2. Since the total activity involves a maximum of only 360 cubic y~rds cf material and each excuvation will be restoreQ, as nearly as possible, to the natu~al ground contour, the staff doc,s not =oresce any signiLicant im­pacts from flash flooding during the proposed cxplor~­tion. Additionally, the nominal total surface disturb­ance of 0.012 acre should not have any significant im­pacts with respect to changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate or amount of surface run-

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3. The prospecting permit (Paragraph 24b) binds the pcrrnittee to conduct all operations in such manner as to eli~inate as nearly as possible all dust, noise, vibration, or noxious odors. Since the excavating, sampling and resto~a­tion at the six possible sites wil;t be comp~eted in app::c;:i­mately two days, there should not bo any substantial air emissions or deterioration ~f ambient air quality or a permanent increase in the existing noise lev~ls.

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MIN!JTC PAGE 3 ! 4 f

INITIAL STUDY INTRODUCTION

August l· , 19~:·

Walter H. Wheeler has applied to the State Lands

Commission for a prospecting p~rmi"t on State lands

located south of Picacho State Recreation Area in east-

ern Imperial County. The proposed project consists of

excavating six sample pits, three per phase, to discover

and delineate any possible orebody. The permit, when

issued, is for a two year period.

This Initial Study consists of an initial study

checkliet, information form responses, and maps.

STATE LANDS COMMISSION

August 1982

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;X81 Bl T A'' STATE LANDS COMMISSIO~:

APPLICATION FOR PROSPECT! t-.G 'PERMIT

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W-40316

Wolter H. Wheeler Imperial County

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PICACl:iO PEAK, CA. LITTLE PICACt:iO PEAK. CA •. PICACHO SW, AZ-CA. PICACHO·, AZ-CA

7. 5'.USGS QUADRANGLES.

INITIAL STUDY CHE\:KLIST Form 13-'20 17/BOI FlleAef.· W ·10}16

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A. AppliC.1nt: Walter H. Wheeiar ______________ -... _____ -· --- - -- -P •. o. Box 1755, __ _

_ _!uma,,_ Ari-zoria . 85364

B. Checklist Date: _ 8 I 16 I 82 ,

c. Contact.Per:on· . James B •. Hart, State Land=s;.......;C:.;o:.;nu:.:.· :::m=i:.;s=s-=i:.;:o:.;:n"'---''----~---------

T~le\Jhone: (,213 ) 590-5201

o Purpose· PTospect for valuable minerals.

E Location· Portion of Wis of W~, Section 36, T •• 13 S. 1 R. 22 E.,

.s.B.B. &M., Imperial County. See attached maps.

F Description: Applicant will dig six test _holes to approximately

_____ 1 ..... a feet with a back hoe.,,. takG ~amplee .. at the 6, 12,

arid 18 foot depths, and assay the samples for gold & silver

See deta .led pro--J·ect d sc • t• ··content. G. Persons Contacted: I. ----"----"-'-'---..-e.;...;;....;;...;r;..;1~po;;..;;:.;:1:;.;o:;.;n:.;:..:.. ______ --------.,..--

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II. ~NVIRONMENT~L IMPACTS. (Explain all "yes" and "mayb~" ansWtlrsJ

A. liarrll. Will th., pr<?posal result in:

1. Unstable earth conditions or changes in geologic substructures? , ••••••••• , ••••.••••••••••••••

2. Disruptions, di5placements, compaction, or ovMcovering of the soil? ••••••••••. , •••••••••••••••

3. Change in topography or ground surface relief fea!ures? ••••••• ·" •••••••••••••••••••.••••••

4. The dc:struction, covering, or modificNion o: any unique gei:nogic or physical features? ••••••••••••••

5. An•1111creHe in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off thu site? ..•. , , , • , , , ..•••••••• , •• ,

YH Maybe No

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6. Chan!1es m dr.pmitron c: •· erosion of ~leach satlds .. 'or chang11s rn silta11011, deposition or erosion which may I I I 1,

modify the ch::mncl of a tfver or strc::lw· ! the IJcd of the ocean or any hay, inh!t, or lake? , . . . . . • • . . • . i':

I [_,,, ·'"' "' ,,;, ,., ""''· o• "' "'""' Ou "' "'"Y"· ""'""'' "''" " '" lh•I••'''- 1,mhl ,...,.......,. .... , ""''"'" .-...,,.,,,__ t l;ul1111'. or unil 11 h.rz,ucl~>. . , . . • . . . . . . . . . C\tt•HH"' l":\CE" . 2 I ;) ·

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Soh~tanll:il i!lr 11mni1~~1om '01 1tn1c11mJtton of .imh•!!lll Jir 1111.ii.tv'

2 Th~ cre.111011 of ob1P.r:t1onJhh..' <.•dur,'

3. Alteraticn of air movement. moisture or temp,erature,or any cnange in chmate,e1ther locally or reg1cmally?.

C. h'att'r. Will the,proposal result m:

1. Ch.snges in tfie currents. or the course or direction of water inovemen~s. 1n either marine or fresh waters? .•

2. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate a •cnmounl of sur1o~ wzt.'lr runoff? ..•..••••

3. Alterations to the course or· flow of flood waters? • • • • • • . . . • • • . • • . . . • • • • . • . • • • • • • • • • ..•.

4. Ch~nge in the 2mounr of surfaca wat«r in any watl!r body7. . . . . ..... " ......... •· .......... . 5. Discharge into surface waters, or in any ;:Iteration of surface water quality, including but ~ot limited to

tempersture, dissolved c xyglln or t1Jrb1dity?. • • . . • • • • . . ...••••.•••.•••..•••..•••

6. AlteratiOn of the dir~ct on or rate of flow of 9round waters? •.••.••..••••.••.•••••.•••..•.•.

7. Change in the quantity of ground waters. eith'.!f thrcugh direct additions or w1thd1awals, or throu!Fi inter· ception of an aquif11r by cuts or exc1~1tions? • • . • • • . • • . ••..••••••.•••.•.••••••••...•.

8. Substantiil reduction in the amount of water otherwi5e available for public water supplies? •••...••..•

9. Expo~ure of people or property to water·related hazards such as floociing or tidal waves? ••••••••.....

10. Significant changes in the temperature, flow or chemical content of surface thermal sprir.gs? ••••••.•..•

0. Plclll /.lfr. Will the propuut re~ult in:

1. Change in the diversity of species, or number oq any speciet1of plants (in~luding trees, shrubs, grass, crops, dt1ll aqu.nic plantsJ/. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • . • . • • • • • . • • • • • •••••.••.

2. Reduction of the numb•:rs of any unique, rare or endangered species of plants? •••••••.••••.• ~ ••.•.

3. Introduction of new species of plants mto ;n ,Jrea, or in °' bir9'•' to the normal replenishment of existing spec1e1? . ......... --....••.....•.•.•..... , •..•••..•..•.••... " ••.•..•.•...• - .. .

4. Aeduction m acreage of any apricultural crop? •••••••.•..••.••••.••••.••...•••.....•..•

E. 1l11imaf Lif~.-Will the proposal rMult in:

1. Change in the diYersitv of species, or numbers of any species of animals (birds, land animals including reptrles, fish and ~hellfish, beothic organisms, or insects)?. • . ••.•••.•••••.••••.••. : •• , •••••

2. RM!uction of the numbors of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? •••••••••••••••.•••

3, Introduction of new spdcies of animals into an area, or result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals? ••••...••••.• : ••..•••.•••..••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••••••••••

4. Deterioration to existing fi5h or wildlife h1bitat? ..•••••••••••••••••••..••••.••••••••.•••

F. N11i1~. Will thtt propoSill retult in:

1. Increase 1n existing nois•? levels? •.••••.•••.•.•.•••..•••..••••. , , •••.•.•••...•.••••.

2. cl'posure of people to s•:vere noise levels? •.. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • a • • A e I t • • • • • A t • a a • • " K •

G. /.iJ:/lf tlltrl <i/art' Will the propOSi!l r~ull tn:

1. The productio11 of 11ew light or glare? .• ..... ....... ·····~··· ~················"··~

H. I.um/ Uv:. Will the proposal result in:

1. A ~ubstanual all;irati"'" of the- pr~ent or planned land use ol an area 1, ............................ I. Nowra/ llrsm1tus. Will the proposal resull 111:

1. lncruasc 1111h11 r111c of use of any n111ur11I resources' .................... 2. Snbsrnntlill du11:.:11on o~nv nonrcnl!Wilhh: remrnc.:s> .. , .. ~ . " .. . . . . . . . . . . .

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l A mk of an explosion ur th~ rele.ise of hazarrlous iub~.~·onc•JS (including, but not limited to, 011, p11U1cides, chem1c:ils, or radiatronl in the .:vent of an accident or upsPt con~i't1ons? . . • . . • • • • • . . • . . . • . . •..

2. Possible interrerence with ~mergr.ncy re;ponsc. plan .:ir :in ~margencv evacuatir>n plan? .••.•..•.•.•..•

K. Jiopulatlnn. Will the proposal result in:

1. The alteration, distribution, density, or growth r~~~ of the human population of the ~rea7 .............

D CJ LJ Ci

D 0 l~ L. l/ousing. Will the proposal result in:

1. AHecting existing housing, or create a dem:md for acfditir>nal housing • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • 0 :0 M. Transporu11ion/.r;lrtulatlon. Will the p~opoSll result in:

1. Generation o·,1subst1ntial additional vehicular movament7.................................. D· C ~ 2. Affecting exi~ting parking facilities, or create~ deman~ for new parking?. • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • . • . • • • • 0 D ~ 3. Substantial imp~t upon existins; transportation systems?. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • . . • • • • . 0 0 fX1 4. Alterations to prtHent patterns of circulation or movement of people Ind/or go¢s7 • • • . • • • • . • • • . • • D 0 fi. 5. Alterations to wat'!rbome, rail, or air traffic? •••••.••••••••••••.•••••••••••.•••••..••• - 0 0 UL 6. lncrnse in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bir:yclists,·or p~~ians? • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • 0 D ~

N. Pzthlic Stn·i~s. . Will the pyroposal have an effect upon, or result in a n8'd for new or altered governmental -services in any of the.following ar~.a»:

1. Fire protection 7 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••

2. police protection? ••••••••.••••••••••.•••.•••••••.•••••••••.••••••••••••.•.•••

3. Scl1ools7 • • • • • • . • • . • • • . • •••••••••••••••••• • ••. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • · • • • • • • • • • • • • •

4. Parks and other recrutiol'al facilities? •••••.•.••.•••.••••••.••• , • , .••••••••••••.•.•••

5. Maintenance of public facili?ies, including roadsi' •••• . ................................. . 6. Other governmental servi:es7 ••.•.••••••.••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••

0. Entrx,v.-Will the proposal result in:

1. Use of subs:antial amounts of fuel or energy? ••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••.••••.••..

2. Substantial increase· in demand upon existing sources of energy, or rtquire the development of new sources? •

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P. Ut/l!ties. Will she proposal result in a need for new systems, or substantial alteratiom to the following utilities:

1. Power or natural gas? •.••••••••••• ., ••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••••••••••• · • · • • • • 0. D lli: 2. Comm~nication systems? •••.•.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• - • • • [j 0 If. 3. Water? .•••••••••• .-•••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••.•• - • • •• • • - • • • • - • • , - • • • - • • D D lX 4. Sewer or septic tanks? •..••••.•...•.•••.•••.••••••••••••••.•••• • ••• · •• · • • • · • · • • 0 0 ~

r.-1. o ~ ..... 5. Stcnm water drainage? •.•••••.•.•.•.••••.......••••••.•.•••••••.•.•.••.••.••.•.

6. Solid waste and disposal? •••.•.•.••.•...•••....••.••• - • . • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • . • • • • D D rx a. llumun /IC'altlt. Will the proposal result in:

·1. Creation of any health hazard or-potential health hazard (excludin2 mental health)? • • . . • . . . • • . 0 D 2. Exposur!! of piloplc to potential health hazards? •••• , • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • . • . . • • . • • . . . 0 0

R. ;1tsthetit:s. Will the proposal result in:

1. The ~struchon of any scenic vista or view open to the public, or will the ~irt>,.~-~/result in the creation of an aesthetically offensive site open to public 1Jiew? . . • . • • • • • . • . . • . • • • • . • • • • . . . • • . • • . [l n

S, lfrrrra//1111 Will the nropcm1l res1:lt in:

I An ,rnp.11:1 1111011 the qu:ihty or c1ua11trty of cx1~t1111J rccreationJI 1111poruuut1es?. Li

T <.11/11m1/ /:a•)•l/lrc''"'·

I. Will th~ oro:·1Jsal n:sull 111 the alter;Jtcon of or 1h1! desuui:: cm of a pr•:'1•stouc t.11 historic archeolog1cal Sit'!'

2 ~'/tll the pmpos.ll n:\ult m :iuvers1i phyw.:al or .iesth1:111: effect.~ 10 a prehistoric or historic building. nructure. or obJ~Cl? . • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • . . • . • • . .••••.•.••••••.•••••••••

3. Does the proposal ha11e the potential to cause a phy\ical change which would affecrunique ethnic cultural

values? • . • ••••••••...•••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • · • • • • • • • • • • • • • · • • • • • • • • • • · • •

4. Will the proposal restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact rca? ••••••••••••

U. .'t:andatnr.v Fi111/ings t1f Sixnifk,mu.

1. Doe:> lhe project ha'le the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, reduce the habltat of a fish or wildlife &pecies, cause a fish or wildlifo population to drop below self-sustaining IC?Y!l_ls, threat11n to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the ran~ of a rare or endan~red pl11nt or a.iimal or eliminate important examples of the majo; P"iods of c .. hfornia h1stor1 tJr prehistory?. • • .••.

2. Does the project ha11a the Potential to achieve short·term, to the dls~vantage of tong·term, enviro111.1er1t1I goals· ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

3. Does th~ project have impacu which are individually limited, but cumulatively c;onsiderable? ••••••••••

4. Does the project have ~nvironmental effects "'th1ch will cause sutntantial advme eff~s en humar. beings, eithwr directly or indirectly' ........................... ,. .. ,, ..•..•........•........

Ill. DISCUSSION OF ENVlf~:NMENTAL E\/ALUATION fStt Comments Attached}

Vei Maybe No

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See attached Detailed Project Description, Discussion of Environmental Evalµation, and Form 69.3.

IV. DETERMINATION

On the basis of this initial evaluation·

f,S] I find the proposed pro1ect COULD NOT have a s1gnif1can1 effect ~n the env1ronm.ent, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION w1U be prepared.

0 I find that although the pr'Jposed project could have a significant effect on the envJronment, there will not be a s1gnificilnt effect in this case because the m1t1gat1on measures described 'On an attached sheet ·have been added to tha.proj;ict. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. -

I J 1 find the proposed projP.ct MAY have a s19nif1carit effect c:.11 1he environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 1s requied. -

0.11e· 8 / 16 / 82

.1

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e.

DETAILED PROJEc·; DESCRIPTION

Walter H. Wheeler proposes to concJ~~t a twoi~phased ~xplo.ration plan in the permit area with the t!Xecution ~>£ Phase. I dependent upon the achievement of success in Phasi II* The two r~ases are described as follows.: -

Phase I:

The applicant wil,l prospect by digging ~ample holes 1, 2, and 3 (refer to sample location map) to a total depth of approxim~telY 18 feet with a ~ackhoe tractor. Samples will he obtained at th·· six, twelve, arid eighteen foDt d~~ths, and assayed for ,gold and silver content. ·

Prospect holes 1, 2, and 3 will be excavated, sampled, and back filled in approximately one day.. Each test hole wi0ll be r~stored before commencing an excavation at the next sample locat~on ..

Phase II:

If the assay results of the samples obtained in Phase I indicate commercial potential, the applicant will excavate sample holes 4, S, and 6. Samples ~cquired at the· six, twelve, and eighteen foot depths will be assayed for gold ·and silver to delineate any possible ore body.

The excav~tiofi duration and reclamation of the Phase II test holes will be identical to that described in Phase I.

The maximum surface area disturbance per test hole will be approxi­mately 90 sq~are feet. Therefore, the total maximum: surface area disturbance for Phases I and II will be· about 540 squar~ feet or 0.012 acre. The maximum excavated sample volume per hole will be 60 cubic yards. Therefore, the total maximum excavated sampl~ vol­ume for Phases I and II will bP. 360 cubic yards.

~f a commercially valuable min6ral deposit is discovered through prospecting efforts under authorization of a prospectill& perm~t, a comprehensive environmenta~ report wiil be required ~n the futur.~ im-pacts of mining -::he deposit.

III. Discussion of Environmental Evaluation

A 2. Disruption, displacement, compaction, and overcovering of the rocky, sandy soil will occur in the immediate vicinity of th~ sampling sites. Each excavation ~ill be restored to the natural ground contour, as nearly as possible, befora proceeding to the nex~ sample location. A minimal -amount of dis-ruption nnd compaction of the soil will occur when. the sampl-ing equl:pment ,is moved on and off a site. ·

A S. An increase in wind and water erosion of the disturbed soil at the sampling sites will take piace during ~ind and rain storms •.

F 1. The use of the backhoe tractor and associated sampling activities of Phases I and II will tempqtarily increase the e~isting noise level~~

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~NUICMGE

ENVl~ONMENTAL INFORMATION.FORM ITn be comple~ by appU~nt)

GENERAL INFORMATION

I, N.ime 3nd address of devi?loper or proj~ct sponsor: Jia,lt,er H. ~,,..n~e ... e.,.l..,e...,r ________ _.

55364

2 Address of project:--'u'"'w.i"'------------------------------

Assessor's Stock and ':.ot number: __ ...AJ·~ .. ~-----------------------

3.. Name, address • .lnd tele'phone number of perso_n to be contacted con~ming this project: --------

Walte::- n. t·lheel!!r P. O, Box 17$~ X\Wla, A":.__8$36h (6o2) 7R;J.;.53.;j,

4 Indicate number of the permit application for the projec~ to which this form pertains:. 'd C h!P1 I.

5 List and describe any other related permits and other public; approvals required for this project, including those required by City, t'9ional, state arid federal agencies: Itt=erial Cmmty F1anning

6. Exrsung zoning district:_ ... ~· .. !?..,t.._z..,a.,,.n..,.,.--..d ______________________ _

Present use of site: _ __.R,,..e,.c ...... ...,,0a""""'t..,i~o.,.w.....,1 ________________ ...._ ____ _... __ _

7. Proposed use of sitQ !Project for which this form is filed): _ _.f.l:O...,.r::~.--c--c ... t ... -t ... c""ls~'1~n ... cl-· -.... .-i.--... ~.-::l.i:;;z------

PROJECT J?SSCA IPTION:

8. Site size. 160 si.crcs

9. So1,1are footage. 6,c;>6,.,,6':JO

10, Number of floors of construction.

1 t. Amount of off·strtet parking provided.

12. Attach plans.

13 Propowd scheduling. St,."\.rt Of'P,::"ati.:-:c: as :;nr:l ;is l'.?a.sP. is :3i~ed

14. Auoc1ated project~. llo~

15. Anticipated incremental development.

16. If residential, include the number of unit~. schedule of unit sizes, range of sale prices or rents, and type of household 11nd household Sile expected.

17 If commercial, indicate the type, whether neighborhood ar city oriented, square foot39e of ~les"3u:a, and loading facilities.

18. If indu\trial, 1r.d1cate type. estimated employment per shift, and loading facilities.

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20 II thl! p101ect invol•1es a va11ance, conchhor.al use o• rezomng ap11111:a11u117U.1I" lht\ -am.I lllliica!l! ch:.-ir ly -1;11 (

the aOi»•Callon ·~ rcc1<.1•1 ... :

Are the fo!l_~-.ving rtcms apphcabfe,to th.: pro1i:ct or rts effects?- Discuss below all 1uims checked vi:~ fattach adc.!•·

tion~L!.!"ieers as necesszrv !

YES NO

•..... ~- 21. Change in existing features of any bays, tidel~nds. beaches. lakes or,hills, or subst.antiat alteratu,··

of ground contours.

~···

?!o. ..

, ..... -· , . ..:.~.

22. Chal"ge in scenic views or vista~ from exrsting,residential areas ori>ublJc lands or roatls.

23. Change in pattern. scale,.m character of germal aiea of project.

24. .- .,.n1f1cant effect<?'' 13lant or animal life.

ll:l. 25. Significant am<?!.Jnts of solid waste or liner.

];~. 26. Change:in dust, ash, smoke, fumes or odor~ in vicinity.

la. 27. Change in ocean, bay, lake, stream or ground water ciuahty or qu1nt1tv, or latcration of existing

drainage patterns.

!Jl. 28. Change in existing noise or vibr~,tion-l,a•J'l5-:;rpc_ ...... :11ily.

~. 29. Site on filled land C:"On slope of 10 percent or more.

i~. 30. Use of rl1sposal of potentially hazaJdous materials, such .as toxic substances, flammables or

explo~i,es.

1~. 31. Ch~119e in demand for municipal 19rvices (police, fire, wat6r, fewage, etc.1

l~. 32~ 1,ucrused fossil fuel consumption (electricity, ~I. nttural, gis,_etc.I

l\Q. 33. Relationship to a larger prcjecr~r-suies cf projects.

EN,\llP.ONMENTAL SETTING

34. Oescriba the projeet site as it exists befor~ the project.,,inc!uding information on topography, soil sta· bility, )>lanu ar.d animals, and any eultural, historical or scenic a~Ets. Describe any existing structures on the site, and ·the use of the structures. Attach photographs of the site. Snapshots or polaroid·pllotos

will be accepted.

35, Describe the surro:Jnding proparti6, including ,information on piants and animals and any cultural. historic.ii ~r scenic aspects. Indicate the type cf land use,(residen?ial, commercial, etc.), intensity of Ian~ use (one·fal"1ify, ap§rtment· ho_uses, shops, ~!Jarfme~t stor~s. etc.I. and -scale ?f development (height, frontage, set·back, rear yard; etc.). Attach phofograpfts of the vicinity. Snapshots or polaro1d

photos r-'ill be accrpted~

CERTIFICATION: I /lrri;hJ' ur1~f,. that tllr s1oti;mu1ts l11mlsf,..J 11b111 r umJ i11'lhr ull~h"J c••lzi/lil• ,.,,.,, 111 1/1, JJhl 1111S.11:11r111Jtim1 ,. .. ,,,;,,·,/ : ... :

1• •

i i.Jlt111I ~valuatio11 I() tl1r b<"SI al .,,. ubilif}, tJml 111111 111~ toe IJ, 'slO/o'tl!l"llO. 1111J .mft,rm11riu11 ,.,,.,. "''" .:,:,• ''·" .. m.I • , .... •: :.• :11.

'btst of m)' ltnQw/rdqr 11ml brfirt.

Date ••.••••••.•• ~!?.!: ... ~?..~.;~§.?. ................. . ,., .......................... ,. ... •W•• »•••••••••••••••••

Fo1

\\ 4031 ()

ENVIRONMENTAL INFOR~:ATION FORM 69. 3

34. The project are:i o.nd the surrounding lands are an alluvial plane er~ded by washes and intrusions.

~he soil is stable, subje~t only to the erosion caused ~y infrequent, extrem~ly h~avy Tain storms.

The area is v~Tv sparsely covered witb relatively low gTow­ing bushes typical of the area.

In traveling through th~ area many tt'!'es and flying over it several times,, I have only seen two burros one time-,.

There are no special envir()nmenta~ reso1.;1:rce!i' known to me'.

There ~re no exis~.ing struc,tures.

35. The project a;rea, as d,escribed in :34 above,, is 'typii.:al of the surrounding area.

·-

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