Eugene Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan
Eugene District Resource Management Plan Table of Contents:
- Tables
- Maps
Appendix I
Guidelines for Development of Salable
Mineral Resources in the Eugene District
Proposed Operations
All proposed salable mineral developments, and any exploration that involves surface disturbance, should have operation and reclamation plans approved by the Authorized Officer. All proposals will undergo the appropriate level of review and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Quarry Design
Due to steep terrain in the operating area, most quarry developments will require a series of benches to effectively maximize the amount of mineral materials to be removed in a safe manner. In most cases, bench height should not exceed 40 feet. If the bench will be used by bulldozers to access other parts of the quarry, the width of the bench should be at least 25 feet. If the bench will not be used by equipment, then this width can be reduced to approximately 10 feet.
Clearing of timber and brush should be planned at least 10 feet beyond the edge of the excavation limit. Often the brush will be piled and burned at the site or scattered nearby.
If at all possible, all topsoil and overburden should be stockpiled and saved for eventual quarry site reclamation. These piles may need to be stabilized by mulching or seeding in order to minimize erosion during the winter months.
As a standard procedure, the excavation of the quarry floor should be designed with an outslope of approximately 2 percent in order to provide for adequate drainage of the floor. Compliance with this design should be made a requirement of all operators at the site.
Operating Procedures
Where practicable, the following requirements should be made a part of every contract or permit providing for the use of mineral material sites on the District:
- Oversized boulders shall not be wasted, but shall
be broken and utilized concurrently with the
excavated material.
- The operator shall comply with local and State
safety codes covering quarry operations, warning
signs and traffic control. All necessary permits
must be obtained from State and County agencies.
- Use of the site for equipment storage and
stockpiling rock material is allowed for the
duration of the contract or permit. Use of the
site beyond that time would be authorized under a
Temporary Use Permit (TUP).
- All topsoil shall be stockpiled or windrowed as
appropriate for use in reclamation.
- Prior to abandonment, all material sites will be graded to conform with surrounding topography. Topsoil will be utilized to create a medium for revegetation. Reseeding and tree planting, if necessary, will be done as prescribed by the Authorized Officer. Access roads no longer needed by the BLM will be abandoned and reclaimed as directed by the Authorized Officer.
