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-11- H. Resolution of Fire Hazard Issue Mr. Merian ' s disregard for fire safety is noted above and is documented by his citation for responsibility for a fire at the proposed project site. The very dry, unirrigated rangeland, located approximately 10 miles from the district fire department , and subject to gusts of winds at times, makes for extreme fire hazard. Residences lie dangerously close to the proposed site of operations. There have been fires in the general area of the proposed project site in two of the last three summers. The fact that Mr. rMerian has used equipment which does not meet fire safety standards subsequent to igniting a fire demonstrates a lack of regard for fire safety which cannot be effectively mitigated by any measures. J Mr. Merian ' s present water truck is in dilapidated condition by anybody' s standards. (In fact., on inquiry to determine why the water truck is always parked on a steep incline, we were told that the truck ' s starter was inoperative and it could only be started by rolling the truck down the hill . ) Some mitigation of the fire hazard would occur if safe equipment and frequent watering were required; but, of course , there would have to be some way to enforce such conditions. I . Resolution of Noise Hazards and Nuisances Per page 19 of the Environmental Impact Report, the local Health Department should perform an acoustical study at the residence. Since excavation would occur under the proposal within 135 feet of the Sitkin resident structure , there would be exposure to unsafe noise levels which cause health damage . Page 18 of the Environmental Impact Report notes that the maximum acceptable noise level for the exterior of a residence is 65 decibels and that this level will be exceeded by the proposed excavation. Mr. Merian ' s processing equipment , currently in operation on the Calaveras River project, is clearly audible at distances of one mile. while safety hazards are probably not present at and beyond one mile , a significant noise nuisance factor exists. For residences which would be relatively close to the site, dangerous sonic conditions may exist. Processing, including rock-crushing and sorting, should be conducted at distances of at least 2000 feet from residential structures. Excavation and trucking should be prohibited within 1000 feet of residences.