Eagle Nest Mine Reclamation Amendment Project (PLN24-00384)

The Eagle Nest Mine Reclamation Amendment Project (PLN24-00384) is an environmental and operational expansion of the Eagle's Nest mining operation, specifically the Red Ink Maid and Big Seam Mines (California mine ID# 91-31-0020), located in Foresthill, Placer County, California. Approved by the Planning Commission on October 30, 2025, the project enables the expansion of underground workings into new ore-bodies and the establishment of an underground emergency exit portal. Key physical deliverables include the addition of a one-acre dump site with tree wells and the extension of an existing roadway for emergency access, which must be removed and replanted with native vegetation upon reclamation. The project is anticipated to close on December 21, 2038. The project is managed by Placer County as the lead agency, with Ian Merkel of Eagle's Nest Mining, LLC serving as the project applicant. Environmental compliance is governed by a Mitigated Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act, which incorporates a Mitigation Monitoring Plan, Best Management Practices, and a Fire Prevention and Control Plan. Operational requirements include adherence to the Central Valley Regional Water Board's Waste Discharge Requirements and an updated Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to include Waste Dump #6. Compliance is verified through annual inspections conducted by Placer County's division of Engineering and Surveying, with specific technical standards required for the construction and maintenance of Hilfiker walls.