OK, Big B; IF 'accessibility' to the GEC connection to the rods is an issue, a simple solution....
4" PVC piece over the rod with a adapter for a removable threaded cap at each rod. Cut it to be flush to the finish grade or slab height. You may have an issue with plumbing PVC if the inspector is 100% 'by the book'; most would be OK as long as the cap is marked.
There are listed items that are made for rod access, look at Lyncole.
Or, ask this AHJ if you were to cadweld what you have now, would he accept that. (If you have access to cadweld)
