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II - II II II II I) - ~ - - - - - ~ - - - ~ ~ can be found associated with mostly beach, river and glacial deposits. In the Dolores River valley river gravels dominate. These gravels can be classified as in-stream, floodplain and terrace gravels. The Dolores River valley has all three. Mining of any of these has impacts on the environment, but only in-stream and floodplain mining have the potential of impacting the intensity of flood events and nonnal water supply to the channel. If it can be shown conclusively that extensive mining does contribute to economic and property loss that would not occur in the absence of gravel pit mining then the mining companies and land owners could be liable for the damages incurred, POTENTIAL GRAVEL MINING IMP ACTS ECOLOGY IMPACTS Disruption or removal of the natural riparian habitat such as the loss of willows, trees, etc. Elimination or alteration of migration routes of elk and deer. Increases the turbidity of the stream that negatively impacts fish and insect populations. ' Loss of soil cover impacting insect, microflora and vegetative cover. HYDROLOGY IMPACTS Construction ofbenns and stockpiles increase erosion on site and increase flooding downstream. Greater bedloads and suspended loads will occur because of increased surface area from mining and disruption of surface gravels. Pit reservoirs will magnify water loss to stream during droughts through diversion and increased evaporation. WATER QUALITY IMPACTS Disruption and reworking of fine fraction in gravel bed releases pulses of heavy metals deposited both pre and post hardrock mining that occurred up stream. Dust retardants used on roads and stockpiles add to dissolved and suspended loads in the stream. ECONOMIC IMPACTS Loss of land value because of surface disruption. Loss of resale value of adjacent lands and as a consequence loss of tax base. Increased truck traffic and heavy loads shorten highway life during pit operation There would be a decrease in recreational uses such as boating and fishing, Disruption of the natural valley is a turnoff to manymctcrists driving this National Scenic Byway thus impacting tourist volume. AESTHETIC IMPACTS Unsightly pits and fabricated lakes that do not conform to the natural setting. Increased noise during operation. ' Loss in diversity of wildlife and habitats which make environments interesting and desirable.