2014-10-21_INSPECTION - M1985029

• Permit No: M1985029
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 10/21/2014
• Doc Name: Notice of Impacts & Sediment Discharge.
• From: Eddie Kochman
• To: DRMS
• Email Name: MAC
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

10/23/2014 State.co.us Executive Branch Mail-Re:Sediment discharge into Middle Fork
isSTATE OF Cunningham - DNR, Michael <[e-mail]>
COLO RADO
Re: Sediment discharge into Middle Fork
1 message
[e-mail] <[e-mail]> Tue, Oct 21, 2014 at 9:43 PM
To: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail],
[e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail],
[e-mail], [e-mail]
I surveyed that portion of the Middle Fork that flows through my property, which is approximately three miles
downstream from Alma on October 20. While there was no sign of dead trout, there is evidence of deposition of
sediment in the riffles and pools that was not there three weeks ago. I am very familiar with the conditions at
that time, versus now.
It is my judgement that with the present low flows sediment from the discharge was deposited throughout the
Middle Fork channel from Alma to Fairplay Beach, which is a distance of approximately six miles. It is also my
opinion that while the sediment discharge did not kill trout, it will have a negative impact on aquatic
invertebrates, and the incubation of brown trout eggs that are in the gravel. In addition to the sediment volume,
there was evidence of a yellow deposit that was not present before. This indicates to me that a chemical may be
contained in the sediment discharge. The worst case impact is a loss of a majority of incubating eggs and
aquatic invertebrates. The best outcome is minimal loss. I feel the impact is bad, if not major.
I understand CPW is forming an opinion of the impact and I will be very interested to hear the conclusion. The
bottom line is that regardless of the level of impact this discharge harmed the Middle Fork fishery. This is
unacceptable and any fine, or mitigation requirement, should be more than a token slap on the wrist.
Fairplay Beach was impacted by an increased level of sediment deposition, which comes after Fairplay recently
spent considerable funds to dredge the area. Unlike the Middle Fork incubation of brown trout eggs is likely
not an issue. However, impact to invertebrates and loss of water volume due to sediment deposition are issues.
If chemicals are involved the impact could be long term.
As a property owner I ask to be kept informed on the ongoing process to determine impacts and any mandated
penalties. I assume the Coloado Water Quality Control Commission is also involved.
A one time monetary fine will do nothing for the Middle Fork, Fairplay Beach, or for the fishery on public
and private lands. Penalties should be in the form of mitigation actions which might include stocking of hatchery
reared brown trout to the Middle Fork, restitution for any impacts to Fairplay Beach and a monetary contribution
to CPW for habitat improvement on public reaches of the Middle Fork.
I can assure you I am not the only concerned landowner.
In a message dated 10/21/2014 4:39:07 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, [e-mail] writes:
Mark,
Is there a measure we can use to show an indication of impact to present to DNR if they choose to
fine Alma Placer?
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