2016-05-20_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981035

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3. One general public meeting held by the Hay Gulch Citizen Advisory Panel (CAP); 4. Frequent, direct meetings with individuals and groups of neighbors by County Staff; 5. Frequent, direct meetings with individuals and groups of neighbors by GCC; 6. Frequent meetings between GCC and CAP; 7. A significantly expanded public notification area; and 8. The Fort Lewis Mesa Planning District group is a commenting agency (see below). Minimizing Impacts on Water Supply. There are four areas of concern with respect to water supply for the project including: 1. Adequate water quantity for the project operation. 2. Adequate water quality for the project's potable water needs. 3. Protection of groundwater sources with respect to quantity and quality. 4. Protection of surface water sources, which in this case would primarily involve stormwater runoff. Item #'s 3 and 4 above are those which relate to the District's goal to "minimize impacts on water supply" and these items are addressed within this report, in detail (Sections IV above, and VII.D below). Retaining Rural Atmosphere/Agricultural, Rural Community/Achieving Harmony with the Rural Landscape. The only permanent structures proposed as part of this project are at the mine site, and within north CR 120. These do not disrupt the rural landscape considering the topography surrounding the subject site secludes it from the view shed, as well as minimizes noise, etc. These structures that are constructed are fairly neutral and suitable to immediate surroundings. The roadway impacts, however, certainly without mitigation and improvements, will result in evident disruption and adverse change to the rural landscape. Such proposed impacts must be adequately mitigated to be considered in "harmony" with that landscape; and the rural residential development pattern along north CR 120. Therefore, it is with regard to this comprehensive planning goal that the applicant must more carefully consider the compatibility of their proposed impacts to the properties along their chosen route; and a higher level of consideration toward the "upper limits", mentioned below; of heavy traffic/loading impacts recommended professionally by the County (see Table 7 below). Consistency with the adopted La Plata County Comprehensive Plan The adopted La Plata County Comprehensive Plan places an emphasis on compatibility and the role of the district plans to help guide growth in the County, specifically "To uphold the visions and goals established within each of the district land use plans " (Goal 3.2). With respect to Extractive Resources, the goal is to balance the benefits of La Plata County's resource extraction industry with the need to minimize its impacts upon County residents and the physical environment. More specifically: • Promote responsible mineral development while minimizing potential impacts to the environment and local residents (Goal 8.2) • To protect the public health, safety and welfare of citizens while coordinating with mineral developments projects; within the limitations of local government powers and resources (Objective 8.2.B) • The County should continue to pursue appropriate use of instruments and methods which ensure development contributes proportionately and concurrently with proposed projects (policy 8.2.B.1) Here, responsible mineral development must achieve compatibility, as adopted within the county's land use code (cited within this report), and minimize real and potential impacts to the environment and local residents. Project No. 2012-0089 PC 4852-5627-2942, v. 3 Page 15 of 32 (DM, VS, DP)