2016-10-12_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1998013

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DECEIVED Yvl - 9 qF` cv 4-GCT 12 2016 DIVISION OF RECLAMATION 10/3/2016 Dear Eric Scott, MINING AND SAFETY I am writing in reference to the gravel mining site located directly east of my home at 11750 WCR 11 %, Longmont Colorado 80504. On January 27, 2015 Hall-Irwin/Bestway began operations for gravel mining behind our home, referred to as Pond E. De-watering began within a few days and there was an immediate impact on our water well. We were no longer able to sustain our livestock needs with the current well. I immediately reported the problems to the Bestway foreman Chris. I was told by Chris that we had a non-permitted well, and the state of Colorado would immediately shut down our well. Through my own research and with the help of well specialists I learned we could file a "historical well permit." I had worked with Jonathan Glover of Glover's Drilling out of Ft. Lupton for small repairs over the years and referred Bestway to him. Bestway took over communications with Glover's Drilling. After several months I realized and reported to Bestway that I had serious doubts about Glover's drilling practices. I requested that Mark Johnson find another company to do the drilling of our new well. Several months passed,and there was no progress with our well. Permits were filed and approved (July 7, 2015), the state was satisfied with our plan to drill a new well, and a new permit was granted. The drilling rig was parked/broken down for several weeks blocking my driveway. Upon contacting Mark Johnson I was informed that through an error they had payed Glover for the work he had yet to complete and that "we are stuck with this company." I expressed my concern about his ability to get a well that would be operational,once again. Approximately 3 months later Glover completed the well and connected a few spickets(October 2015). Again I called Mark to let him know that the well driller had not backfilled the lines appropriately and they were at risk of freezing, which they did. Our spickets froze and were no longer of use during the winter. My children and I hauled water from the house or used a hose when weather permitted to take care of the cows, horses and chickens. When the temps were above freezing I could get about fifty gallons every four hours to maintain the animals with the new well. This continued up until September 2016. All the while our sprinkler system was out of commission because of lack of water and I have been using the domestic water to keep my yard and flowers alive. I was told that Bestway didn't owe us anything,they did their part in drilling a new well and they could walk away showing zero impact. I was completely dumbfounded and decided to schedule a meeting with Brett Hall as well as pursue legal representation. I was hoping my meeting with Brett Hall would resolve the issue and they would fix what they had damaged. At this point we prematurely sent our cattle to butcher and are looking to move our horses to pasture as it is not an option to haul water again all winter. I have bullet pointed Brett Hall's comments to convey the arrogance and intimidation he used to get me to back off: • Bestway can prove zero impact from the mining operation, and it is Lee's responsibility to show the burden of proof. • Weld County and Town of Firestone have had just as much impact on Lee's ground water, and you will have to go to them for a new functioning well. ( I alerted them to that allegation.)