2018-12-12_REVISION - M2018016 (7)

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Challenges of Rehabilitation ' Colorado has developed reclamation requirements over the years to ensure that land is restored at the completion of mining operations.83 Mining operations are 1 required to file reclamation permit applications with the Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG), post a reclamation bond to guarantee reclamation and obtain a permit prior to mining. Reclamation and environmental concerns for surface and ' open-pit mining are site specific and depend upon the size of the operation, depth of excavation, method and location of stockpiled materials, exposure or proximity to ground water tables, and potential impacts to surface water quality and quantity. The Mined Land Reclamation Board has the authority to revoke a permit and forfeit the reclamation bond where a pattern of violation has been identified. ' Reclamation reports are filed annually for all land covered by a reclamation bond. These reports include the number of newly disturbed, backfilled and graded acres, as well as topsoil replaced and seeded. The DMG will release an operator from ' reclamation liability only when it is demonstrated, through on-site inspection and other information, that the mine site has met the conditions of the Reclamation Plan. When a site is ready for release, DMG terminates the permit and returns the ' reclamation bond. ' DMRM has provided information about their proposed site reclamation in both DMRM-July 2018 and DMRM-September 2018. The earlier document stressed that while a reservoir would be built, it would not be fully designed until 15 years hence ' - e.g. after the mining was completed. As part of the reservoir development, there would be public access for fishing-- with a pier, a boat launch, and/or sufficient shoreline access. Additionally, a public trail from the proposed Clear Creek greenway along the north side of the West Fork of Clear Creek would connect the reservoir to other trails, complete with a pedestrian crossing across the creek. The report specifies that because the mine will have lowered the meadow, public access would be facilitated. The discussion of the reclamation proposals in DMRM-July 2018 is deceptive, ' however, as it presents the reservoir as the ultimate objective of the gravel pit. Of course, the primary objective of the gravel pit is the gravel pit itself- a profitable business. Any post-mining rehabilitation is part of the reclamation process to ' mitigate the environment in a way that would please the county. The later report, DMRM-September 2018, indicates that post-mining use will be for ' rangeland restoration. (The report also states, however, that they are still applying for a reservoir permit with open space and potential residential development.) The ' 83 The following two paragraphs summarize material in Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology, "Mined Land Reclamation in Colorado: An Overview", ' htti):/Ihermes.cde.state.co.us/drupal/islandora/object/co%3A3463 28