2022-07-18_PERMIT FILE - M2022018

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South Hinsdale Response to Objections 12 July 2022 Land Contamination Neither the alluvial/glacial deposit (alluvium/colluvium) to be extracted or the underlying shale are known to have any toxic, hazardous, or water priority materials which could conceivably contaminate either the affected area itself or adjacent land downstream or downwind. The shale bedrock is exposed in many locations in the Upper Piedra Basin and is not considered to be a contamination problem. During reclamation, the shale exposed by mining will again be covered with soil. Any dust generated would be similar to, but significantly less than that generated by either agricultural activities (cultivation or animal husbandry) or traffic on the gravel roads (Kleckner Lane and Piedra Road). (To meet air quality requirements (see Section 5.8) and preserve trafficability, exposed shale will be covered with soil and revegetated as quickly as possible.) Water Consumption and Shortages As explained in the mining plan, the water consumption by dust control and (if done, washing) is the result of evaporation and the moisture content of material shipped from the affecteVArea. Most water (after use) would infiltrate or flow into detention basins (to also infiltrate into the ground with a small amount of loss due to evaporation).As explained, the quantity of water which might be consumed is significantly less than the water normally used to irrigate approximately 1.5 acres of the affected area currently irrigated. It is also less than the trans evaporation losses from most grasslands and pasture. This currently- irrigated area will be temporarily dried up during the mining. In addition, the uses to which that water would be put can be ceased if there is a higher-priority call. Therefore, water consumption during mining will not exceed water consumption of the affected area prior to mining. There will therefore be no shortage of water for any users downstream on the Piedra, including the river itself and any associated alluvial aquifer or wetlands. As explained in earlier comments, the Piedra River system is not over-appropriated and is not under administration. It does not furnish water to Hatcher Reservoir or other parts of the municipal water supply system for any community in Archuleta County, eastern La Plata County, or Hinsdale County. Water Contamination (Sediment, Chemicals) As discussed above, the mining and reclamation work will reduce the water erosion which generates sediment which can contaminate water. Active measures as described in the mining and reclamation plans will control generation and transport of dust which might also become a water contaminant. The only chemicals present for mining and reclamation are the same chemicals now present on the ranches and the roads: fuels (diesel and gasoline, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, pesticides and herbicides). The construction and maintenance of surface water (stormwater) controls for the mining and reclamation. The rebuilding of Kleckner Lane will further reduce the potential release of possible contaminaW into water both on and off the affected lands. This will be done both by preventing the surface discharge of water from disturbed lands and by allowing for inspection of diverted water and water which cannot be prevented from surface discharge due to low-probability events. Impact on Hatcher Reservoir and Water Used By the Pagosa Area Mr. Sandy Connor, Operator for the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) including the water plant at Hatcher Reservoir has stated that NO water from the Piedra River is used by PAWSD. Therefore there is NO impact on water used in the Pagosa 5182-22-003 WAST£LIN£, INC. Page 67 of 107