2022-07-18_PERMIT FILE - M2022018

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South Hinsdale Response to Objections 12 July 2022 11. Former USFS mining operations reclaimed on Piedra Road itself, including several parking areas between Hinsdale County and Pagosa Springs which were formerly sand and gravel pits —as seen on historic USGS maps. 12. The Piedra River/Ice Caves Trailhead itself, about 1,000 feet to the north-northeast of the South Hinsdale Gravel site, exists because it is a reclaimed sand and gravel mining operation. 13. The office park on the west side of Durango, where the USFS and BLM offices are located, is a reclaimed sand and gravel pit. 14. The series of lakes and ponds found on the Piedra River near SH-160 and Chimney Rock are all reclaimed sand and gravel pits. A similar series of ponds and fields in the Dolores River Valley between Dolores and Rico are also reclaimed pits. 15. The pond and reclaimed area on the south portion of the Lob Lolly Pit off the Piedra River and SH-151 north of Arboles is an example of very good reclamation, as is the Little Fishes Wildlife Site on the Animas River between Durango and Bondad. All these locations demonstrate that land quality is preserved and improved in the long- term, as well as immediately after mining has been completed. They also demonstrate that tourism and the local economy actually benefits. Many other examples exist. Air Quality Air quality will not be significantly impacted in the long run, as the land and vegetation will be restored to better than pre-mining conditions, with less area exposed to wind erosion. Irrigated land area may be expanded, reducing potential for smoke from wildfires and dust from dryland farming and grazing land. Water Quality Long-term water quality on the river and its immediate tributaries will be improved, as mining and reclamation will reduce water erosion and the resulting sediment washed into the river by storm water and irrigation return flows. Storm water controls (BMP) will be removed on�ivY when revegetation meets or exceeds pre-mining levels, therefore preventing discharge�F' ollutants including sediments. Environmental Justice There will P. Po impact on environmental justice long-term. Other than ranchers, there are no known populations of disadvantaged minority populations in the South End/Upper Piedra Basin or adjacent areas of Archuleta County. Biological See Section 4.6. No long-term effects other than improved water quality as discussed above in Section 4.2. Any impact on elk winter concentration grounds and near migration paths will be ended. No negative impact. The location will be restored to original conditions and improve and aid efforts to prevent and mitigate fire. Changing the access and grade on Kleckner Lane will allow for safer and quicker access by fire response vehicles to potential residential and wildland fires in the area, thus it will have a positive impact on fire response for the surrounding area after completion. 5182-22-003 WASTELINE, INC. Page 76 of 107