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groundwater elevations. The remaining area of the Project parcel (approximately 30 acres) <br /> would continue to be potentially available as pasture ground if Scott determines that that use <br /> is compatible with their operations. <br /> The only irrigation infrastructure within the Project area, is the tailwater channel of the Last <br /> Chance Ditch that runs across the property from east to west and ultimately discharges into a <br /> naturalized channel that is tributary to the Colorado River. As previously described, there is <br /> no ditch company that owns this tailwater channel, and no downstream users on the channel. <br /> Any agricultural return flows in the tailwater ditch, which are estimated at <2 cubic feet per <br /> second (cfs) during peak irrigation season, will be discharged into the pond as excavation <br /> proceeds. These agricultural return flows will mix with the alluvial aquifer and migrate laterally <br /> through the permeable gravels into the larger Colorado River water table. The water will <br /> remain available to the larger watershed and to the existing vegetation in the same quantities <br /> and seasonality as currently exists, since it will be incorporated into the shallow alluvial <br /> aquifer. <br /> Section 7-202. Wildlife Habitat Areas <br /> The impact to area wildlife should be minimal because of this project. A 5-foot-tall berm will <br /> be constructed around the perimeter of the site during mining operations; therefore, some <br /> wildlife may experience a slight change in travel corridors to maneuver around the mine area. <br /> Scott will work with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and address any concerns they have <br /> regarding area wildlife and animal habitat. Regarding preservation of native vegetation Scott <br /> will reclaim the site and reseed with native vegetation recommended by the soil conservation <br /> district that will be lost during operations. See Figure 7 for a list of the specific seeding and <br /> vegetation proposed for the Rifle Pit#1 area. <br /> Mr. Kirk Oldham, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, provided comments in a letter dated August <br /> 28, 2020, regarding the Rifle Pit#1 project. Following is a summary of his comments: <br /> "CPW recommends that all work equipment be sanitized and have any existing dirt, <br /> vegetation, or seeds from landscaping and operation all work be removed before <br /> leaving the work area." <br /> In response to this comment, Scott will practice proper equipment cleaning to minimize <br /> transport of noxious weeds, dirt, vegetation, or seeds off-site. <br /> "CPW recommends that measures be taken to avoid excessive sedimentation into the <br /> Colorado River at the point of the operation." <br /> In response to this comment, Scott will apply for coverage under Permit No. COR400000, <br /> CDPS General Permit (for) Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction <br /> Activity at least 10 days prior to the commencement of construction activities disturbing <br /> greater than or equal to 1 acre. This permit requires installation of erosion and sediment <br /> controls. This permit has several requirements that address water quality and stormwater <br /> management, including monitoring and reporting, and the development and implementation <br /> of a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP). Note that no portion of the operation will take <br /> place in proximity to the open waters of the Colorado River, and that the excavated pond will <br /> have no direct surface connection to downstream waters, which dramatically lessens the <br /> potential for sediment discharge to the watershed. <br /> "CPW identified the area that the proposed project will be occurring in as Winter <br /> Concentration Areas for both Mule Deer and elk. CPW recommends operational hours <br /> take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m." <br /> 2-10 <br />