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15. Applicant presented testimony regarding the Application, including <br /> describing its efforts to provide notice in accordance with the statutory and <br /> regulatory requirements. Applicant presented testimony describing the potential <br /> effects of the slurry wall and mining operation on groundwater. Applicant conducted <br /> a groundwater survey by looking at several wells in the area in a more than two-mile <br /> radius. The depth to bedrock is 70 to 80 feet. The model indicates that any mounding <br /> of groundwater will be on the north side of the pit and is predicted to not come within <br /> 17 feet of the surface. Applicant has been monitoring water levels and quality <br /> samples through monitoring wells around the site for the last year and will submit <br /> that data to the Division. Drainage ditches to be used in the pit during mining should <br /> not adversely affect groundwater, and neither will the slurry wall. The Applicant is <br /> committed to obtaining all necessary water permits and complying with those <br /> requirements, including discharge and well permits, substitute water plan, and leak <br /> test and certification of the slurry wall. <br /> 16. Applicant also presented testimony regarding geotechnical stability <br /> issues. The Applicant answered questions regarding potential impacts to the <br /> Objector's outbuilding and provided the Division with that information. Applicant <br /> has estimated the weight of the shed plus a loaded haul truck, and the slope stability <br /> of the site would still meet the Board's slope stability standards under that load. <br /> Slope stability numbers along the Objector's right of way also meet the Board's <br /> requirements. The Applicant described the process of minging while simultaneously <br /> grading and maintaining a 2:1 slope. The slope of the pit will be reclaimed to a 4.5:1 <br /> slope. <br /> 17. Applicant presented testimony that the reclamation plan would not <br /> affect the Objector's access to her property. Applicant also presented testimony <br /> regarding engagement with the Objector on the mining plan, including that concerns <br /> about her right of way had been considered when the Applicant relocated the access <br /> road to the north of the site. Applicant had also offered to install vibration monitors <br /> on the Objector's propane tank. Applicant had also provided the Objector with a <br /> larger version of the site map. <br /> 18. During the hearing, the Applicant committed to provide 30 days of <br /> notice to landowners prior to commencing mining, slurry wall construction, and each <br /> stage of the operation. <br /> 19. Objector raised concerns regarding her ability to access her driveway, <br /> which is the sole point of entry for her property, during the mining operations. The <br /> Objector also presented testimony regarding an archeological dig in the 1960's across <br /> the South Platte from the site and raised concerns that the archeological survey <br /> conducted by Applicant was inadequate given the site's past use as tilled agricultural <br /> land. According to the Objector, a dig test rather than a shovel test is necessary to <br /> find artifacts. Objector stated that she had unanswered questions regarding potential <br /> Ogilvy River Farm, LLC. <br /> Ogilvy River Farm Pit/M-2024-006 4 <br />