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• (Page 3) • MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-80-149 INSPECTION DATE 11/2/2000 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS TAS 5. Other reclaimed alluvial lakes immediately north of the St.Vrain River and known as the "Seigrist Lakes", across from the lakes owned by Mr. Roberts were inspected. Water levels at the Seigrist Lakes appeared to be 12-24" down from normal. During an average precipitation or a wet year, it is likely that the alluvium would recharge the St. Vrain during the spring and early summer, and the St. Vrain would recharge the alluvium from mid- summer throughout the winter. However, this year as well as the past several years have been very dry years and it is likely that the water levels in the St. Vrain have been lower than normal. A water level drop of 12-24" in the St. Vrain and in the surrounding alluvial- groundwater fed lakes appears to be a natural occurance. 6. The Hokestra Pit No. 1, as inspected with Greg Nelson, is located immediately west of Mr. Roberts' property. The Hokestra Pit No. 1 is active with current mining disturbance (excavation) and dewatering in the Phase 2 area, less than 1/4 mile to the west of Mr. Roberts property. Mr. Nelson indicated that dewatering in the Phase 2 area occurs twice/week and alluvial groundwater is discharged to a slough of St. Vrain River. Mr. Nelson indicated that Weld County has an approved NPDES Permit from the Colorado Dept. of Health as well as a dewatering permit and temporary substitute supply plan from the OSE for this operation. Mr. Nelson indicated that Weld County's previous mining activities at the Hokestra Pit No. 1, when south of the Last Chance or Rural Ditch, have consisted of pit dewatering and discharge into the closest available ditch. Based on this information, it appears that the operator's water management activities at the Hokestra Pit No. 1 are in compliance with the approved mining & reclamation permit as well as other State requirements. Mr. Nelson also explained that he does not believe that the water management activities at the Hokestra Pit No. 1 are the cause of any significant or detrimental water level drop in the lakes owned by Mr. Roberts. Rather, Mr. Nelson believes that the water level drop experienced by Mr. Roberts is due to natural causes (drought) and not by their dewatering activities. 7. The question of whether Weld County would consider installing a temporary pipeline from the Phase 2 area and route pit water to the private lakes owned by Mr. Roberts was discussed. Mr. Nelson indicated that a written response from the OSE may be needed to ascertain whether it is appropriate and necessary for pit water to be routed to Mr. Roberts lakes at this time and if so, whether these activities will allow Weld County to remain in compliance with the terms of their dewatering permit and any other OSE requirements. 8. At this time, the Division concludes that there is not sufficient evidence to verify the assumptions of Mr. Roberts, ie: that Weld County's dewatering activities have adversely and significantly affected the water levels in his private lakes. The Division will refer this report to the Office of the State Engineer, Greeley Office for further review and consideration. The Division requests that any written comments on the matter from the OSE be sent to Mr. Roberts as well as the operator and the Division. The Division will consider any further information as reported from either Mr. Roberts, the operator, or the OSE regarding any possible offsite impacts from dewatering activities at the Hokestra Pit No. 1. 9. Mr. Nelson further explained that Weld County's future plans for the pit are to mine in the Phase 4 Area, immediately west of Mr. Roberts property, within the next 3-5 years. Perhaps then, it may be necessary and appropriate for Weld County to route pit water (during dewatering) into the lakes owned by Mr. Roberts to ensure protection of his lake water levels.