HYDRO21634

• Permit No: M1976032
• IBM Index Class Name: Hydrology
• Doc Date: 7/12/1993
• Doc Name: PUBLIC NOTICE 199275153
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

ALTERNATIVES: The applicant has identified two alternatives to
continued mining operations at this site. These alternative
include mining in another location and purchasing material from
other operators.
The material used in the manufacture of concrete and asphalt must
meet durability specifications and be economical to transport.
Nearby upland areas researched by the company are predominately
soft sedimentary rocks unsuitable for the intended uses.
Material in and adjacent to the river consists largely of igneous
and metamorphic rocks transported from other sources in the
drainage basin. This material meets the required specifications;
however, a number of adverse impacts are associated with moving
to another such site. These impacts include unnecessary new
disturbance of other land, longer distances from Telluride (i.e.
increased consumer cost), and increased heavy truck traffic along
Highway 145 to deliver materials to the existing site for
processing.
The applicant has also stated that there are no other available
suppliers in the area from which to purchase material.
Furthermore, the applicant states that purchased materials tend
to be undependable and subject to interruption/inconsistency by
varying supply, cost, and regulatory actions.
An alternative access into the old placer aggregate area exists
on a dirt road located east of the county road bridge. The
applicant has rejected this as an alternative access to the main
clear-span crossing proposed near the shop area based on a
nonexisting right-of-entry ownership, conflicting land use for
this area approved for development (Lawson Hill), increased
impacts to county road 625 road and bridge, and inconvenient and
longer haul distance.
AREA DESCRIPTION: The project area is located approximately
five miles west of Telluride at the confluence of the San Miguel
and South Fork rivers. This area is contained in a narrow valley
at an elevation of 8,050 feet msl. The drainage basin of the San
Miguel River is approximatley 43 square miles with an annual
bankfull discharge of approximately 65 cfs.
The South Fork River has a larger drainage basin (Illium Valley)
and higher bankfull discharge than the San Miguel River. Flows
in the South Fork River are somewhat regulated by hydroelectric
dams on Trout and Hope Lakes. Riparian communities that exist
along the river are dominated by cottonwood trees with willow,
alder, and a variety of grasses and forbs in the understory.
Recreational use is heavy within the Illium Valley and the Mary E
Campground exists on the east bank of the South Fork River near
the confluence. The Forest Service has described a loss of
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