PERMFILE54964

• Permit No: M2002020
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 5/7/2002
• Doc Name: Adequacy Review
• From: DMG
• To: City of Greeley
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

DATE: Apri129, 2002
TO: Gregg Squire
FROM: Allen Sorenson
RE: Slurry Wall Installation for a Post Mining Land Use of Developed Water Resources,
City of Greeley, 25`r` Avenue Site, File No. M-2002-002
The Applicant's proposal to install a slurry wail states that the installation will meet the performance
criteria established by the State Engineer for sealed reservoirs. The Division of Minerals and Geology
(DMG), in consultation with the Office of the State Engineer and the Colorado Rock Products
Association has developed guidelines and policies for reclamation plans that include the sealing of
gravel pits for use as water storage reservoirs. A copy of DMG's sealed reservoir guidance document
is attached to this memorandum. The DMG guidance provides two options for reclamation of gravel
pits as sealed reservoirs. One option is for the Applicant to provide a basic description of the reservoir
sealing plan with the provision of a reclamation bond that would cover the cost of 100 percent of
reservoir sealing costs in the event or permit revocation and bond forfeiture. The second option allows
for the provision of a reclamation bond that is equal to the cost of reinstalling 20 percent of previously
constructed reservoir liner if the DMG is provided with designs plans, technical specifications, and
quality assurance testing protocols as an enforceable component of the mined land reclamation plan.
The situation with a municipality such as the City of Greeley being the Applicant is unique in that the
regulations for mined land reclamation permits exempt Cities from financial bonding requirements.
However, Cities aze no[ exempt from the requirements to fully describe how reclamation measures will
be implemented. As a result, the City of Greeley as an Applicant is not eligible for the 20 percent
bonding option with provision of minimal design information, and by default must provide design
details, technical specifications, and quality assurance (QA) procedures for the DMG's review prior to
approval of the reclamation permit application.
In order for the DMG to approve the City's application for the 25~' Avenue Site, design information,
specifications, and QA must be incorporated as enforceable component of the permit application. The
essential elements required for submittal are described In the attached DMG guidancelpolicy
document. It is the DMG's understanding that a contractor is standing by to begin construction of the
slurry wall at the 25`" Avenue Site. If a contract has been let for this project, it is likely that all of the
plans, specifications, and QA information that will be required by the DMG have already been
generated.
attachment(s)
cc: Cazl Mount, DMG (via electronic transmission)
m:~[vIy Documents~25~' Avenue.doc