2002-07-31_PERMIT FILE - M2002052 (5)

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H. ISSUES RAISED BY OBJECTORS: Issues raised by objecting parties are listed below, along with [he names of the objectors. The Division's response to objection issues follows. Issues are listed under the application exhibit (application section) to which they pertain. Issues not pertaining to a specific application exhibit are listed next. Issues that the Division believes are not within the jurisdiction of the Division or Board aze listed last. ISSUES WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE DIVISION AND BOARD ISSUES RAISED DURING THE INITIAL PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Application Exhibit G -Water Information: "Has the applicant submitted a statement that it will minimize the impact to the prevailing hydrologic balance?" (Sec. 34-32.5-116(4)(h)) (Alex Fischer and Anne Shaffer, June 19, 2002) Response- On July 26, 2002, the applicant submitted a hydrologic evaluation of potential impacts to nearby wells prepared by Applegate Group, Inc. This report evaluates impacts [o lowered water levels in wells resulting from the dewatering of the 25-acre pit annually for reclamation purposes and from the maintained lowered water level in the pit during the remainder of the yeaz when wet mining is taking place. According to the information submitted to the Division of Minerals and Geology for review, potential effects of the mining operation were estimated using steady-state analytical solutions and simplifying assumptions. After only two months of dewatering as proposed by [he applicant, it is estimated that dewa[ering effects will extend less than 1,000 feet from the pi[ boundary. During the ten months when the pit is not being dewatered, it is expected that groundwater levels will recover [o pre- pumping conditions. Therefore, the applicant does not anticipate dewatering operations at the site to significantly affect the hydrologic balance of the affected land and the surrounding area. If groundwater levels aze dropping in adjacent wells, due to dewatering at the Two Rivers Mine, such that well owner's historic water production may be injured, the applicant has committed to incorporate one or more of the following measures to mitigate the dropping groundwater levels: 1. Use existing groundwater lakes on the site to recharge the alluvium during mine dewa[ering such that groundwater levels aze maintained at levels that do not impact existing wells. 2. Modify existing wells to operate under lower groundwater conditions. This would include re-drilling existing wells to deeper depths or lowering the pumps. All work would be done at the applicant's expense with the exception of replacing equipment that was non-functioning prior to mining. 3. If existing wells cannot be repaired, the applicant will drill a new well for the owner to replace the damaged well. The new well will produce water of the same quantity and quality to support the historic use. Therefore, The Division believes that impacts to [he surrounding well owners will be minimized. 2. "Has the Applicant provided sufficient information to show compliance with 6.4.7, Exhibit G-Water Information including: a) A map identifying all water sources that may be affected; b) A description of all known aquifers; and c) An estimate of project water requirements; d) An estimate of the amount of water from each source; e) Evidence of compliance with requirements of the State Engineer?" (Alex Fischer and Anne Shaffer, June 12, 2002) Response- Western Equipment and Truck, Inc. has submitted the following information to the Division of Minerals and Geology to be included in consideration of approval of the Two Rivers Pit permit application: