2005-05-26_REVISION - M1983141 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Black Cloud Gulch also traverses a distance of approximately 2,500 feet before entering Gold Run Creek near the village of Summerville. Surface water quality sampling and analytical data is contained within the MLRD Permit No. M-83-141 file. Groundwater Resources Groundwater present in the Gold Hill area of Boulder County is typfied by fracture zone occurrences. Due to the crystalline nature of the Boulder Creek granite, groundwater is found only in bedrock areas where the granite has been fractured. Generally, the openings of these fractures Qoints and fauns) decrease in size with increasing depth, and the probability of encountering significant water bearing zones is greatly reduced at depths generally in excess of 300 feet. The crystalline bedrock has very limited storative capacity, and most of the water that is received through precipitation is returned to the atmosphere via evapotranspiration. The groundwater that is present within the Boulder Creek granite tends to migrate downward and laterally through a northeast to southwest trending fracture system toward the general area north of Cash Gulch. Limited site-specific groundwater data from an area about 800-feet noRh of the Cash Mine shaft is available. This data was obtained as a result of a U.S. Bureau of Mines drilling program conducted in the 1970's, wherein the Bureau installed a series of five borings in an area approximately 200 feet south of the Gold Hill Mill. Observations from the monitoring effoR determined that the groundwater level decreased from a level of 53 feet below ground surtace (bgs) to 86 feet bgs during the period of September to December. Groundwater quality sampling and analytigl data is contained within the MLRD Permit No. M-83-141 file. (d) Wildlife Habitat and Species The major wildlife habitat in the general area is that of a con'rferous forest wildlfe habitat. The most common mammalian species that can be observed in the area are mule deer, cottontail rabbits, squin•els, and chipmunks. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, black bear, mountain lions, and bobcats are also known to inhabit the Gold Hill area. The occurrence of these species is generally year-round, with some seasonal migration of the mule deer down from the mountainous areas during periods of heavy snowfall accumulation. The Colorado Division of Wildlife was contacted in September 2004 to conduct an onsite assessment relative to potential habitat concerns. The Division has advised that excavation and tree removal be avoided between the months of April and August to minimize disruption to ground and tree nesting birds. A copy of the Division of Wildlife's February 1, 2005 written response is provided as Exhibit N. Exhibit B -Site Desc~ption