2002-06-28_REVISION - M1983033 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Russell George, Director solo Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 Telephone: (303) 297-1592 May 17, 2002 Cazl Mount Division of Minerals and Geology 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 RECEIVED MAY 2 8.2002 Division of Minerals and Geology RE: Frei and Sons, Inc., Walstrum Mine Amendment Application M-1983-033, AM-08 Deaz Mr. Mount: For ~Idldfe- ForPeople I have received the amendment application for the above referenced permit and have the following comments. District Wildlife Manager. Ron Oehlkers and I visited the site with the owner and consultant several months ago, Since that time, Mr. Oehlkers.has written a latter to the Cleaz Creek Planninv Commission dated 2/5/02. A copy of that letter is included for your review. The concerns that were stated in that letter aze those still expressed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. In their permit application, Frei and Sons state that the items raised in the letter, "aze not supported by solid evidence and aze listed as concerns." The applicant cleazly does not believe that the area proposed under the amendment will have any further impact on wildlife in the azea. Our best professional judgement does not concur with this statement. ~``~" plethora of peer-reviewed scientific literature exists that demonstrates that sedimentation into a water body may have detrimental effects on aquatic life. Direct take of wildlife habitat will also occur if the permit is granted. South-facing slopes (much of what will be mined) provide valuable winter range for wildlife. While these azeas will be reclaimed, it is very important that they be reclaimed to a state that is usable by wildlife, and not in a steep area or vegetated in such a way that is inaccessible and therefore of little value. It is possible that there will be increased road-kill due to heavy traffic volumes. resulting from heavy trucks Hauling material. The applicants state that wildlife is often seen in and azound the mining site currently and the presence of the animals presents a potential risk. In the permit application, they state that the bonding should be set to $92K, based on.15.88 ac of reclamation. It is unclear to me how they arrived at a figure of 15.88 acres, if the permit application is for DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg E. Washer, Executive Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Bernard L. Black, Jr., Chairman .Rick Ensfrom, V'x;e-Chairman Phfip James, Secretary Members. Tnm Burke • Madc LeVaOev • Marianna RalMnnnulns • Robert Shoemaker .Olive Vaktez