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Apri14, 2002 <br />Mr. Wally Ericson <br />Colorado Division of Mining and Geology <br />701 Camino del Rio #125 <br />Durango, CO 81301 <br />Deaz Mr. Ericson, <br />RECEIVED <br />APR 0 8 20~'x? <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />We would like this letter to serve as our public comment on the New Castle Southwest <br />Group, Inc. d.b.a., Four Corners Materials and the proposed construction of a lake at the <br />Thomas Pit in the-upper Animas Valley (application for 112.permit_#M,76-020). <br />As an adjoining neighbor to this site, we appreciate the improved appearance that will <br />accompany the removal of the abandoned sewage ponds. We are also strong supporters <br />of private ownership of land and allowing land owners to use their resources to make a <br />living. However, after carefully reviewing the documents prepazed by Greg Lewicki and <br />Associates, conversations with individuals who have expert credentials, we aze not <br />confident that the above named construction company is planning on doing enough for <br />the long term health of our property as well as the health of the Animas River. <br />Specifically: <br />The dike that exists on the east side of the river is being proposed to move <br />further east to facilitate the lake construction. This will, in our experts' <br />opinion, channelize the Animas River in that particulaz azea. As you may be <br />aware the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers have taken a zero tolerance stance on <br />river channelization. <br />2. The proposed west edge of the Animas River in the mining azea will be the <br />eastern edge of the "lake" on the Thomas/Bryce property is insufficient to <br />meet the change of river flow. The company has stated an elaborate method <br />for reinforcing this area where the river will have significant impact during <br />spring run-off as well as any potential floods during the year but the design <br />falls short in two areas. <br />a. The length of reinforcement does not run the full distance of the river <br />frontage with the last 200' (southern end) being left unprotected <br />with only a grove of cottonwoods to provide stability. Should we have <br />a flood, the grove of cottonwoods would be most likely ripped away <br />and we would be left with nothing to protect our land from the <br />channelized Animas River eating away our valuable pasture land. <br />