1999-01-25_REVISION - M1977348 - Laserfiche WebLink

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JRN-25 99 15:14 FRDM:CDDW • 303-498-9742 T0:~38328106 STATE OF COLORADO Roy Romer, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AESOr1RCE5 DIVISION OF WILDLIFE ~n wunL awan7vwm [am,pVtrt Jahn Munmc, Ditocior 6ri!-0 Oraed,ny Denver, Calaradn 10716 Tdcphato (303) 797.1192 FAX (303) 294-0174 FORT COLLINS AREA OFFICE )17 Wert Proepat Fort Celtiay Cobrodo WSK Telephone (970)17ZJI11 FAX (!70)172~12~ January l4, 1999 Division of Minerals and Geology Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman St., Room 215 Denver, Colorado 80203 Re: CKD Disposal Facility Assessment at Boettcher Quarry, Hohtam Inc. PRGE:02 RFF[:R TO: ~~~ C®. ~~ For Wildll~l- for Penple On January 13, 1999, I accompanied Allen Sorenson to the Boettcher Quarry on a fiekl inspection to evaluate the potential for wildlife usage of a particular quarry pond. We were given a tour of the quarry operatioru at Hohtam Inc. by Mike Toelle and Wendy Abbott during which time we spent approximately one hour at the quarry pond ofconcem. I have also read the Wildlife Assessment Follow-up report by Dr. Steve Martin. It is my understanding that placemem of cement kiln dust into the water pond is expected to cause an increase in the pH level to approximately 12. This level can be detrimental or even fatal to both wildlife and humans if any water is consumed or an individual becomes itnrnersed in the pond. Here I comrrent on the possibility of usage of this pond by mammals attd birds and make some suggestions for actions that might be taken to rrunimi~t any detrimental effects to both wildlife and humans. It is unlikely that the quarry pond of concern receives usage by either large or small mammals. The sides ofthe pond are steep to vertical and offer very little to no shoreline. However, it was pointed out by Mr. Toelle that deer have been observed moving through adjacent areas of the quarry site with particular reference M the area west of this quarry pottd. ALso, Mr. Toelle mentioned that the quarry does see the occasional human trespasser (biker, hiker, 4wd). 1 suggest as a general precaution that Holnam, Inc. consider erectins a fence (chain-link) azound the pond which would ensure that neither httmans nor large mammnla might come into contact with the water. It is unlikely that migrating waterfowl use the quarry pond for reasons stated by Dr. Martin regarding the physical seniag of the cut pond. During my visit I observed two Black-billed Magpies fly over this quarry pond and ahhough they did not contact the water, I surmise that over several years the pond may receive some use by songbirds for drinking or bathing. Since such use will inevitabty lead to mortality, I suggest that the pond be regularly monitored for dead birds once kiln dust placement into the water begins. This would involve walking the pond's peritneter once or twice weekly and searching for the presence of bird carcasses in and azound the pond's edge and center. If carcasses are found, then inexperLSive devices could be placed along the pond's edge to act to deter usage by birds. Such devices atclude scarecrows, colorful streamers, and windsocks and have been used successfully in DEPARTMENT OF NATl1RAL RESOl1RCES. 3amn S. Lochhead. Exewtive Director WII.DLIF'E COMMISSTON, Chunk Lcwi~, Chairman • Mark LeVelley. Vim Chairmen • Bernard Black. Secretary