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~h <br />• III IIIIIIIIIIIII III • <br />STATE OF COLORADO <br />Roy Romer, Governor <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />,vv cQU,u, orromvnm enBLOVax <br />John Mumma. Director FORT COLLPIS AREA OFFICE <br />6060 Broadway 317 West Prospect <br />Denver, Colorado 80216 Fort Collins, Coloredo 80526 <br />Telephone (303) 297-1192 Tetephooe (970) 472.4431 <br />FAx (303) 29a-0s7a FAX (970) 472429 <br />January 14, 1999 <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />Department of Natural Resources <br />1313 Sherman St., Room 215 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />Re: CKD Disposal Facility Assessment at Boettcher Quarry, Holnam Inc. <br />REFER TO: <br />JA~V ~°sPy~~ <br />Oivison o1 Minerals 8 (~roiuc <br />On January 13, 1999, I accompanied Allen Sorenson to the Boettcher Quarry on a field inspection to <br />evaluate the potential for wildlife usage of a particular quarry pond. We were given a tour of the <br />quarry operations at Holnam Inc. by Mike Toelle and Wendy Abbott during which time we spent <br />approximately one hour at the quarry pond of concern. I have also read the Wildlife Assessment <br />Follow-up report by Dr. Steve Martin. <br />It is my understanding that placement of cement kiln dust into the water pond is expected to cause an <br />increase in the pH level to approximately 12. This level can be detrimental or even fatal to both <br />wildlife and humans if any water is consumed or an individual becomes immersed in the pond. Here I <br />comment on the possibility of usage of this pond by mammals and buds and make some suggestions for <br />actions that might be taken to minim;~e any detrimental effects to both wildlife and humans. <br />It is unlikely that the quarry pond of concern receives usage by either large or small mammals. The <br />sides of the pond aze steep to vertical and offer very little to no shoreline. However, it ~Nas pointed out <br />by Mr. Toelle that deer have been observed moving through adjacent azeas of the quarry site with <br />particular reference to the azea west of this quarry pond. A]so, Mr. Toelle mentioned that the quarry <br />does see the occasional human trespasser (biker, hiker, 4wd). I suggest as a general prcxaution that <br />Holnam, Inc. consider erecting a fence (chain-link) azound the pond which would ensure that neither <br />humans nor large mammals might come into contact with the water. <br />It is unlikely that migrating waterfowl use the quarry pond for reasons stated by Dr. Mtlrtin regazding <br />the physical setting of the cut pond. During my visit I observed two Black-billed Magpies fly over this <br />quarry pond and although they did not contact the water, I surmise that over several years the pond <br />may receive some use by songbirds for drinking or bathing. Since such use will inevitat)ly lead to <br />mortality, I suggest that the pond be regularly monitored for dead birds once kiln dust placement into <br />the water begins. This would involve walking the pond's perimeter once or twice weeny and <br />searching for the presence of bird cazcasses in and azound the pond's edge and center. If carcasses are <br />found, then inexpensive devices could be placed along the pond's edge to act to deter usage by birds. <br />Such devices include scarecrows, colorfiJl streamers, and windsocks and have been used successfully in <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Jaroes S. Lochhea4 Exeative Director <br />WO-DLLFE COMMISSION, Chuck Lewis, Chairrnao • Mark Le Valley, Vice Chairman • Bernard Black,'ieaetery <br />