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<br /> into the natural channel of Unnamed Gulch B. Characteristics of the <br /> quarry's internal drainage network would be no different than those <br />' described under Alternative I. <br /> Alternative III <br /> A final alternative means of controlling storm runoff from the tributary <br /> area above and within the proposed quarry expansion is to utilize the <br /> quarry as a detention area. Under this option, water would be allowed <br />' to flow into the operating area via controlled drop structures. The <br /> water would initially be routed through sedimentation ponds and allowed <br /> to overflow into the natural channel downstream. In the later stages of <br />t mining, the runoff would be trapped in the pit and no means of drainage <br /> would be provided. Due to the geologic conditions in the area, it is <br /> unlikely that any stormwater would be permanently detained in the pit; <br /> most likely, runoff would percolate into the ground or evaporate within <br />' a short period following a storm. If the pit did start to fill up with <br /> stormwater, a controlled overflow section or alternative means of <br />' draining the structure into the natural channel below the mined area <br />could be provided. <br /> POST-MINING CONDITION <br />1 <br /> Gravel mining of the proposed quarry expansion is expected to continue <br /> for 50 years or more. The pit which remains when mining is finished may <br /> be useful as a flood control structure as indicated above. Flood waters <br />' captured in the pit would evaporate and/or seep into the surrounding <br /> formations; the pit is not expected to fill up and overflow. If the pit <br />' did fill, overflow could be released to the natural channel of Unnamed <br />Gulch A without any adverse im <br />acts downstream <br /> p <br />. <br /> Some alternative post-mining uses for the existing Morrison puarry were <br /> identified in the Thorne report (197?) and the Leonard Rice Consulting <br /> Water Engineers report (1975). These uses include: sanitary landfill; <br /> storage for recreational vehicles; parking terminal for mass trans- <br /> portation into Denver; overnight "cliff-dweller" campground; stadium; <br />' open space. Amore detailed analysis of post-mining drainage consid- <br /> erations may be necessary prior to selection of one of these alterna- <br /> rives. Should a post-mining land use be decided upon while the quarry <br /> is still operating, modification to the drainage plan can be made at <br /> that time to facilitate implementation of the final land use plan. <br />' <br /> OT??ER POTENTIAL CONCERNS <br />' The preceding sections have dealt primarily with a description of the <br /> surface runoff characteristics of the basins to be affected by the <br /> proposed Morrison Ouarry expansion, and recommendations for means to <br /> control surface flows in a manner which will mitigate adverse quantita- <br />' tive impacts downstream of the mining operations. Several additional <br /> concerns not previously mentioned are outlined below: <br /> <br /> <br />5 <br />