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the "Modified Project Scope") is complete avoidance of all jurisdictional wetlands. The nature of aggregate mining and associated equipment use required of this alternative would render.the project uneconomical. Appazently, this approach would create many small fmgers and isolated extraction azeas, the accumulated constmction, operation and reclamation of which would not be appropriately profitable. See the alternatives analysis of the permit application and the comment responses letter dated October 17, 2003 for more detailed economicinformation on this alternative. No Impact Alternative 2 - No Action on the part of the Proponent would preclude development of the project on the property. No individual permit would be required. Future development of the property would be in question and none of the construction materials for the western Weld County market would be extracted. This alternative was not considered practical or feasible, as the Proponent requires the aggregates to effectively compete in the aggregate market for the foreseeable future in Weld County. Absent the ability to mine the site consistent with plans and zoning, the property has no commercial value to the Proponent. 5.2 Alternative Designs. Alternative 3 -Minimize Impacts to the Maximum Extent Practicable (Applicant's Preferred Project Alternative) Mining impacts to jurisdictional wetlands is disturbing 5.44 acres of oxbow channel wetlands located in the eastern portion of the project azea. Non jurisdictonal wetland impacts include 1.5 acres of tailwater wetlands, and 0.88 acre of isolated oxbow wetland. (It was also noted that cell 3 was reduced in size from the originally planned configuration due to avoidance of wetlands and avoidance of a natural gas pipeline). The total azea of jurisdictional and non jurisdictional wetlands on the project site is 30.70 acres. 3.48 acres of the disturbed oxbow channel wetlands will be relocated and recreated to the south of their cturent location. Additionally, 3.55 acres of wet meadow wetlands will be created on the lower terrace between the reservoir and the oxbow channel wetlands. The wetlands to be created during mitigation will be of equivalent or higher function and value than those impacted with no temporal loss of wetlands during the life of the project. The remaining wetlands will be preserved on the property through a deed restriction, which is mentioned in the special conditions and attached to the permit (Attachment 4). The excess mitigation of wetlands is meant to compensate for impacts to all types of wetlands on the project site (including impacts to non jurisdictional wetlands which aze considered under the authority of NEPA laws with regazd to the Corps' scope of analysis). This alternative meets the needs of the development plan for this project, avoiding the maximum azea of wetlands possible, minimizing impact to those wetlands affected, and compensating for the temporary loss with creation of additional wetland acreage and preservation of remaining acreage. 5.3 Alternative Sites. Alternative 4 - Alternafive Site Location: T1ris alternative would involve development of a new undetermined site. AStemate sites containing equivalent reserves of sand and gravel (suitable for use in the production of concrete) for anticipated long-term development are not generally available in the azea at this time. Three characteristics are required for a prospective alternate site to be considered: 1. A landowner that is agreeable to the development of the gravel resource located on his property. 2. Gravel of sufficient quality and quantity to meet specifications for concrete and asphalt. 3. Reasonably good access to the site and proximity to transportation corridors suitable for haulage. Other factors affect the viability of any alternative site in the eyes of the Weld County Planning Commission, the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, all of whom must also issue permits or approvals for the mining project. These other factors include but are not limited to: proximity of residenfial neighbors (noise, dust, smell impacts), duration of the project, potential Project: Green ~ Croissant Aggregate Mining Applinnt: Loveland Ready Mix, Inc. Pg 19 of 53 Corps Flle No: 200180205 Waterway: Big'Ihompson Wetlands Weld Counry, CO