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CESPK-(~O-R Public Notice Number 199475346 Six other active instream sand and gravel mining operations aze located on the Animas River north of Durango. These operations vary in size, mining methods, and quantities mined. The curn:ntly active operations, like the subject Dalton Pit, were extended under the excavation rule "grandfather provision" in order to allow public notice review. Public notices are also being issued for these operations as listed below: 1!)9475260 -Mountain Redi Mix -previously Animas Aggregates (Thomas Pit), upstream four miles 1!19475345 -Michael Francis (Hermosa Meadows Pit), immediately upstream 1!)9475347 -Animas Valley Sand & Gravel (AVSG Pit), downstream one mile 1!9475348 - SANDCO (Walker Pit), downstream three miles 1!19475349 - SANDCO (Willow Bend Pit), downstream five miles 1!19575400 -Burnett Construction (Baz D Pit), upstream two miles In the past, several agencies and individuals have expressed concern regarding the direct, indirect :md cumulative impacts of excavating the Animas River bottom. Some concerns include increased siltation, accelerated erosion of the riverbanks upstream and downstream, and the decrease or loss of fish and wildlife habitat. The impacts of river mining aze difficult to predict. A river study by a licensed hydrologist would be required in order to accurately assess the potential effects of a specified operation. Complicating the situation are the varying natural forces which increase river bank erosion, such as high runoff seasons and the tendency of rivers to meander and braid (build and adding sand bazs). Another instream operator, Burnett Construction Company, contracted engineering consultants Wright-DQcLaughlrn Engineering in 1980 to perform a hydraulic and hydrologic study of the Animas :[liver. The Wright-McLaughlin report, dated January 1981, encompassed a three mile reach of river from azound Trimble Bridge upstream to the Bar-D Pit (operated by Burnett construction) and includes both the Hermosa Meadows Pit (operated by Hermosa Meadows Camper Park) and subject Dalton Pit sites. The report concluded that the Animas River is aggregating and that 143,000 tons (approximately 95,500 cubic yards) of alluvium could be removed from selected azeas within the study reach (as opposed to a single concentr;ited site) on an average annual basis without upsetting the balance of the river system. Although a comprehensive study of the Animas River mining operations was recommended by the La Plata County Planning Depaztment as early as 1987, it has proven difficult to obtain full participation and funding from Animas River mining operators. The Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, Planning Division pursued the initiation of a study with the State of Colorado in the late 1980s. The State, principally the Colorado Water Conservation Boazd, opposed the study. Since the Corps could not pursue a planning study unilaterally, the proposal was abandoned. Therefore, a comprehensive hydrologic study of the Animas River has not been performed. The applicant has requested water quality certification from the State of Colorado, Department of Public Health and Environment in accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Written comments on water quality certification should be submitted to Mr. John Farrow, Planning and Standazds Section, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environrent, Water Quality Control Division, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, Colorado, 80222-1530, on or before April 15, 1996.