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4 {$ j <br />f(~~. ~,: <br />xa M1a7 ar ~. <br />.. ~.: t'. f ys~- - _. <br />E.a .. s.,;-. ,..~...wvt..a~ [..,.._.~.:i':' :r~.x: at es~ €. x;~ a.~.~...,.~s•i.:s <br />LA PLATA COUNTY <br />PLANNING DEPARTMENT <br />970.382.6263 Fax 970.382.6298• TDD 970.382.6278 <br />20 July 2005 <br />Brian Kimmel <br />PO Box 2673 <br />Durango, CO 51302 <br />RE: Piedras de la Florida Class R and CDP <br />Dear Mr. Kimmel, <br />I would like to provide some initial feedback on the proposed Piedras de la Florida Class II <br />Gravel Mining operation and the associated Conceptual Development Plan. Many of the <br />comments provided here center around the comments from outside reviewing agencies, copies of <br />which have already been provided to you. I will also provide some feedback in terms of the land <br />use planning process and our interpretation of the land use code and district land use plans. <br />The issues are outlined below, in no particular order of importance: <br />1. Wetlands/ Riparian Areas. As you are aware, the Army Corps of Engineers is requiring a <br />wetlands delineation study. This study should not only address any wetlands on site, but also <br />the proposed pond in the reclamation plan. You should highlight the fact that there is a <br />riparian buffer zone proposed, and also plans for preventing sediment and runoff from <br />impacting the river. <br />The Colorado Division of Wildlife has reviewed this proposal and is recommending a 100- <br />footbuffer strip along the Florida River to prevent wildlife and water quality impacts. I <br />would strongly support the additional width in a buffer area. <br />2. Irrigation Ditch. The Dashner Ditch crosses the property, and is located within the mining <br />area. It appears that the ditch would represent the eastern extent o£ the mining. However, it <br />also appears that berms of overburden and topsoil will be create on top of this ditch. Please <br />provide further information regarding how this ditch will be treated. <br />If the ditch company has not yet been notified, you need to do so at this point. As you should <br />be aware, you cannot make changes to the ditch without the ditch company's approval. <br />3. Noise One of the two largest complaints about gravel mining operations is dle noise <br />associated with heavy machinery and, in particular, gravel crushers. While there are very few <br />residences in this area, noise is still a concern here. Mel Gunderson, the neighboring <br />landowner to the east of and uphill from the mining area, is particularly concerned. <br />In the past we have addressed noise in a number of ways, ranging from careful placement of <br />loud machinery on the site so as to minimize noise to the use of sound walls or other <br />1060 E. 2ND AVE. DURA NGO, CO 81301 <br />