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Response- The applicant submitted a hydrologic evaluation of potential impacts to nearby wells prepared by Leonard Rice Consulting Water Engineers, Inc. This report evaluates impacts to lowered water levels in wells resulting from the dewatering of the I-acre pit sites for dredge construction. The 1-acre starter pit will cause a maximum drop of 5 feet, 2000 feet from the starter pit site if located above the most permeable portion of the aquifer. In addition, mitigation effects of aquifer subflow and recharge will reduce the effects by 50 percent. If this occurs, the impacts to nearby well uses will be insignificant. Platte Sand & Gravel will also begin mining as far away from existing wells and as close to the river as allowed. Any change to this plan will need to be submitted as a revision to the permit. The Division believes that impacts [o the surrounding well owners will be minimized. 5. "We have 3 homes with 3 domestic wells and ten irrigation wells on the adjacent property. Wells are located within 169 feet to 516 feet of the applicant's land. Irrigation wells are located within I69 feet and 427 feet of the applicant's land and three wells are approximately 800 feet away. Wells are in danger ifdewatering and dry mining techniques are utilized. My right to farm is threatened." (Michael Ptasnik; February 7, 2001) Response-The applicant will limit the dewatering pit to 1-acre in size to minimize impacts to adjacent well owners. In addition, the applicant will begin mining as far away from the existing wells and as close to the river as allowed. The report prepared by Leonard Rice Consulting Water Engineers, Inc. demonstrates that limiting the dewatering activity to a maximum area of 1-acre, will not impact adjacent well owners and infringe on their water rights. The applicant is also required to comply with the rules of the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Office of the State Engineer for all wells located within 600 feet of the area. 6. "1 have major concerns regardingthe wetlands in the applicants permit. It has been relatively dry over the past few years, but there is no question multiple areas of wetlands exist in the areas requested for mining. The applicant has completely ignored the presence of wetlands stating that a U.S. Corps of Engineers permit is not required." (Michael Ptasnik; February 7, 2001) Response- The applicant submitted a map titled, "Platte Sand & Gravel LLC Adequacy Exhibit 5 Wetlands Map" that delineates the wetland habitat. Platte Sand & Gravel states that they will not impact the wetland areas at this time. If and when a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit is issued, it must be submitted to the Division to determine what course of action will be needed regarding the reclamation plan and the reclamation cost estimate. 7. "This entire area is in the 100 year flood plain. As recently as three years ago, hundreds of these acres were flooded and inaccessible for weeks. Approximately 25 years ago, this entire area was Flooded and under water. The riverbanks in the spring erode regularly, and the river path continues to change significantly. Forty acres of riverbank were lost four years ago during spring flooding. Please do not allow the applicant to minimize the historical, real Flooding that regularly occurs in this area." (Michael Ptasnik; February 7, 200/J Response- Potential floodwater elevationswill actually decrease as the pit is mined out. Platte Sand & Gravel will not mine closer than 400 feet of the riverbank until an armoring and bank stabilization design has been submitted to the Division and approved. Topsoil piles and miscellaneous materials will be placed and bermed to ensure these features are not impacted by flooding. In addition, the applicant will not mine in the floodplain until a floodplain analysis and mitigation plan is developed and submitted to the Division for review and approval. 8. "Groundwater protection; applicant leaves open the option to change the mining to a dry operation at the discretion of the operator. A dry operation would require dewatering of the active mine pit. The application does not offer any protection to surrounding property owners or farmers regarding protection of adjacent agriculture or domestic wells. A slurry wall in active pits would be a minimum requirement for protection. Monitor wells drilled at the applicant's expense and monitored regularly by a neutral third party would be appropriate." (Scott, Brochard, Depratt, Odenbaugh, Reinick & Rippe; February 14, 2001)