PERMFILE106185 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

i ~~ • • ~l i J "Water issues will be affected by the operation of this size and duration and statements in the application show no proof of protection to the landowners in the area. The liability to replace surrounding owners of water rights/irtigation rights are not addressed at all." (Michael Decker; February 16, 2001) Response-The applicant may not expose groundwater until a well permit is issued by the OSE. The applicant states that a TSSP and well permit have been filed with the OSE. In the TSSP, the applicant will commit to buying water from Longmont to cover the industrial and evaporative uses associated with the operation during the first five years. The applicant has committed that groundwater will not be exposed until they have received necessary approvals from the OSE. 14. "Afraid that the mining operation will deplete the aquifer that supplies my deep irrigation well, something that 1 have to have to continue farming:' (Beth Decker; February 16, 2001) Response- The applicant submitted a hydrologic evaluation of potential impacts to nearby wells prepared by Leonard Rice Consulting Water Engineers, Inc. This report evaluates the impact to lowered water levels in wells resulting from the dewatering of 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. Ifthis occurs, the impacts to nearby well uses will be insignificant. Platte Sand & Gravel will also begin mining as far away from existing wells as possible. Any change to this plan will need to be submitted as a revision to [he permit. Based on the findings in this report, the Division believes that impacts to the surtounding well owners will be minimized. Application Exhibit H -Wildlife Information: I5. "This would also have a substantially negative impact on the existing wildlife and would adversely affect this habitat. The Platte River runs along the west and north side of this property. Deer, eagles and hawks, owls, ducks and other species live in this habitat:' (Michael J. Ptasnik; February 7, 2001) Response- The wildlife habitat area as defined in the permit application will not be disturbed by the mining operation. This includes undisturbed areas along the river that are designated wildlife habitat. The applicant states that very few trees or shrubs will be removed by mining and none will be removed by the applicant in the wildlife habitat areas. In addition, the applicant is working with the Division of Wildlife ("DOW") and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to address the buffer distances regarding the eagle roost habitat. Once a buffer distance is set, a map wilt be sent to the Division showing this location. No mining will take place inside the buffer during the period November 1 to March I. The applicant must comply with all threatened and endangered species that may exist on the mine site. 16. "The true and full adverse impact of this mining and industrial processing operation on critical wildlife habitat contained within the permit area should be fully evaluated by a neutral third party agency:' (Scott, Brochard, Deprat[, Odenbaugh, Remick & Rippe; February 1 d, 2001) Response- Comments and suggestions were obtained from the DOW. The designated wildlife habitat area will not be disturbed by the mining operation. The applicant is working with the DOW and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to address the buffer distance regarding the eagle roost habitat. Once a buffer distance is set, a map will be sent to the Division showing this location. No mining will take place inside the buffer during the period November 1 to March 1. The applicant must comply with all threatened and endangered species laws that may pertain to activities at the mine site. 6