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, • November 29, 1999 Reference: #M-99-098 (Camas CO Inc.) Carl 7vlount Division of Ia4inerals and Geology 1313 Sherman St. Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 Dear Sir III IIIIIIIIIIIII III 999 RECEIVED ~E'C 01 1999 Division of Minerdy g ~~ t\1vgteat-grandfather was an original Union Colonist, arriving in the Greeley area in 1870. Our farm, having been owned and operated by our family for 120 years, is regstered as a "Colorado Centennial Farm." Our farm includes the forty acres lying west of 7b' Avenue and south of O Street. Camas Colorado Inc. intends to mine gravel adjacent to the west and south boundaries. At this time Camas Jtas not addressed the underground drain tiles that transport water continuously through my acreage. These drain tiles have been in existence For many years. Some of the tiles are probably over 700 years old. These drain tiles perform the Function of draining excess water from, not only my farm, but also other farms to the north. \Xtithout these drtin tiles, excess water would reduce or eliminate farm production. In the past, one of the drtin riles was accidentally cut and plugged. \Vater backed up approximately ROII feet to the northwest where it flowed out of the ground. This water flowed to the bottom of the Farm where it formed a lake. Farnting was impossible until the drain line was repaired. Camas must be held responsible For any future damage to crops :md farmland they cause. These drain tiles' also remm water to the river, where it is used downstream. These users utdude both human and wildlife. If dtis water is blocked, what impact will there be on the water rights of those users? Gravel pits can be tms'ightly, noisy, dusty, weedy, and a source of high traffic congestion. Camas's plans do not call for completion for another 20 years. This is a long time to deal with such problems. Neighboring land and homes could be devalued if these problems aze not dealt with properly. \C~ill Camas accept responsibility for any such dev:duation? Damage to local roads due to heavy track traffic can also be a major problem. How will these roads be maintained? Prior to any mining permits, a "Flood Plan Hazard Development Study" should be conducted by a hydrolo8st to determine what future impact gravel mining will have on the area. Almost every spring the river Floods due to heave snowmelt or a large rainstorm. During flooding, the rivec expands out of its banks. The planned gravel mines will be covered with floodwater. How does Camas plan to contain the Floodwater? \CSII they attempt to contain the water within its banks? \Lthat effect will ttus have on the ecosystem? A flood plan should be in place before mining begins. lmpact studies should be performed to determine effects on ground water artd wildlife. Neutral professionals should perform these studies. \C~e realize there's a need for gravel, but we love the land and don't want to see the area impacted negatively, These are a few of my many concerns about the proposed Camas project. 1'd appreciate your consideration in addressing these concerns or any other possible "problem spots" that might be brought to your attention. Sincereh, "~_" ~- 0 Richard Gcetzel 13J89 wCR 6G GREELEY, CO BOG3I