Laserfiche WebLink
<br />"Based on an analysis of the applicant's 100-year floodplain delineation mapping and narrative, <br />Dr. George McCoy of Aquatic Environmental Services, Inc. has determined that the information <br />provided by the applicant is incorrect. In addition, none of the cross-sections have been validated, <br />there was no valid ground survey of the property, no combined flow analysis showing the potential <br />effects of backwater curve slightly upstream of the confluence, and the wrong gage was used to <br />calculate the peak flow for Trout Creek. <br />1. Based on Dr. McCoy's analysis, we believe the entve mine operation is within the 100-year <br />floodplain delineation. The settling ponds are of major concern. <br />2. Based on Dr. McCoy's analysis, we believe the mine operation is in the floodway as is shown on <br />the USGS floodway mapping that was discounted by Camilletti as being too old. These maps are <br />based on actual flooding events. We do not believe the floodplain mapping submitted by <br />Camilletti should be considered as accurate in any way. <br />3. Northwest Colorado Consultants, Inc. in their site conditions description says, "the site is <br />located within the Yampa River floodplain and site is bordered on the north by the Yampa River <br />and on the south by Trout Creek." This was taken from the Camilletti proposal submitted to the <br />Routt County Planning Department. <br />III. Hydrological Balance and the surrounding wildlife habitat <br />If the mine is allow to proceed we do not believe the applicant has detailed adequate mitigation <br />techniques to meet the minimum requirements set out by DMG. Mitigation to prevent harm to the <br />riparian habitat has been set by a study that is not correct. Therefore, impacts to the hydrological <br />balance will cause negative impacts to water quality and quantity for residents, fish and wildlife. <br />Whether or not the riparian areas are on Camilletti property, all surrounding residents are <br />"affected" when vegetation dies and wildlife leaves. <br />N. Water Well Impacts to Private Well Owners in the Town of Milner <br />Contamination: The town of Milner is within .5 miles of the mine site - as the crow flies some are <br />closer. The town appears to be downgradient of the mine site. If the FEMA floodplain mapping <br />were available, we believe it would show that the town of Milner is also in the same floodplain. <br />b:any of the 290 people who live there are very concerned about potential contamination of then <br />water wells. As spokesman for some of these residents, I say they are aggrieved individuals. W e <br />know gravel mining tampers with the water supply by removing water from the ground and <br />surface, causing vast amounts of evaporation and potentially introducing chemicals such as calcium <br />chloride used for dust control, treating wastewater and dewatering. There is also diesel fuel {2,000 <br />gallons per year), and oil and grease, hydraulic fluid, waste oil, and antifreeze use (not just storage) <br />on site that could be spilled and seep into the groundwater. DMG needs to assure us that plans are <br />in place to protect the groundwater from inadvertent leaks. <br />Water Loss: The Milner Trailer Park operates on a "ground water only" municipal well used by <br />200 residents. During parts of the summer they Gave water rationing. Other residents have their <br />own private wells. We believe the cone of depression will be large enough to cause these wells to <br />dry up during the heaviest use in summer. Dr. David Cooper in the water drawdown study, a <br />seepage face at the pit bottom should be analyzed to determine the cone of depression. As <br />spo~Cesman for some of these residents, I say they are aggrieved individuals and could experience <br />material injury should the cone of depression be large enough to affect their wells. We contend <br />that site monitoring agreements made with Routt County are not based on accurate information and <br />that any monitoring needs to be reevaluated to ensure minimizing dangers. We request an accurate <br />maximum pit inflow rate expected and its peak and an accurate report on how the flow was <br />detertgige~. For exposed open water, as in the settling ponds, we want an accounting of what <br />water is Ipst during July and August. <br />