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can be found associated with mostly beach, river and glacial deposits. In the Dolores <br />River valley river gravels dominate. These gravels can be classified as in-stream, <br />floodplain and terrace gravels. The Dolores River valley has all three. Mining of any of <br />these has impacts on the environment, but only in-stream and floodplain mining have the <br />potential of impacting the intensity of flood events and normal water supply to the <br />channel. If it can be shown conclusively that extensive mining does contribute to <br />economic and property loss that would not occur in the absence of gravel pit mining then <br />the mining companies and land owners could be liable for the damages incurred. <br />POTENTIAL GRAVEL MINING IMPACTS <br />ECOLOGY IMPACTS <br />- Disruption or removal of the natural riparian habitat such as the loss of willows, <br />trees, etc. <br />- Elimination or alteration of migration routes of elk and deer. <br />- Increases the turbidity of the stream that negatively impacts fish and insect <br />populafions. <br />- Loss of soil cover impacting insect, microflora and vegetative cover. <br />HYDROLOGY IMPACTS <br />- Construction of berms and stockpiles increase erosion on site and increase <br />flooding downstream. <br />- Greater bedloads and suspended loads will occur because of increased surface <br />azea from mining and disruption of surface gravels. <br />- Pit reservoirs will magnify water loss to stream during droughts through diversion <br />and increased evaporation. <br />WATER QUALITY IMPACTS <br />- Disruption and reworking of fine fraction in gravel bed releases pulses of heavy <br />metals deposited both pre and post hazdrock mining that occurred up stream. <br />- Dust retazdants used on roads and stockpiles add to dissolved and suspended loads <br />in the stream. <br />ECONOMIC IIvIPACTS <br />- Loss of land value because of surface disruption. <br />- Loss of resale value of adjacent lands and as a consequence loss of tax base. <br />- Increased truck traffic and heavy loads shorten highway life during pit operation <br />- There would be a decrease in recreational uses such as boating and fishing. <br />- Disruption of the natural valley is a turnoff to many motorists driving this <br />National Scenic Byway thus impacting tourist volume. <br />AESTHETIC IMPACTS <br />- Unsightly pits and fabricated lakes that do not conform to the natural setting. <br />- Increased noise during operation. <br />- Loss in diversity of wildlife and habitats which make environments interesting <br />and desirable. <br />