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We recommend mulching re-vegetated areas with clean weed-free straw or native hay. It should <br />be applied at a rate of 4,000 pounds per acre and crimped into the soil to anchor it. Crimping <br />should be cross slope or on the contour, if possible. The State of Colorado has a list of certified <br />weed-free straw available on the Internet or it can be obtained through local county extension <br />service offices. All surface water should be diverted away from the re-vegetated slopes to a <br />point where it can safely flow down slopes without the potential of serious soil erosion. <br />Weeds in the re-vegetated areas will need to be controlled by mowing until grasses are <br />established, usually the first four yeazs after planting for native species. Again, the applicant <br />should coordinate weed control with Kelly Uhing with the Adams County Cooperative <br />Extension. <br />Surface and Subsurface Water <br />The West Adams Conservation District, along with others in the area, is concerned about the <br />overall loss of water resources, both surface and subsurface, due to mining operations such as <br />this. There aze concerns relative to the effect this de-watering and mining operation will have on <br />underground aquifers in the region. This important issue has not been addressed. The applicant <br />states that, following completion of mining, the municipal water storage reservoir will be lined. <br />What type of lining is proposed to be installed? Will subsurface water flow be diverted azound <br />the reservoir? What will be the impacts of any water "shadowing effects" downstream of the <br />reservoir? There are numerous wetlands downstream of the proposed mining operation on the <br />nearby South Platte River and on tributaries to the river. What will be the short and long-term <br />impacts to these existing wetlands? The surface azea for the proposed reservoir is large at <br />approximately I20 acres. What will be the long-temp, annual evaporative water loss from the <br />reservoir? <br />The NRCS and West Adams Conservation District will be available to review this proposed <br />mining and reclamation permit application again after the above issues have been appropriately <br />addressed. Should you have questions, MRCS can be reached at 303-659-7004. <br />Sincerely, <br />-~ <br />Jan Fritch <br />District Conservationist <br />Ken Koebel <br />Conservation Technician\ <br />