Laserfiche WebLink
LA PLATA COUNTY <br />."Y::e.ufYn[iSS}.:_:..:%YvStfd:.i~~r;i^r,~.~.:::tv.'d1:1!i:;a'~'i~:F :%a,~+EL`5F':~xbsi.imT:eTCY'Fr:.rv"YW'~SLZi5~5':a~,S+'nX;.i,_a5?!P.G't+:.2 .'r.:d <br />PLANNING DEPARTMENT <br />970.382.6263 Fax 970.382.6298• TDD 970.382.6218 <br />20 July 2005 <br />Brian Kimmel <br />PO Box 2673 <br />Durango, CO 81302 <br />Received <br />AUG 2 3 2005 <br />RE: Piedras de la Florida Class II and CDP <br />Dear Mr. Kimmel, <br />Durango Field Of5ce <br />pitdsion of iVlinerrls & Geology <br />I would like to provide some initial feedback on the proposed Piedras de la Florida Class II <br />Gravel Mining operation and the associated Conceptual Development Plan. Many of the <br />corntnents provided here center around the comments from outside reviewing agencies, copies of <br />which have already been provided to you. I will also provide some feedback in terms of the land <br />use planning process and our interpretation of the land use code and district land use plans. <br />The issues are outlined below, in no particular order of importance: <br />Wetlands/ Riparian Areas. As you are aware, the Army Corps of Engineers is requiring a <br />wetlands delineation study. This study should not only address any wetlands on site, but also <br />the proposed pond in the reclamation plan. You should highlight the fact that there is a <br />riparian buffer zone proposed, and also plans for preventing sediment and runoff from <br />impacting the river. <br />The Colorado Division of Wildlife has reviewed this proposal and is recommending a 100- <br />foot buffer strip along the Florida Rtver to prevent wildlife and water quality impacts. I <br />would strongly support the additional width in a buffer area. <br />2. Irrigation Ditch. The Dashner Ditch crosses the property, and is located within the mining <br />area. It appears that the ditch would represent the eastern extent of the mining. However, it <br />also appears that berms of overburden and topsoil will be create on top of this ditch. Please <br />provide further information regarding how this ditch will be treated. <br />If the ditch company has not yet been notified, you need to do so at this point. As you should <br />be aware, you cannot make changes to the ditch without the ditch company's approval. <br />3. Noise. One of the two largest complaints about gravel mining operations is the noise <br />associated with heavy machinery and, in particular, gravel crushers. While there are very few <br />residences in this azea, noise is still a concern here. Mel Gunderson, the neighboring <br />landowner to the east of and uphill from the mining area, is particularly concerned. <br />In the past we have addressed noise in a number of ways, ranging from careful placement of <br />loud machinery on the site so as to minimize noise to the use of sound walls or other <br />1060 E. 2ND AVE. DURA NGO, CO 81307 <br />