PERMFILE139986

• Permit No: M1999025
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 6/10/1999
• Doc Name: SOARING EAGLE GRAVEL PIT FN M-99-025 THIRD ADEQUACY REVIEW
• From: DMG
• To: GRAND JUNCTION PIPE & SUPPLY
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
Department of Natural Rewurces
1313 Sherman 51., Room 215
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
June 7, 1999
STATE O~ COLORADO
RE: Rationale for Approval Recommendation Over Objections
Grand Junction Pipe and Supply Company
Soaring Eagle Gravel Pit, File No. M-99-025
Introduction
DIVISION OF
MINERALS
GEOLOGY
R E C L A M A T I O N
MINING•SAFETY
Bil I Owens
Governor
Gre6E Watcher
Eaecative Orzeaor
Michael B. Long
Division Direnor
Application for the Soaring Eagle Gravel Pit was filed with DMG on March 8, 1999. The
application proposes a surface sand and gravel extraction and processing operation located in the
flood plain of the Colorado River, just west of Grand Junction, Colorado. The application
indicates that the proposed 1 12 acre affected area will result in a lake with approximately 102
acres of surface area and two islands. Wetlands to be disturbed are proposed to be replaced at
1.5 acres for each acre disturbed. The proposed post-mining land use is wildlife habitat.
Objections and Comments Received
One letter of objection was received during the public comment period. On April 7, 1999, George
D. Gromke submitted a letter of objection that stated concerns about noise, property values,
traffic problems, and location of commercial businesses in residential areas. Mr. Gromke is the
only party to this application process, other than the operator and DMG.
The Informal Conference was held on May 17„ 1999, in Grand Junction, Colorado. DMG received
the following comments within the 5-day comment period following the Informal Conference.
Both gentlemen submitting these comments have indicated that they do not wish to be parties to
the application process, but do wish to have their concerns addressed.
• May 20, 1999 letter from Glen A. Miller, received May 21, 1999, stating concerns regarding
public values and private property values that may be adversely affected by the proposed
"flow through" design of the reclaimed pit, especially if the inlet and outlet structures fail.
Insufficient design of the "Texas crossing" type inlet structure was noted as the major
contributing factor to the concern. Sedimentation of adjacent channels, due to reduced flood
peaks, was also mentioned.
• May 20, 1999 letter from Robert O. Engelke, received May 24, 1999, stating support for Glen
Miller's letter, specifically that any diversion of flow from existing channels would cause
damage to those channels, and reduce their usefulness to wildlife.