2008-07-07_PERMIT FILE - M2008022 ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: M2008022
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 7/7/2008
• Doc Name: Possible Resolution of Issues
• From: DRMS
• To: Deep Cut Irrigation Ditch, Inc.
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

STATE OF COLORADO
DIVISION OF RECLAMATION, MINING AND SAFETY
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman St., Room 215
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
July 7, 2008 r/
George Ence
Deep Cut Irrigation Ditch, Inc.
300 West Fourth Street
Craig, Colorado 81625

'JUL I 12008
DiVIS101I ? . ,. ciiion,
Mining a,ic salety

Re: Breeze Basin Sand and Gravel Pit, File No. M-2008-022, Possible Resolution of Issues...
Dear Mr. Ence,
COLORADO
DIVISION OF
RECLAMATION
MINING
SAFETY
Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor
Harris D. Sherman
Executive Director
Ronald W. Cattany
Division Director
Natural Resource Trustee
The Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety (DRMS) received Deep Cut Irrigation Ditch's timely comments
in regard to the above referenced 112c reclamation permit. A review of Deep Ditch's comments from May 9 and
May 21, 2008 identified some concerns that the Division reviews as a matter of normal procedure. The Ditch's
comments on hydrology and stability were passed on to the Division's engineer and hydrology specialist for
further review. Staff forwarded the hydrology comments onto Deep Cut. Please find attached the comments from
Allen Sorenson, DRMS Engineer regarding other issues including some related to your concerns and TMS and 4-
B Land & Livestock responses.
Staff believes that the responses back from the applicant address Deep Cut Irrigations issues but would like your
review and feedback. Efforts to contact Mr. Ence at the phone number provided (970-629-5402) have not been
successful due to some type of error.
The biggest response that affects Deep Ditch is the commitment from 4-B to not excavate any materials from the
100 year flood plain. By doing so, this pushes back the edge of any excavation to over 400 feet from the head
gate and a minimum of 200 feet from the Yampa inlet feeding the Deep Cut Ditch. Given the distance and
approximate 25 foot depth of the excavation the DRMS engineer is satisfied that destabilization will not be an
issue which was your Item #1.
By committing to no mining within the 100 year flood plain, this alleviates concerns about periodical flooding
and possible capture of the pit by such events which are Item #2.
Item # 3 notes concerns over drainage. The pit will be required to control any precipitation that falls on site as
well as control any that may be construed as run-on. The precipitation would then be handled like the rest of the
dewatering efforts which include a sedimentation pond process prior to any release. The release is monitored
under a Water Quality Division Storm water Permit. Any and all topsoil is required to be protected from wind
and rain erosion if it stays in place for more than one growing season by rule.
Item #4 notes concerns about groundwater draw down affecting the irrigation ditch. As explained by the DRMS
hydrology person, these concerns are unfounded and further minimized by the increased distance by staying out
of the 100 year flood plain.
Office of Office of
Mined Land Reclamation Denver • Grand Junction Durango Active and Inactive Mines