2008-12-05_PERMIT FILE - M2008082 (2)

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• 8.0 EXHIBIT G - WATER INFORMATION 8.1 Introduction The proposed Morton Lakes Sand and Gravel Pit lies in parts of the SE1A of Section 1 and the NE1/4 of Section 12 of Township 1 North, Range 67 West, 6m P.M., Weld County, Colorado. The site is approximately a mile west of Fort Lupton, immediately south of Colorado State Highway 52, and west of Colorado State Highway 85. The proposed mining operation will be west of the South Platte River. It will affect E the South Platte River in the form of groundwater depletions due to evaporation and water uses associated with mining. The impacts to the South Platte River can be mitigated without injury to the vested senior water rights. Mining at the Morton Lakes will last approximately 10-15 years. Morton Lakes will be mined in conjunction with Holton Lakes to the east (DRM&S No. M-2007-008). The proposed reclamation plan will create four slurry wall sealed pits that will not be hydraulically connected to the South Platte River alluvial aquifer. The proposed mining plan will also create one unlined pond that totals 17 acres and it will be backfilled with wash fines prior to reclamation. The remaining four mining stages will each be sealed prior to mining. Two of the cells will be sealed in conjunction with the Holton Lakes property to the east (see Mine Plan-Exhibit D). The combined lined storage on both of these properties will be approximately 272 acres for an estimated volume of 7800 acre-feet. A substitute water supply plan (SWSP) pursuant to C.R.S. 37-90-137, will be filed with and approved by the State Engineer's Office (SEO) for replacement of the depletions during the mining phase. 8.2 Potential Water Resource Impacts Ground Water Wells The Morton Lakes Pit will have minimal impacts on the prevailing hydrologic • balance. Sand and gravel mining related impacts to ground water wells near the Pit will 1