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3. Source of Material to be Processed - The amended application requests in point <br />number 2 of the July 27, 2010 cover letter that Venture Resources not be required to <br />"seek permit modification to accept imported mill feed, of similar geology and <br />mineralogy, from sources outside this affected area." We would rely on DRMS's <br />expertise to evaluate this request, but we would also rely on DRMS to require appropriate <br />permitting for the removal of feed stock from any site in the state of Colorado. <br />In addition to issues from the original submittal, we noted some new statements in the <br />amended application: <br />4. Point number 4 in the cover letter explains that a shelter will be added to the <br />Crusher Feed Pile and that it is the intention of the applicant to keep this 30'X32' <br />structure as a storage shed. Clear Creek County does not require reclamation or removal <br />of structures upon termination of mining activities. The applicant should be aware that a <br />structure of this size will require a Clear Creek County Building Permit. <br />5. Point number 11c in the cover letter and Exhibit D, page 2 explain the applicant's <br />position that "Mobile Millsite equipment may remain on site in an inactive state for <br />storage, post reclamation." The applicant further explains that this position is supported <br />by a letter dated December 9, 1998 from the then Clear Creek County Senior Planner. <br />Upon review of the letter, we found that it referred to an earlier project that proposed to <br />allow a permanent structure to remain on site. Our current policy and practice continues <br />to be that the County does not require the reclamation or removal of structures upon <br />termination of mining activities. However, the storage of equipment (such as the mobile <br />mill, vehicles and other trailers) is not a permitted use in our mining zoning districts. <br />6. Attachment E14 indicates that sandbags will be used above the water holding pond. <br />Our Site Development Department recommends a revegetated berm in place of sand bags <br />which are subject to deterioration when exposed to sun, rain and snow. <br />7. One final concern that is of interest to us as a local government is the importance of <br />an adequate reclamation bond. Clear Creek County has been the site of multi-million <br />dollar investments in cleaning up environmental problems left by historic, as well as <br />recent, mining activity. The investments in the clean up of historic mining activity were <br />funded at least in part, with today's taxpayer dollars. Some of the not-so-historic <br />environmental clean ups have also been partially funded by taxpayer dollars through <br />efforts that have taken years to accomplish. It is our recommendation that the <br />reclamation bond amount be carefully reviewed so that environmental issues will be <br />appropriately addressed in order that we not burden future generations with the costs of <br />restoration of the environment should a mining or reclamation project fail. <br />, <br />Sincerely <br />2' <br />C? <br />Sorensen <br />Jo <br />Clear Creek County Land Use Division Director