2003-07-24_HYDROLOGY - M2001085 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• Page 2 Request for Investigation July 24, 2003 Considering the alluvial thickness, transmissivity, distance to bedrock, pumping rate (-2 acre ft/day9), westerly discharge into the neighboring ski lake (away from our well), lack of any other major pumping activity identified to date, as well as the coincidental timing of the pumping activity and the water level losses, we are convinced that the cone of depression from the dewatering operation at the 120 Estates Sand and Gravel Mine, Permit # M-2001-085, is the direct cause of damage to our well #420-R. I would also point out that in the July 17, 1959 registration document for well #420 filed with the State Engineer's Office, the static water level of 26 ft is exactly the same as our static level of 32 ft after we adjust the reference position by 6 ft for the lowering of the casing around our new underground pump house in 1993. In other words, data spanning -50 years shows the static level has remained +/- 1 ft until approximately April-May of 2003 when it changed by 3-4 ft. Therefore, as the state registered operator of Tucson Water Co., and a customer/homeowner living in Tucson Estates, (along with the other 35 homes and Henderson Elementary School customers of TWC who are suffering consequential damages of brown and dying lawns and vegetation) I am requesting an investigation by your Division of Minerals and Geology into the dewatering operation of this mine. I am also requesting the imposition of additional conditions on the continued operation to include but not be limited to: 1) Clarifying that the liability for damage claims from dewatering is not limited to the good faith escrow amounts currently required by the permit (verification and status of the escrow funds?). 2) An immediate increase ($50,000) in the escrow monies deposited for damage claims. 3) The DN[G's request to predict the size of the cone of depression from dewatering operations appears to have been totally ignored by the applicant and replaced by a limited 600 ft study of surrounding wells. Our well # 420-R is about 3000 ft from the edge of the mine along 124`h Ave and a serious study outlined at the top of this page will find a large impact area > 3000 ft away. 4) Extending the expiration date of the current escrow requirements by one year (set to expire October 1, 2003). The operation appears to be significantly behind the original permit schedule. 5) Halting all pumping operations until after the completion and inspection of the clay liner OR the successful conclusion of any and all damage claims. I have been meeting with Mr. Less Ewegen of 124' Estate Partners and we will soon notify him in writing of our claim for damages. From the applicant's permit documentation we find the following "The applicant acknowledges that shallow wells along 124th Ave... will likely be impacted by dewatering of the mine." also, "In addition, the applicant has committed to pay for rehabilitation of shallow wells along 124th Ave that lose efficiency during the mine dewatering activities." I would also request a coordination of your investigation with the DWR - State Engineer's Office, as both of your divisions are within the Colorado Dept. of Natural Resources. Sincerely, David H. Grandlienard equal co-owner, volunteer operator, & customer of TWC resident of Tucson Estates subdivision Tucson Water Company State Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) Drinking Water - Class C #2912 Distribution - Class 1 #10578 Cc: TWC Board of Directors and Officers Les Ewegen - Project Manager, 124`h Estate Partners Aft: Static Water Level Log of Well #420-R Residence 12563 Salem St. Henderson, CO 80640