1999-12-15_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1999051

Home Browse Search

STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL REMRCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER John W. Mumma, Director 6060 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 Telephone: (303) 297 -1192 June 16, 1999 Mr. Jim Komatinsky Director of Planning Rio Blanco County Department of Development P.O. Box 899 Meeker, CO 81641 RE: AmerAlia, Inc., Rock School Lease Experimental Nahcolite Mine Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Komatinsky, RECEIVED JUN 2 4 1999 Division of Minerals & Geology DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg Watcher, Executive Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Chuck Lewis, Chairman • Mark LeValley, Vice- Chairman • Bernard L. Black Jr., Secretary Rick Enstrom, Member -,Philip James Member • Marianna Raftopoulos, Member Arnold Salazar, Member • Bob Shoemaker, Member For Wldlife- For People The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Special Use Permit Application filed by AmerAlia, Inc. to conduct experimental nahcolite solution mining on the Rock School Lease in the Yellow Creek Basin southwest of Meeker, CO. The application adequately describes the wildlife resource in the vicinity of the mine site. CDOW wishes to provide the following comments on AmerAlia's permit application. The mining process and site design proposed by AmerAlia is similar in type to other mines recently permitted in Rio Blanco County. The scale of the project is limited in the current, experimental proposal but may be significantly expanded within a few years if the site proves to be commercially viable. The AmerAlia application differs, however, in proposing solution mining of sodium with surface and alluvial water from Yellow Creek. CDOW is concerned about potentially negative impacts to wintering mule deer, woodland nesting raptors, migratory birds and other riparian and aquatic wildlife, including the four endangered fish species occurring in the White River. These impacts are expected from the effects of site development and the potential removal of significant surface and alluvial water from the Yellow Creek drainage. Some of these impacts can be greatly reduced or eliminated through careful project design and reclamation. Others, particularly those to mule deer, may linger many years after the end of active mining. CDOW is very concemed about the possibility that project water may come from surface diversion or shallow alluvial wells in Yellow Creek. CDOW owns and manages water rights in Yellow Creek below the mine site for wildlife, particularly waterfowl and other migratory birds. Improved management of riparian and upland habitats has increased surface water in Yellow Creek and Duck Creek below the mine site. Riparian vegetation and bank stability have improved. Yellow Creek has run more perennial water as a result. Riparian and wetland habitats in and areas like the Yellow Creek basin are precious due to their limited extent and extraordinary value to wildlife. CDOW believes that withdrawal of the amount of water proposed by AmerAlia from the alluvial system puts these important habitats at serious risk. Consumptive use of surface water may also harm the four endangered fish species occupying the White River downstream from the mine site by reducing water flows from Yellow Creek into designated critical habitat in the White River. CDOW strongly encourages the development and use of non - alluvial water sources for mine operations instead of alluvial and surface water. Mule deer populations are in decline across the west slope of Colorado, including within the Piceance Creek and Yellow Creek basins. Mule deer generally use the AmerAlia mine site during winter months. The eastern portion of the lease is classified as severe winter range by the Division of Wildlife, indicating