2013-10-23_PERMIT FILE - M2013064

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES John W. Hickenlooper Governor Mike King Executive Director Dick Wolfe, P.E. Director Response to Reclamation Permit Application Consideration DATE: October 23, 2013 TO: Peter S. Hays, Environmental Protection Specialist CC: Division 1 Office, District 3 Water Commissioner FROM: Sarah Brucker, P.E. RECEIVED RE: Varra - Coulson Resource Project, File No. M- 2013 -064 Operator: Varra Companies, Inc. 07 % 12013 Contact: Bradford Janes, (970) 353 -8310 Section 10, Twp 5 North, Rng 65 West, 6th P.M., Weld County DIVISION OF RECLAMATION MINING AND SAFETY CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL • The proposed operation will consume ground water by: ® evaporation, ❑ dust control, ®reclamation, ® water removed in the mined product, ® processing, ❑ other: Prior to initiation of these uses of ground water, the applicant will need to obtain either a gravel pit or other type of well permit, as applicable. However, prior to obtaining a permit, an approved water supply plan or decreed plan for augmentation is required. • Prior to approving a well permit, the applicant must conduct a field inspection of the site and document the locations of all wells within 600 feet of the permit area. The applicant must then obtain a waiver of objection from all well owners with wells within 600 feet of the permit area or request a hearing before the State Engineer. COMMENTS: The subject application is for a surface mining operation on 100.63 permitted acres located approximately 1 mile east of Greeley, Colorado. The primary commodities to be mined at the site are sand, gravel, and earth products for construction and infrastructure purposes. The area to be mined is currently used for agricultural purposes. The mining plan calls for excavation to remove aggregate from approximately 33 feet along the southwest of the pit to a mean depth of 40 feet at the center. An existing well near the southwest of the property indicates a mean static ground water level of approximately 18 feet below ground surface. The mining plan did not indicate that dewatering would occur at the site; therefore, excavation to a mean depth of 40 feet will consume ground water through water lost in the mined material and water lost to evaporation of exposed ground water. The mining plan also references a wash pond. Prior to the use /exposure of any ground water the applicant must first obtain a well permit and a substitute water supply plan or decreed plan for augmentation. Water trucks will provide water for dust control purposes at the site. The site is proposed to be reclaimed to developed water resources for storage of decreed water rights or other water as allowed by this office. The basins are proposed to be included in a substitute water supply plan until such time as the basins are lined and the liners approved by this office. Any storm water runoff intercepted by this operation that is not diverted or captured in priority must infiltrate into the ground or be released to the stream system within 72 hours. Otherwise, the operator will be required to make replacements for evaporation. The applicant may contact the State Engineer's Office with any questions. Office of the State Engineer 1313 Sherman Street, Suite 818 • Denver, CO 80203 • Phone: 303 - 866 -3581 • Fax: 303 - 866 -3589 www.watenstatexo.us