HomeMy WebLinkAbout20082243.tiff Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
11(4 MEMORANDUM fin'` ja ,°°�
RECEIVED TO: Chris Gathman, Planning Services DATE: May 13, 2008
IFROM: Donald Carroll, Engineering Administrator Ott
O
SUBJECT: USR-1655, Gerald & Beverly Ewing
COLORADO
The Weld County Public Works Department has reviewed this proposal. This project falls primarily under the
purview of the Use by Special Review Standards, Weld County Code, Chapter 23, Article II, Division 4, Section
23. Our comments and requirements are as follows:
COMMENTS:
Weld County Road Classification Plan (FHU): (June 2002) WCR 100 is a collector road and requires an
80-foot right-of-way at full build out. There is presently a 60-foot right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld
County. Pursuant to the definition of SETBACK in the Weld County Zoning (23-1-90), the required setback is
measured from the future right-of-way line.
WCR 17 is a local gravel road and requires a 60-foot right-of-way at full build out. There is presently a 60-foot
right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County. Pursuant to the definition of SETBACK in the Weld
County Zoning (23-1-90), the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line.
REQUIREMENTS:
Site Plan: The applicant needs to place on the plat drawing the existing right-of-way at 60 feet and 10 feet of
future right-of-way for a distance 70 feet from the center of WCR 100.
Access: Utilize your existing access from WCR 100 with no additional accesses granted. Your access drive
shall be graded and drained to provide a all-weather access.
Off-Street Parking: The applicant indicated that the existing parking in front of the resident and outbuilding.
Utilize this parking area for deliveries and parking.
Storm Water Drainage: The historical flow patterns and run-off amounts will be maintained on site in such a
manner that it will reasonably preserve the natural character of the area and prevent property damage of the
type generally attributed to run-off rate and velocity increases, diversions, concentration and/or unplanned
ponding of storm run-off.
The applicant must take into consideration storm water capture/quantity and provide accordingly for best
management practices.
ADT: The average daily traffic count identified for WCR 100 between WCR 17 and WCR 23 ranges from 800
to 1000 vehicles taken in a 72-hour period.
Flood Hazard Development Standards: This area is not in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as
determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Oc: USR-1655 M:\PLANNING-DEVELOPMENT REVIEw\USR-Use by Special Review\USR-1655.D C
EXHIBIT
2008-2243 1 y
9
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
?POB
MEMORANDUMOtt , Th '.E�
TO: CHRIS GATHMAN, PLANNING SERVICES
I FROM: LAUREN LIGHT, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
C. CT. GERALD AND BEVERLY EWING
DATE: 06/03/2008
COLORADO
Environmental Health Services has reviewed this proposal for a bullet casting business.
The site is served by a domestic well and an individual sewage disposal system (permit
— SP-9600445). As there will be no employees or customers coming to the site, the
sanitary facilities located in the residence can be utilized for potable water and restroom
needs. Water is not required for the manufacturing of the bullets so the existing well will
not have to be re-permitted to commercial.
We have no objections to the proposal, however, we do recommend that the following
conditions be part of any approval:
We recommend that the following requirements be met prior to allowing the plat to be
• recorded:
1 . The applicant shall submit a dust abatement plan (driveway dust) for review and
approval, to the Environmental Health Services, Weld County Department of
Public Health & Environment.
2. The applicant shall submit a waste handling plan, for approval, to the
Environmental Health Services Division of the Weld County Department of Public
Health & Environment. The plan shall include at a minimum, the following:
1) A list of wastes which are expected to be generated on site (this should
include expected volumes and types of waste generated).
2) A list of the type and volume of chemicals expected to be stored on site.
3) The waste handler and facility where the waste will be disposed (including
the facility name, address, and phone number).
We recommend that the following requirements be incorporated into the permit as
development standards:
1. All liquid and solid wastes (as defined in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and
•
• Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S., as amended) shall be stored and removed for
final disposal in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater
contamination.
2. No permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site. This is not
meant to include those wastes specifically excluded from the definition of a solid
waste in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S.,
as amended.
3. Waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed in a manner that controls
fugitive dust, fugitive particulate emissions, blowing debris, and other potential
nuisance conditions.
4. The applicant shall operate in accordance with the approved "waste handling
plan".
5. The facility shall be operated in accordance with the approved "dust abatement
plan" at all times.
6. This facility shall adhere to the maximum permissible noise levels allowed in the
Commercial Zone as delineated in 25-12-103 C.R.S., as amended.
• 7. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the State
and Federal agencies and the Weld County Code.
•
(+if '\
(e Weld County Referral
1 May 1, 2008
C.
COLORADO
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant Gerald & Beverly Ewing Case Number USR-1655
Please Reply By June 2, 2008 Planner Chris Gathman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and a Special Review Permit for a Home
Business (bullet casting business) in the A (Agricultural)Zone District.
Legal E2 SW4 of Section 29, T9N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location North of and adjacent to CR 100 and approximately Y2 mile west of CR 17.
Parcel Number 0453 29 300019
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or recommendation you
• consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the above listed date so that we may
give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not received before or on this date may be
deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning Services. If you have any further questions
regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with the request. Please note that new
information may be added to applications under review during the review process. If you desire to
examine or obtain this additional information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
You will be notified in writing of the Planning Commission date once the date is determined.
❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan
because
❑, We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
El See attached letter.
Comments:
Signature � r �" Date
I -
Agency nal r b L1,4( -1•a' I 'D F�zu 4 LA-Er
. 'ice „-f.,,, ♦ v
• ❖Weld County Planning Dept. +918 10th Street,Greeley, CO.80631 +(970)353-6100 ext.3540 +(970)304-6498 fax
a DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES
•
Weld County Administrative Offices
4209 4
Longmont CO 80504
Phone (720) 652-4210 Ext 8736
WilkWEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us
COLORADO
Applicant: Gerald and Beverly Ewing 15 May 2008
Case Number: USR-1655
Project: Site Specific Development Plan and a Special Review Permit for a Home Business
(bullet casting business) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
Location: North of and adjacent to CR 100 and approximately 1/2 milewest of CR 17
Parcel Number: 0453 29 300019
There is one permit on record for this parcel. BC-9800268 (40'x60' Pole Building) Final
Prior to the start of any construction, alterations, or change of occupancy;
1 A building permit application must be completed and two complete sets of plans including
engineered foundation plans bearing the wet stamp of a Colorado registered architect or
engineer must be submitted for review. A geotechnical engineering report preformed by a
registered State of Colorado engineer shall be required.
2 A plan review must be approved and a permit must be issued prior to the start of construction
3 Setback and offset distances shall be determined bythe 2006 International Building Code
(Offset and setback distances are measured from the farthest projecton from the structure).
4 At this time the 2006 International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas
Codes, the 2005 National Electrical Code (adopting 2008 NEC, July 2008 ?), and Chapter 23 of
the Weld County Code are being enforced.
5 Buildings located within a 100 year flood plane require a Flood Hazard Development Plan.
6 A letter from the Fire District to ascertain if aFPD permit is required.
Please contact me for any further inbrmation regarding this projed.
Sincerely
• Robert Powell
Building Plans Examiner
Service,Teamwork, Integrity,Quality
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES
• Weld County Administrative Offices
64rom-- 4209 CR 24.5
Longmont CO 80504
Phone (720) 652-4210 Ext 8736
WEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us
COLORADO
Applicant: Gerald and Beverly Ewing 10 June 2008
Case Number: USR-1655
Project: Site Specific Development Plan and a Special Review Permit for a Home Business
(bullet casting business) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
Location: North of and adjacent to CR 100 and approximately '/z milewest of CR 17
Parcel Number: 0453 29 300019
There is one permit on record for this parcel. BC-9800268 (40'x60' Pole Building) Final
• Prior to the start of any construction, alterations, or change of occupancy;
1 A building permit application must be completed and two complete sets of plans including
engineered foundation plans bearing the wet stamp of a Colorado registered architect or
engineer must be submitted for review. A geotechnical engineering report preformed by a
registered State of Colorado engineer shall be required.
2 A plan review must be approved and a permit must be issued prior to the start of construction
3 Setback and offset distances shall be determined bythe 2006 International Building Code
(Offset and setback distances are measured from the farthest projecton from the structure).
4 At this time the 2006 International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas
Codes, the 2005 National Electrical Code (adopting 2008 NEC, July 2008 ?), and Chapter 23 of
the Weld County Code are being enforced.
5 Buildings located within a 100 year flood plane require a Flood Hazard Development Plan.
6 A letter from the Fire District to ascertain if aFPD permit is required.
Please contact me for any further inbrmation regarding this projed.
Sincerely
• Robert Powell
Building Plans Examiner
Service,Teamwork, Integrity,Quality
• rigiort;)
Weld County Referral
' May 1, 2008
C.
COLORADO
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant Gerald & Beverly Ewing Case Number USR-1655
Please Reply By June 2, 2008 Planner Chris Gathman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and a Special Review Permit for a Home
Business (bullet casting business) in the A(Agricultural)Zone District.
Legal E2 SW4 of Section 29, T9N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location North of and adjacent to CR 100 and approximately'A mile west of CR 17.
Parcel Number 0453 29 300019
• The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or recommendation you
consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the above listed date so that we may
give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not received before or on this date may be
deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning Services. If you have any further questions
regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with the request. Please note that new
information may be added to applications under review during the review process. If you desire to
examine or obtain this additional information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
You will be notified in writing of the Planning Commission date once the date is determined.
❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan
.because
El We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
❑ See attached letter.
Comments: •
( 1' 1'1 �� 1 t Y /
/ '/. ' `.'%(l- /il// 1 L! 4 r` / i
!� X17�' .
•
Signature //I r Date (3- I - r,S-
Agency 11lr!)f1)71- / /,//) ;/ <1/LP(
• +Weld County Planning Dept. +918 10th Street, Greeley.CO.80631 +(970)353-6100 ext.3540 ✓x(970)304-6498 fax
ti;N:
• ( ' t '\
aWeld County Referral
WIIDc
June 9, 2008
COLORADO
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant Gerald & Beverly Ewing Case Number USR-1655
Planner Chris Gathman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and a Special Review Permit for a Home
Business (bullet casting business) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
Legal E2 SW4 of Section 29, T9N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location North of and adjacent to CR 100 and approximately'/ mile west of CR 17.
Parcel Number 0453 29 300019
• The application has been previously submitted to you for review and recommendation If you have any further
questions regarding the application,please contact the Planner associated with the request. Please notethat
new information may be added to applications under review during the review process. If you desire
to examine or obtain this additional information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
A meeting has been scheduled with the Weld County Planning Commission on August 5, 2008, at 1:30 p.m.
This meeting will take place in the Hearing Room, Greeley Planning Department, 918 10`" Street, Greeley,
Colorado.
Weld County Planning Commission Hearing August 5, 2008
/?1�C ' C7C•y/� I/>l.%//Ct/i 2/C 4) / zCC1/2176/
G
i
•
( / /LG/ it 1(.....„
/
lam_// jq �C�/IZf�C /�C/ ' z, __//.�', � .
i J
•
•
❖Weld County Planning Dept. 4918 101h Street,Greeley,CO. 80631 4(970)353-6100 ext.3540 4(970)304-6498 fax
MAY-06-2008 TUE 09 04 AM DENVER III- INDUSTRY 0PS FAX NO, 3038447563 P. 01/02
CI' ,�
any`�'_ \A l �,o
4l ■� ,
�; to i 'N� gW - �0 r 24, �/ h
".iv )k yd Sty 1972 / ,.
�Sd.J.�°F✓.ildr �
ATF -- DENVER III
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES
• DENVER FIELD DIVISION
DENVER III FIELD OFFICE PHONE: 303-844-7545
1961 STOUT STREET, Suite 630-C
DENVER, COLORADO 80294 FAX: 303-844-7563
DATE: OSA.A
TO:
FROM: 1,4--rr i�4-C /4-7-
SUBJECT: 6th-Pei 2 2evte y Le,.,Nc,
NO. OF PAGES (plus cover) 2
REMARKS: denss NofFlb,3 ac L 1a..,j P-k £ 6 Of i ,
777&f ,ua,CAli ✓G s y 7et£Ps/vv& th& c
MAY-06-2008 TUE 09:04 AM DENVER III- INDUSTRY OPS FAX NO. 3038447563 P. 02/02
n
• � 4I Weld County Referral
hiDeMay 1, 2008
COLORADO
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following Item for review:
Applicant Gerald & Beverly Ewing Case Number USR-1655
Please Reply By June 2, 2008 Planner Chris Gathman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and a Special Review Permit for a Home
Business (bullet casting business)in the A(Agricultural)Zone District.
Legal E2 SW4 of Section 29, T9N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Co/orado.
Location North of and adjacent to CR 100 and approximately'A mile west of CR 17.
Parcel Number 0453 29 300019
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or recommendation you
• consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the above listed date so that we may
give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not received before or on this date may be
deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning Services. If you have any further questions
regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with the request. Please note that new
information may be added to applications under review during the review process. If you desire to
examine or obtain this additional information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
You will be notified in writing of the Planning Commission date once the date is determined.
We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan
because
We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
See attached letter.
Comments:
T U6N <vE /-74k) ND &oMa/CTS / �G'.4CAS TD
7774-pN �I�-!Ntli iSSu�10E cif��pME
fir erl
Ir
� /r` 06) 7-0 �Lv� ' W/LL N�7 W O.(3Trf7 nl )F.p�/,^��1�A,/� L ICF.v$E
/7MMuNO-70 t/�4.Si R s ,
Signature
P a �— Date IS 08
Agency /H gilt# /4-7F
ewold County Planning Dept. 4.918 10'^Street,Greeley, CO.80631 t(970)353-6100 0#.3540 t(970)3046498 fax
F�q OVi 910pd
t DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
o DIVISION OF WATER RESO�.JIc sent
* ��� )� *, Weld County P an to
* rv� -* GREELEY OFFICE
Bill Ritter,Jr.
* / 76 �` Governor
May 8, 2008 MAY 1 3 7(l0A Harris D.Sherman
Executive Director
RECEIVE® Dir ectoolfe,P.E.
Chris Gathman
Weld County Planning Department
918 10th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Re: Bullet Casting Business Site Specific Development Plan & Special Permit Review
Case No. USR-1655
Sec. 29, T9N, R67W, 6th P.M.
Water Division 1, Water District 3
Dear Mr. Gathman:
We have reviewed the above referenced proposal for a bullet casting business, where
lead will be melted and then poured into molds to form bullets. The bullets will be sold
wholesale to gun stores and gun clubs, and will also be sold through the Internet. The
submitted material does not qualify as a "subdivision" as defined in §30-28-101(10)(a), C.R.S.,
• pursuant to the State Engineer's March 4, 2005 memorandum to county planning directors, this
office will only perform a cursory review of the referral information and provide comments. The
comments will not address the adequacy of the water supply plan for this development or the
ability of the water supply plan to satisfy any County regulations or requirements.
From the submittal materials, the source of water for the business will be from an
existing well, however no permit number was identified. According to our records the well
located on the property was identified as permit no. 196791. Well permit no. 196791 was
issued on July 25, 1996 pursuant to CRS 37-92-602(3)(b)(II)(A) as the only well on a tract of 80
acres described as the E1/2 of the SW1/4 of Section 29, Township 9 North, Range 67 West of
the 6th P.M. The permitted use of this well is limited to fire protection, ordinary household
purposes inside up to three single family dwellings, the watering of poultry, domestic animals
and livestock on a farm or ranch and the irrigation of not more Ulan one acre of home gardens
and lawns. The well was constructed on September 16, 1996 to a depth of 660 feet and the
pump installation report submitted on November 20, 1996 reported a pumping rate of 8 gallons
minute.
Based on the limited information provided in the submittal material, it appears there will
be no commercial activity which would generate an expansion of use from the residential use of
the well, such as on-site employees, visits from customers, and/or water used in the
manufacturing process. The State Engineer's Office considers well permit no. 196791 as a
valid water supply as long as there will be no commercial activity requiring on-site employees,
customer visits, or use of water in the manufacturing process.
•
Office of the State Engineer
1313 Sherman Street,Suite 818•Denver,CO 80203•Phone:303-866-3581 •Fax:303-866-3589
www.water.state.co.us
Weld County Planning Department Page 2
Bullet Casting Business
May 8, 2008
• Note that as permitted, well no. 196791 is exempt from administration in the water rights
priority system. If the well will be used to supply drinking and sanitary needs for on-site
employees or customers, a new well permit that allows for drinking and sanitary use in a
commercial business would have to be obtained. A commercial well permit may be available
that would be exempt from administration in the water rights priority system in accordance with
Section 37-92-602(3)(b)(I), C.R.S. If issued, this type of permit would restrict annual pumping of
the well to 1/3 of an acre-foot (108,600 gallons). Use of water from the well would be limited to
drinking and sanitary use only, no use for lawn or landscape irrigation or for any other purpose
outside of the business building structure would be allowed. The State Engineer's Policy
regarding the issuance of this type permit is attached for your reference.
If any other commercial uses of water are proposed, it is unlikely a new well permit could
be issued unless a plan for augmentation is first approved by the Division 1 Water Court. An
augmentation plan is approved by the water court to prevent injury to senior water rights by
replacing the amount of water consumed by the commercial uses. General information
regarding augmentation plans is enclosed for your reference.
If you have any questions in this matter, please contact loana Comaniciu of this office.
Sincerely,
Jeff Deatherage, P.E.
• Water Resource Engineer
Enclosures: The Beginners Guide to Augmentation Plans for Wells
Policy of April 9, 1985 regarding exempt commercial wells
Cc: Jim Hall, Division Engineer
George Varra, Water Commissioner, Water District 3
Permit files
JD/IDC/Bullet Casting Special Use(weld)
RICHARD D. LAMM JERIS A. DANIELSON
Governor a o °•
State Engineer
# ,H,ao �
* /876 #
OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
1313 Sherman Street-Room 818
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 866-3581
April 9, 1985
MEMORANDUM
TO: ROBERT A. LONGENBAUGH, ASSISTANT STATE ENGINEER FOR GROUND WATER
FROM: JERIS A. DANIELSON, STATE ENGINEER
SUBJECT: POLICY CONCERNING THE EVALUATION OF WELL PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR
EXEMPT COMMERCIAL USES
In 1972 the legislature established a rebuttable presumption in subsection
• 37-92-602(3)(b)(II), C.R.S., that wells used solely for household purposes in
a single-family dwelling will not materially injure the vested water rights
of others or any other existing well. This presumption has been used to
approve many permits for "household use" wells appropriating ground water
tributary to overappropriated stream systems.
By including small capacity wells used for drinking and sanitary facilities in
a commercial business in the exemptions of Section 37-92-602(1), C.R.S. , the
legislature apparently intended for such wells to be approved under special
limiting conditions, however, the presumptions of subsection
37-92-602(3)(b)(II) do not apply to these well permit applications. Therefore
they must be evaluated pursuant to subsection 37-92-602(3)(b)(I)
In order to assist in the evaluation and provide for approval of certain
limited uses of well permit applications to serve drinking and sanitary
facilities in a commercial business, it shall be the policy of the State
Engineer that if the proposed annual diversion and the consumptive use of
water from the well do not exceed those values of ordinary in-house purposes
inside a single-family dwelling, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that
such uses will not injure other vested water rights or wells. This policy
shall be implemented by applying a rebuttable presumption of non-injury when
the following conditions are met:
1. No other water supply source or system is available to serve the
property. An affidavit by the applicant affirming this situation
must accompany the applications as well as an affidavit from any
entity capable of serving the use that it will not do so.
• MEMO TO: Robert A. Longenbaugh
Page 2
2. The well must be the only well on the site.
3. The site must have been established prior to June 1, 1972, or must
be exempt from the definition of a subdivision pursuant to Section
30-28-101(10)(c) and (d), C.R.S. For lots in subdivisions approved
after June 1, 1972, the recommendations made in the water supply
review process will be honored. Ground water production will be
limited to the aquifer approved during the review process and will
be restricted to one aquifer only by Conditions of Approval.
4. The pumping rate shall not exceed 1S gallons per minute.
5. The amount of ground water diverted shall not exceed 1/3 acre-foot
annually (108,600 gallons) . The applicant must support the
application with evidence that the proposed use will not create a
demand greater than 1/3 acre-foot.
6. The consumptive use of the water shall not exceed 10% of the volume
of ground water diverted. The return flow from the use of the water
must be discharged to the same stream system in a location so as to
not injure any vested water right. An approved septic tank and
non-evaporative leach field is an acceptable discharge method.
Other types of disposal systems must be evaluated to determine the
• amount and location of the return flow.
7. The use of the water diverted is limited to drinking and sanitary
facilities only in an individual commercial business. No uses of
water are permitted outside of the building.
8. A totalizing flow meter must be installed on the well. Permanent
annual diversion records must be maintained by the well owner and
submitted to the Division of Water Resources annually.
Exempt commercial wells which do not meet the above criteria will be evaluated
on the basis of material injury.
This policy becomes effective immediately and is essential to reduce the back
log of well permit applications. It shall be modified or revoked only in
writing.
Je is A. Danielson
JAD/RGH/jp
cc: Hal Simpson
Division Engineers
• 4397I(6)
The Beginners Guide to Augmentation Plans for Wells Page 1 of 1
The Beginners Guide to Augmentation Plans For Wells
Cl, ere for Printer Friendly_Version
If you are considering using wells to provide water for a lawn and garden, domestic animals, a subdivision, or
some other project,you should be aware that in some areas of Colorado you may be unable to get a well permit
without an Augmentation Plan.An Augmentation Plan is a court-approved document which is designed to
protect existing water rights by replacing water depleted in a new project.Augmentation Plans are usually
required in areas where there is a shortage of water during part or all of the year.Augmentation Plans are not
used for wells within the Designated Basins.To determine whether or not you need an Augmentation Plan,you
should consult with the Colorado Division of Water Resources Office responsible for administering water in the
area in which your project will be located.
The following basics of Water Administration will help in explaining what an Augmentation Plan is and what it
does. As someone contemplating providing water for a new project,you are a new water user. Your water right
will be"junior"(or have less priority)to certain other water rights,which have priority over your use(see Prior
Appropriation System).The priority protects these water rights,which are therefore"senior" (or earlier in time)
to your water right.When a shortage occurs, senior water rights may place a call for water, which may result in
junior water rights being ordered to stop some or all water use so the seniors can receive their water. Simply
put, augmentation is a method to allow you to use your well (the junior water right),when a call has been
placed,without reducing water available to senior water rights.
You may be wondering how it is possible for wells to affect other water rights. To answer this question, we need
to look at how ground water and surface water interact.Water experts have known for some time that ground
water and surface water are usually hydrologically connected. The connection is through small openings
between grains of sand, gravel, and even in some rocks,that allow water to move through the ground to and
from streams.This is most evident in springs where water can be seen seeping or flowing from the sides of hills
or roadcuts.The result of this connection is that pumping a well will eventually cause some reduction in the
amount of water in nearby streams. This reduction in streamflow can affect the amount of water available to
wat r rights on that stream and the remainder of the stream system.
F example of an Augmentation Plan, let's assume that you want wells in a proposed subdivision where
there are senior water rights on a nearby stream.An Augmentation Plan must be designed to put water in the
stream to prevent reductions in streamflow caused by pumping your well from affecting senior water rights. This
allows the junior water right to keep pumping water if a"call"is placed by a senior water right.
To obtain approval of an Augmentation Plan you must make an application (which is often prepared by an
attorney)to the water court. The application must explain exactly where the water will be obtained,where water
is to be used,what it will be used for, how much water will be used,what the source of augmentation water is,
when and where augmentation water will be required, how much augmentation water is required, and how the
Augmentation Plan will be operated. The application should be supported by an engineering analysis, usually
prepared by a water resources engineer, which shows how the water needs of the project were determined and
how the new water use can occur without affecting senior water rights.
You may contact the Water Courts in their respective Divisions to obtain information regarding the filing of
applications with the court.Water attorneys may be found in the yellow pages under"Attorneys-Water". Water
resource engineers may be found under Engineers'Water Supply. Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive
information available concerning sources or cost of augmentation water. Water attorneys, engineers and
division personnel may be able to provide some suggestions. Due to legal constraints, personnel from this office
cannot act as your engineer or attorney. For further information concerning well permitting and permit
applications, see Ground Water Well Permitting on our website or call Ground Water Information at(303)866-
3587.
•
http://www.water.state.co.us/groundwater/p_augplan.asp 5/9/2008
Hello