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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20011081.tiff Weld County Planning Dept. 2 9 2000 a County Referral • W oe December 12, 2000 COLORADO The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: Applicant Hall-Irwin Construction Case Number AmUSR-571 Please Reply By January 3, 2001 Planner Chris Gathman Project Amend and existing Special Use Permit for Wet Open-Pit Gravel Mining. Z Legal Part of the NE4 SW4 and part of the NW4 NE4 of Section 19, Township 6 North, I Range 67 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Location South of and adjacent to SH 392, 1/4 mile east of WCR 13. Parcel Number 0807 19 000063 _ _ 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. Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) February 6, 2001 ❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan ca -We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. ❑ See attached letter. Comments: \/� L ` `-N syeLiV--(7 C. r tr--4 roc/ t>>✓ G-.C. \\ Date Signature Z��s��— Agency A,L.C •:•Weld County Planning Dept. •?1555 N. 17th Ave.Greeley, CO. 80631 +(970)353-6100 ext.3540 +(970 304-6498 fax • EXHIBIT 2001-1081 1 / 7_ STATE OF COLORADO OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER eco o Division of Water Resources ,s�; Coo Department of Natural Resources we/ yew 1313 Sherman Street,Room 818 d COUhf * Denver,Colorado 80203 y Pic,nh/ �*1876, Phone:(303)866-3581 hg Dept, FAX:(303)866-3589 �t:(„ 2[ Bill Owens U eouo Governor http://waterstate.co.us/default.htm /Yk V Greg E.Walther December 21 , A •1E Executive Director 3 Mr. Chris Gathman V D Hal D.Simpson,P.E. State Engineer Weld County Planning Dept. 1555 N. 17th Ave. Greeley, CO 80631 Re: Case Number AmUSR-571 Hall-Irwin Construction Section 19, T6N, R67W, 6t11 PM Water Division 1, Water District 3 Dear Mr. Gathman: Pursuant to the State Engineer's August 7, 1995 memorandum to county planning directors this office is no longer providing comments on land use actions that do not involve a subdivision as defined in Section 30-28-101 (101(a), C.R.S. This referral does not appear to qualify as a "subdivision." Returned herewith are the materials submitted to this office in the above referenced matter. We will note; however, this application is for a proposed gravel pit. Therefore, the Colorado Division of Minerals & Geology (DMG) is the lead state regulatory agency in this matter. Any water concerns associated with this application will be forwarded by this agency to DMG. If you have any questions in this matter, please contact this office at 303/866-3581 . Sincerely, William C. McIntyre Water Resource Engineer r EXHIBIT Enclosures 12 cc: Richard Stenzel, Division Engineer J 4K11 ' Weld County Referral December 12, 2000 III D C. COLORADO The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: - Applicant Hall-Irwin Construction Case Number AmUSR-571 Please Reply By January 3, 2001 Planner Chris Gathman Project Amend and existing Special Use Permit for Wet Open-Pit Gravel Mining. Legal Part of the NE4 SW4 and part of the NW4 NE4 of Section 19, Township 6 North, Range 67 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Location South of and adjacent to SH 392, 1/4 mile east of WCR 13. � E Parcel Number 0807 19 000063 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. Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) February 6, 2001 ❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan I4 We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. ❑ See attached letter. Comments: l l prsn kt R -t^¢aY r Cs&CMCY1 re &f t ves \121 iAJCAt •cjj-wed ikkrvi.Q.t \-MU flV n , cnn D t• Signature ' Yl n Date 1I �--)It�l Agency Z �C0-TYpitnnCc •Weld County Planning Dept. 41555 N. 17th Ave.Greeley,CO.80631 4(970)353-6100 ext.3540 •:•(970) EXHIBIT � ly Veld Coun' Planning Dept. dAN 10 2001 4.....i • RECEIVED tjti-H5 ar1T� 0 �l .j�,e unty Referral IIIDc N 'RS ' December 12, 2000. "iCOLORADO s t The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: Applicant Hall-Irwin Construction Case Number AmUSR-571 Please Reply By January 3, 2001 Planner Chris Gathman . Project Amend and existing Special Use Permit for Wet Open-Pit Gravel Mining. Legal Part of the NE4 SW4 and part of the NW4 NE4 of Section 19, Township 6 North, Range 67 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Location South of and adjacent to SH 392, 1/4 mile east of WCR 13. Parcel Number 0807 19 000063 r 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. Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) February 6, 2001 U We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan ❑/We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. See attached letter. Comments: Signature Akel . Date 'Z — ZZ—bb Agency ( .ccz ,44e t- Canirl 6 11.04.7%"&"(t)C P...." 1 +Weld County Planning Dept. 41555 N. 17th Ave.Greeley, CO. 80631 4(970)353-6100 ext.3540 4-(970)304-6498 fax EXHIBIT 1 15 n LARIMER PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES DIVISION COUNTY P.O. Box 1190 Fort Collins,Colorado 80522-1190 (970)498-7683 (970) 498-7700 COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE Fax (970) 498-7711 http://www.co.larimer.co.us/planning January 5, 2001 Mr. Chris Gathman Weld County Planning Department 1555 N. 17th Ave. Greeley CO 80631 RE: AmUSR-571 Dear Mr. Gathman: The Larimer County Planning and Engineering Departments have reviewed the information sent to us on referral regarding the above referenced application and offer the following comments. Larimer County recently completed the processing of a mining application for Lafarge at the Northwest corner of WCR. 13 and Hwy. 392. This application proved to be quite controversial and generated a significant amount of public interest and comment. Issues that were of concern to the public were impacts to the flood plain, impacts to the groundwater, dust, visibility, industrial uses and compatibility. While these were major issues that resulted in Lafarge having to provide rather extensive studies, the biggest issue that caused the most controversy was the impact of the additional truck traffic on Hwy 392 and along the entire corridor from I-25 east through the Town of Windsor. Because of these concerns, there were some rather significant conditions placed on the Lafarge mining operation as part of the approval. To begin with, the request to place batch plants at the site was denied. Additionally, there were tight restrictions placed on the haul routes. Only local deliveries are allowed on any roads except Hwy. 392 and the portion of WCR 13 between Hwy 392 and the site access. The following information is an extract of some of the other conditions of approval that the County imposed upon Lafarge, they are provided for your consideration in the review of this application. > Applicant agrees to pay all county and Regional Road Capital Expansion Fees. 10%of this fee shall be held in reserve for application to improvements associated with Hwy 392. This 10% shall be held for the life of the application and if not used in that period shall be Oa PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER returned to the overall pool of funds. It shall be used on Hwy 392 projects only if the Town of Windsor participates similarly with fees and improvements. ➢ The applicant shall construct the raised island design unrestricted right (westbound) turn lane/acceleration lane with extended taper from CR. 13 to Hwy. 392. The construction shall be according to plans approved by CDOT. No material shall be hauled from the site until the improvements are installed and approved by CDOT. The applicant/operator shall participate in other needed highway improvements along Hwy. 392 (signalization and CR. 3 climbing lane improvements)based upon a plan approved by the Board of County Commissioners, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Town of Windsor, which comprehensively assigns physical and financial responsibility to existing and new developments that impact the highway. ➢ Haul traffic shall be limited to no more than 20 truck trips (10 in -10 out)per hour from the site between the hours of 7 am and 8:00 am. The County Engineering Department shall monitor the tracking of material onto the County Road and Highway. If it is determined by the County Engineering Department that material tracking is a problem the applicant shall install either anti tracking devices or vehicle washing systems at all exit locations to the pit to limit the amount of material tracked on to WCR 13 and Hwy. 392. ➢ The applicant shall perform initial dust testing prior the commencing operation to establish baseline conditions. The applicant shall conduct monitoring during the initial phase of operations to insure that the air quality modeling is accurate. > The applicant shall prepare driver education information for use at the pit. This can include pamphlets and signs, which clearly indicate the agreement the applicant has entered into with the County and the HOA's. Specifically, this information needs to include the travel restriction on WCR 13 and CR. 32E, The prohibition of use of the CR. 3 acceleration lane for climbing purposes, the request to limit the use of"Jake Brakes", and the state requirement for covered loads. We recommend that a detailed traffic analysis and study be conducted for this site, and that the recommendations of any study be incorporated in the approval of any application at this site. We would also appreciate obtaining a copy of any traffic study/analysis that is conducted for this site. Due to this recent experience we strongly recommend that the applicant hold at least one neighborhood meeting and that the notice area be extensive enough to include all of the nearby and adjacent subdivisions in Windsor and Larimer County. We also recommend that the applicant take a close look at the other issues mentioned above as they pertain to their site. In addition, we strongly recommend that the applicant and Weld County pursue coordination on a cooperative planning effort with Windsor, Larimer County and CDOT regarding both the short r-� and long range transportation improvements needed on Hwy 392 and the surrounding area. Should you have questions or require additional information on these comments please contact us. Sincerely, 'LP Ro ert Helmic Rusty McDaniel Senior Planner—Development Review Civil Engineer Larimer County Planning Department Larimer County Engineering Department xc: Board of County Commissioners File r r 9703502198 fra0T TRAFFIC 142 P02 JAN 08 '01 11:27 Weld , so au. Kit r�� Q Weld County Referral December 12, 2000 C cr COLORADO '; The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: Applicant Hall-Irwin Construction One Number AmUSR-571 Please Reply By January 3, 2001 Planner Chris Gathman Project Amend and existing Special Use Permit for Wet Open-Pit Gravel Mining. Legal Part of the NE4 SW4 and part of the NW4 NE4 of Section 19, Township 6 North, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Location South of and adjacent to SH 392, 1/4 mile east of WCR 13. Parcel Number 0807 19 000083 • 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. Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) February 6, 2001 ❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan ❑ We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. ❑ See attached letter. • Comments: inu, no incrcast itn -1-ra 'ic- is planvial czar Ana nrk hall' 441 w> 13- vm.ressca.r9 is vt o L.ta*e bA+ *V.. r'�.icihbovs Arta+ 9oirm io Ii & i Signature AA IRA— �O�� Date l /g/o / Agency 1 Dcrr- Access +Weld County Planning Dept. +1555 N. 17th Ave.Greeley,CO.80631 +(970)353-6100 ext.3540 +(970)3046498 fax II /let I !^N eN zF,NT o\ DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY 41,.{.{� % aa�‘\ CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OMAHA DISTRICT C3`� L i' DENVER REGULATORY OFFICE, 9307 S. PLATTE CANYON ROAD n LITTLETON,T(� COLORADO �'j((8OO��128-69O1 V�9 1/4......") � j. 4r REPLY TO age rigoin NA • `4'31QL601 ATTENTION OF. • �QQ �g Dept. -'--L 28 2000 Chris GathmCounty n RECEIVED Weld County Planning Department 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 RE: Hall-Irwin Construction, Case No.AmUSR-571 Corps File No.200080673 Reference is made to the above-mentioned project located in the NE Y<of Section 19, Township 6 North,Range 67 West, Weld County, Colorado. Pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act,the active mining pit at this location is not a waters of the U.S.. The project has been reviewed in accordance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act under which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates the discharge of dredged and fill material, and any excavation associated with a dredged and fill project, in waters of the United States which includes ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial streams, lakes,ponds or wetlands. Based on the information presented,this project will not require a Department of the Army (DA)permit. Although a DA permit will not be required for the project, this does not eliminate the requirements that other applicable federal, state, tribal, and local permits are obtained if needed. If there are any questions concerning this matter,please call Mr. Terry McKee of this office at 303-979-4120 and reference Corps File No. 200080673. Si�ncerely, r Timo - 1 T. C rey Chie , •env r ' -.ulataryOffice tm EXHIBIT I ' 7 MEMORANDUM TO: Chris Gathman DATE: December 29, 2000 ' Department of Planning Services e FROM: Sheble McConnelloue, Weld County Health COLORADO CASE NO.: AmUSR-571 NAME: Hall-Irwin Construction Environmental Health Services has reviewed this proposal for a Gravel Mining Operation. Our Department recommends approval. Prior to recording the plat: 1) The applicant shall permit the existing septic system at the adjacent site. The septic system shall be reviewed by a Colorado Registered Professional Engineer. The review shall consist of observation of the system and a technical review describing the systems ability to handle the proposed hydraulic load.The review shall be submitted to the Environmental Health Services Division of the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. In the event the system is found to be inadequately sized or constructed the system shall be brought into compliance with current Regulations. 2) The applicant shall obtain a NPDES Permit from the Water Quality Control Division of the Colorado Department of Health for proposed discharge into State Waterways. Evidence of approval shall be submitted to the Weld County Department of Planning. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) 3) An Air Pollution Emission Notice (A.P.E.N.) and Emissions Permit shall be obtained from the Air Pollution Control Division, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for emissions from the mining operations. The site shall operate in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations of the Air Pollution Control Division. Evidence of approval shall be submitted to the Weld County Department of Planning. (Dept. Of Public Health and Environment) 4) A dust abatement plan shall be submitted to Environmental Health Services,Weld County Department of Public Health & Environment, for approval prior to operation. Evidence of Health Department approval shall be submitted to the Department of Planning Services. (Dept. Of Public Health and Environment) The following are the conditions that are recommended to be part of any approval: 1) All fuel tanks, septic tanks,temporary buildings, and any other hazardous items that might wash away during flooding shall be securely anchored and adequately flood proofed to avoid creation of a health hazard. Following completion of mining, all temporary buildings shall be removed. /2) All liquid and solid wastes (as defined in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, 30-20- ,-- 101, C.R.S., as amended) shall be stored and removed for final disposal in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater contamination. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) EXHIBIT Ig Hall-Irwin Construction AmUSR-571 Page 2 /3) No permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) 4) Waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed in a manner that controls fugitive dust, blowing debris, and other potential nuisance conditions. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) 57' The maximum permissible noise level shall not exceed the industrial limit of 80 dB(A), as measured according to 25-12-102, Colorado Revised Statutes. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) 6) Adequate toilet facilities shall be provided for the employees. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) 7) The applicant shall remove, handle, and stockpile overburden, soil, sand and gravel from the facility area in a manner that will prevent nuisance conditions. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) ✓8) The employees shall utilize the individual sewage disposal system on the adjacent property. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) ✓9) Portable toilets may be utilized on sites which are temporary locations of the working face and portable processing equipment, ect., for up to six months at each location.(Dept. of Public Health and Environment) /10) The facility shall utilize bottled drinking water for employees. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) 111) Fugitive dust shall be controlled on the site. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) X12) The operation shall comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). (Dept. Of Public Health and Environment) /13) The operation shall comply with the Mine Safety and Health Act(MSHA). (Dept. Of Public Health and Environment) ✓14) The facility shall operate in accordance with the approved dust abatement plan at all times.The facility shall have sufficient equipment available to implement the dust control as required by the Weld County Health Dept. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) ✓15) The site shall maintain compliance with all applicable rules and regulations of the Colorado Division of Minerals & Geology. (Dept. of Public Health and Environment) 116) There shall be no discharge of waste water from the washing of vehicles on the facility. All vehicles shall be washed in the approved vehicle washing area. All water, concrete, and aggregate generated from the washing of vehicles should be recycled in the concrete mixing process. sm/amusr571 CteLe ' MEMORANDUM '1*� TO: Chris Gathman, Planner I DATE: January 5, 2001 1 • FROM: Donald Carroll, Engineering Admin fritt6Co 4 punning Dept COLORADO SUBJECT: AmUSR-571; Hall-Irwin Construction ;!APv 08 2001 RECEIVED The Weld County Public Works Department has reviewed this proposal. This project falls primarily under the purview of the Weld County Use by Special Review Standards. Our comments and requirements are as follows: COMMENTS: WCR 13 is designated on the Weld County Transportation Plan Map as being located in the Windsor study area. It is designated on the Windsor Comprehensive Plan as a rural minor arterial road,which requires five lanes,a 130- foot right-of-way, and 72 feet of pavement at full build out. The Weld County Public Works Department maintains WCR 13 south of State Highway 392 to the Poudre River Bridge. South of this location, the City of Windsor has annexed WCR 13 to accommodate development. REQUIREMENTS: The Weld County Public Works Department recommends approval of the application. The applicant shall verify with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)future right-of-way requirements adjacent to State Highway 392. This shall be delineated on the plat. Setbacks from the proposed mining operations ponds shall be determined by the future right-of-way requirement. J Road Impact and Maintenance Agreement: The applicant shall provide a current improvements agreement. Our records indicate that the existing improvements agreement with Connell Resources, Inc. was transferred with the USR to Hall-Irwin Construction. ;Future Right-of-Way: The applicant shall reserve an additional 35-foot right-of-way adjacent to WCR 13 for future build out of a rural minor arterial road. pc: AmUSR-571 planl7usr wpd EXHIBIT I9 • • RECEIVED DEC 15 2000 WELD COUNTY ctitt: 6 • PUfiLIC WORKS DEPT Weld County Referral December 12, 2000 COLORADO The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: Applicant Hall-Irwin Construction Case Number AmUSR-571 Please Reply By January 3, 2001 Planner Chris Gathman Project Amend and existing Special Use Permit for Wet Open-Pit Gravel Mining. Legal Part of the NE4 SW4 and part of the NW4 NE4 of Section 19, Township 6 North, Range 67 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Location South of and adjacent to SH 392, 1/4 mile east of WCR 13. Parcel Number 0807 19 000063 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. Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) February 6, 2001 ❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan ❑ We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. See attached letter. Comments: Signature i14144,4, �t Date ci—C 4- co Agency �LG '4 (4 � -Weld County Planning Dept. 41555 N. 17th Ave.Greeley,CO.80631 :•(970)353-6100 ext.3540 +(970)304-6498 fax JAN-18-2001 THU 02:26 PM TA OF WINDSOR FAX NO. 924§867180 P. 01 WINDSOR , � Town of Windsor 301 Walnut Street • Windsor, Colorado 80550 • 970-686-7476 • Fax: 970 686-7180 COLO • January 18, 2001 • Chris Gathman, Weld County Planner Weld County Dept. of Planning Services 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631 Subject: AmUSR-571 Hall Irwin Dear Mr. Gathman: The Town of Windsor Planning Commission reviewed this referral at its regular meeting of January 17, 2001. The applicant was present at the Planning Commission meeting and was in agreement with the conditions outlined below. • The subject property is located within the Town's Growth Management Area (GMA) and is depicted as Parks, Open Space & Floodplains on the Town's Land Use Plan map. The Windsor Comprehensive Plan states that the Open Space depiction provides for lands that are open and generally free from development. Since the mining operation is not the ultimate end-use of the property and does not propose development at this time, the proposed gravel mining use is consistent with the ' Town's Land Use Plan map. The subject site is located within one mile of the River Ridge subdivisions which total 328 single family residential units. These subdivisions are currently approximately 72% built-out. Additionally, the property approximately one mile south of the subject property is also master planned for an additional 132 housing • units. The application materials indicate that the hours of operation shall be during the hours of daylight except in the case of an emergency. Due to the proximity of the subject site to these existing and planned residences and the potential for conflicts, the proposed hours of operation should be limited. Since the subject site is located within the Town's GMA boundary and it is probable that the site will become encompassed by the Town in the future, an annexation agreement should be required. The Town and County should make every attempt r^ ' to avoid future enclaves of unincorporated county within the corporate limits of the • . Town. Such enclaves lead to confusion over jurisdictional authority, potential maintenance problems and other general inefficiencies. EXHIBIT JAN-18-2001 THU 02:26 PM TAI OF WINDSOR FAX NO. 9, A8867180 P. 02 Therefore, the Town of Windsor Planning Commission recommends approval of this amended Use by Special Review permit subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant shall provide an acceptable flood study, prior to final approval of the project, to ensure that mining activities will not adversely affect the floodplain or floodway. The berms identified on the extraction plan may create barriers to floodwaters and adversely affect adjacent properties if implemented as shown. 2. The applicant shall be required to obtain all applicable local, state and federal permits pertaining to stormwater management, development and operations in the floodplain and floodway. 3. The applicant shall be required to install and maintain landscaping along the Highway 392 frontage to provide a visual barrier between the highway and the mining operation. 4. The applicant shall satisfactorily address all of the requirements of the • Windsor-Severance Fire Protection District. • • 5. The hours of operation shall be limited to 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. • 6. If applicable, the applicant shall adhere to all requirements of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with regard to any wetlands on the site. • 7. The applicant shall dedicate rather than reserve the proposed right-of-way along State Highway 392. 8. The applicant shall enter into an annexation agreement with the Town of Windsor prior to recording the Use by Special Review plat. Such annexation agreement shall require the subject property to annex to the Town at such time in the future that the property becomes an enclave which is bounded on all sides by the Town, with such annexation agreement being recorded with the Weld County Clerk and Recorder, Thank you for the opportunity to review this proposal. Sincerely, Scott Ballstadt Senior Planner pc: Robert G. Frank, Chairman, Windsor Planning Commission Hall Irwin, applicant • Danna Ortiz, Rocky Mountain Consultants, Inc. • applicant's representative Weld County Planning Dept. STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens,Governor t1 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 9 6 2001 5,4 1- DIVISION OF WILDLIFE • AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER RECEIVED o�OF v;' Russell George,Directs a• 6060 Broadway Denver,Colorado 80216 For Telephone:(303)297-1192 For People Larry Rogstad,District Wildlife Manager 1528 28th Avenue Court EXHIBIT Greeley,Colorado 80634 phone:970-352-2143 January 5,2001 i7 1 Chris Gathman, Planner Weld County Planning Department 1555 north 17`s Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631 Re: AmUSR-571 Dear Chris, I received the packet from you concerning Hall Irwin's addition of the Roth Farm to their gravel mining operation at Frank State Wildlife Area. I am familiar with the site from years of district patrol. In this letter you will find the Division's comments concerning this proposal. The site is subirrigated pasture land within the flood zone of the Cache La Poudre River. The pastures, a mixture of native grasses and exotic species, have been heavily grazed for as long as I can remember. A permanently flowing drainage is located on the west boundary of the property. Portions of the pasture are occupied by a colony of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs. Several species of raptors are frequently found hunting the site. Post mining, the she will be reclaimed with two ponds. Since other recently created ponds on the Hall Irwin site have been lined, one can assume these ponds will also be lined. If this is the case it may have an impact on the water table, flood zone and surrounding landowners, including the Division of Wildlife Frank Easement. In all likelihood mining will necessitate the removal of the prairie dogs. Black-tail Prairie Dogs are a pivotal species in short grass/midgrass prairie ecosystems. Post mining the site will probably not be suitable for this species. There are other Black Tailed Prairie Dog towns within one mile of this site. However, many acres of dog town have already been destroyed in the immediate vicinity within the last five years. An active Bald Eagle nest she is located within two miles of this town. A check of the nest and surrounding ground during the banding of eaglets in the spring, indicates that the adult eagles use prairie dogs as a primary food source for their chicks. Continued elimination of prairie dogs in this portion of the Poudre River Valley could eventually negatively impact nesting success for these eagles. Based on these considerations the Division would recommend the following: 1. If possible, Black-tailed Prairie Dogs on she should not moved or disturbed. ea- 2. Should development of this she require removal of some or all of the prairie dogs, we would encourage the replacement of the colony, on an acre for acre basis, in the immediate vicinity of this DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES,Greg E.Watcher,Executive Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION,Bernard L.Black,Jr.,Chairman • Rid(Enstrom,Vice-Chairman • Phip James,Secretary site. Alternatively, should there be suitable habitat remaining on this parcel post mining, Black-tailed Prairie Dogs should be reintroduced at the site as a final step to the reclamation plan. 3. Should it be necessary to eradicate prairie dogs on this site, the following guidelines should be adhered to: A. Prairie dogs in areas to be developed should be removed only by existing legal methods including hunting, trap/transplant efforts and/or use of toxicants. B. Eliminating prairie dogs by use of earth moving equipment should not be considered an appropriate method of removal. C. Use of toxicants should include only the use of chemicals registered for this purpose and techniques considered appropriate for eradication. D. In an effort to avoid adverse impacts to Burrowing Owls, a Colorado listed threatened species, and juvenile prairie dogs, it would be best if initial dirt work took place between September first and March 31. E. If control efforts and/or initial groundbreaking occurs between April first and August 31, the site should be surveyed, by a certified biologist trained in the proper technique, to make certain that there are no active nesting Burrowing Owls. If nesting Burrowing Owls are discovered on site,their burrow entrance should be protected by a marked nondisturbance zone of 180 yard radius from the hole through July 31g. The owner/operator shall immediately notify the Division of Wildlife upon discovery of any injured or dead Burrowing Owls. F. Prior to any trap/transplant effort, the appropriate permit must be applied for and received from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. As a part of this process it will be necessary to work with and seek the support of the Board of County Commissioners for Weld County. 3. Reclamation of the ponds should include irregular shoreline contours and varying slope angle to maximize diversity of aquatic habitat. 4. A minimum ratio of 1:1 upland fringe to riparian edge should be maintained to provide upland habitat necessary for nesting birds and other creatures. 5. The parcel lies within an area designated by the U S Fish and Wildlife Service as a potential Preble's Mouse protection site. Since this also a subirrigated pasture it could potentially contain Ute Ladies'- Tresses Orchids. Consequently, we would recommend a Preble's search and a Spiranthes search be conducted by a certified biologist prior to ground breaking. 6. Water flowing through the drainage ditch on the west boundary of the property flows south through a ditch and slough on the Frank State Wildlife Area. The Division would recommend that it should not be diverted or put to use without receiving prior authorization from the appropriate authorities. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to review and comment on development proposals submitted by your agency. Feel free to call on me at 352-2143 if I can be of further service. Best Regards, Larry Rogstad Hello