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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20022178.tiff U54 - 1343 • Weld County Planning Dept. WILSON FARMS �? LUNJ 6 2001 4 h RECEIVED RECEIVEn June 4,2001 JUN 6 2001 Mr.Don Carroll WELD COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPT Weld County Department of Public Works 1111 H Street Greeley,CO 80631 RE: Nix Sand and Gravel Mine Regular 112 Construction Minerals Operation Reclamation Permit Dear Mr. Carroll: We are writing to you to express our concerns about the proposed Nix Sand and Gravel Mine referenced above. We feel that our farms,located just east of the proposed mine on Weld County Road 28,would be adversely impacted by this mine as proposal. Please make the following changes to the traffic and access portions of the proposal,if you approve it. 1. Incoming and outgoing traffic to the gravel pit should be on State Highway 66 or County Road 19, both of which are paved roads that carry lots of commercial traffic. No gravel pit traffic should be routed over County Roads 28 or 17, both of which are dirt roads mostly used by slow-moving farm equipment and by local residents. Also, the gravel Roads 17 and 28 are not through roads and both have significant curves, which have posted speed limits. There is already a significant problem with truck traffic not adhering to the speed limits and creating ruts in the roads. The estimated 200 truck trips a day proposed in the permit application would greatly exacerbate this problem. The properties bordering Roads 28 and 17 are farms and residences. There are no other businesses on these roads. 2. The intersection of County Road 19 and 28 is dangerous. There is limited visibility due to a hill on Road 19, just south of Road 28. Visibility for vehicles entering this intersection is severely limited. Trucks involved in the mining operation should access the gravel pit from Road 19 or Highway 66, further north of this intersection. If the gravel pit operation were allowed access from Road 28 as requested in the application, this would greatly exacerbate an already dangerous traffic situation. (Please see the attached map.) 3. Berms should be required on the south, east and west sides of the gravel pit, to protect the neighboring farms from the noise, dust and commotion of the gravel pit operation. As much as possible, every care should be taken to preserve the rural nature of the surrounding properties. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. • erely, oberta M.Wilson Bruce Wilson 4 Off 9268 WELD COUNTY ROAD 28 • PLATTEVILLE, COLORADO • 80651 PHONE: 970 785 0934 • FAX: 970 785 2981 2002-2178 Weld County Planning Dept. L':.:11 61: i1 1" RECEIVED N _ l �/GrJ}✓ 6 (Pfl VIP) • r � ogo shN) ,)v* SPEED Surn 2 H - 28 ravel); - �` 09 4 a Hitt m S p = residence ci • J � I .veld County Planing Dep MISON n$ I 6 2001 ;gm' ElVtD ManOrCireherli RECEIVED JUN 6 2001 To: Mr.Don Carroll Weld CountyDepartment oJ'Public Works ,J WtLli uuu,a 1111 HStreet Street PUBLIC WORKS DEPT Greeeley,Colorado 80631, ` S,v� From: Bruce Wilson Date: Monday,June 04 2001 Subject: Nix Sand&Gravel Permit -Haul Route Safety Issues It is my understanding that the permit application contemplates usage of County Road 28 as the primary haul route for the proposed pit and/or a proposed cement batch plant to be located to the north of Road 28. This would create a substantial public safety hazard at the intersection of County Roads 28 and 19. Therefore,I would urge you to deny the application,as proposed,and require the modifications necessary to move the haul route north to State Highway 66: Visibility at the intersection of County Roads 28& 19 is severely limited. There is a hill on Road 19 to the south of Road 28. This hill crests approximately 550 feet south of the midpoint of the intersection. At approximately 700-850 feet south of the intersection midpoint, oncoming northbound traffic on Road 19 is completely invisible. Trees along the west side of Road 19 further inhibit clear visibility to the south for eastbound traffic on Road 28 at the intersection. Additionally, northbound traffic on Road 19 cannot see the intersection with Road 28 until approximately 700 feet from the intersection. The visibility limitations described above should render the intersection of County Roads 19&28 as unacceptable for use as an integral part of the haul route for the proposed permit application. There is insufficient visibility to the south of the intersection for large,slow accelerating trucks to safely cross or turn either direction onto Road 19. This risk would be exacerbated for an operation projected to add up to 200 truck trips a day into an intersection where commuter traffic--and speeds-on Road 19 has already increased substantially in recent years. Varra Sand&Gravel now operates a pit that is north of,and borders on,the proposed Nix application. The haul route for the Varra pit is State Highway 66. Given the visibility limitatations to the intersection of County Road 19&28, it seems reasonable to suggest that Highway 66 will be a much more suitable&safer haul route design for the proposed application if it is approved. EXHIBIT I (o JUN-13-01 WED 02 : 17 PM WELD C'"MTY PUBLIC WKS7 FAX:9703046497 ^ PAGE 1 JOHNSON & SMITH, L.L.L-P. 12506 WCR 19 Platteville, CO 80651 June 10, 2001 Don Carroll Weld County Public Works (Roads and Traffic) 1555 N. 17th. Ave. Greeley, Co 80631 Dear Mr. Carroll- RE: Case#USR-1343 .a* Please consider doing the traffic study for this application as soon as possible so that it can become public record with sufficient time for public review prior to the scheduled hearing date with the Planning Commission of July 17, 2001.Those of us in the immedate vicinity of aforementioned location are concerned about the application since it shows the entrance/exit off WCR28. We feel that State Highway 66 would be a better alternative for a number of reasons: • State Highway 66 is a commercial area;WCR's 28/19 are not • The intersection of WCR 28 and WCR19 is a blind intersection • WCR 28 is a dirt road • WCR 19 is aleady carrying much more traffic as a result of the Varra Plant on State Highway 66. We are sure that your traffic study will concur with these points and appreciate your expedience in doing it. • Sincerely an rc�.. ns.n, -std- Post-d"//Fax Note 7671 o81e,G_/3-,j litres i EXHIBIT To o Lr:s From `pen d Phonept PL A.) -'i U` Phone. \ Phone �-� Fax# Fax• WILSON FARMS Weld County Planning Dept. 2001 June 10,2001 RECEIVED Mr. Chris Gathman Weld County Planning Department 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley,Colorado 80631 RE: USR 1343 Special Use Permit—Owens Brothers Concrete Company Dear Mr. Gathman: We are writing to you to express our concerns about the proposed Owens Brothers/Nix Sand and Gravel Mine referenced above. We feel that our farms,located just east of the proposed mine on Weld County Road 28,would be adversely impacted by this mine as proposed. Please make the following changes to the proposal. 1. The gravel pit should be operated in a manner which is compatible with existing land uses in the neighborhood (Weld County Zoning Ordinance 24.1.1). The gravel processing plant should be located in the northwest corner of the Nix property,as near as possible to the existing Varra plant. Since this area is already industrial, the two plants could be grouped together, thus protecting the rural nature of the surrounding properties as much as possible (Weld County Zoning Ordinance section 24.7.1.3). 2. The Owens application contradicts itself regarding noise. In section 4.3 it says that most of the noise sources will be set back from the property lines by a significant distance. Yet, the accompanying map shows the aggregate processing plant,the biggest noise source of all,right next to WCR 28. 3. The life of the Nix gravel plant should be limited to 15 years, not open-ended as is currently proposed. This would allow the'surrounding area to return to normal as quickly as possible. 4. Slurry walls should be put in place before mining begins. It is most important for the survival of the nearby farm businesses that their groundwater levels not be impacted by the gravel mining operation. Nearby farms have irrigation wells, domestic wells, wetlands and springs which are all highly dependent on stable groundwater levels. 5. Incoming and outgoing traffic to the gravel pit should be on State Highway 66 or County Road 19, both of which are paved roads that carry lots of commercial traffic. No gravel pit traffic should be routed over County Roads 28 or 17, both of which are dirt roads mostly used by slow-moving farm equipment and by local residents. 6. Trucks from this operation should not be allowed to use WCR 28 east of WCR 19 unless they have a final destination along this road. There is a golden and bald eagle night nesting location on this road just 1/3 mile east of the intersection of WCR 28 and 19 around Sullivan Lake. In addition, trucks from this operation should not use WCR 28 for the purpose of avoiding the weigh station on Highways 66 and 85. 7. Trucks involved in the mining operation should not use the intersection of County Road 28 and County Road 19, as this would increase an already significant safety hazard. Visibility for vehicles entering that intersection is severely limited. EXHIBIT 9268 WELD COUNTY ROAD 28 • PLATTEVILLE, COLORADO • 81 PHONE: 970 785 0934 • FAX: 970 785 2981 1.5 —2— June 10,2001 8. Berms should be required on the south, east and west sides of the gravel pit, to protect the neighboring farms from the noise, dust and commotion of the gravel pit operation. As much as possible, every care should be taken to preserve the rural nature of the surrounding properties. 9. The applicant seeks permission to operate 24 hours a day under certain circumstances. This is incompatible with the surrounding quiet, rural area and should be denied under any circumstance. The nighttime lights and noise from the mining operation will disturb the wildlife in the wetlands located across WCR 28 from the pit site. 10. The Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit should be disallowed, as insufficient information has been provided in the application (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) to determine impact of such a plant. 11. The applicant has proposed a 25-year operation with batch and aggregate processing plants operating 24 hours a day,but has made no provision for a septic system. Instead, the proposal is for port-a-potties and bottled water to meet the needs of the customers and employees over this quarter of a century. 12. Finally,Owens Brothers also owns a gravel pit site on Weld County Road 17 about one mile south of the proposed Nix gravel pit. It seems likely that if the processing plants are approved for the Nix gravel pit, there will be truck traffic carrying materials on the rural dirt roads between the two sites. Such traffic will degrade these roads and create dust and noise for the residences along the roads. There are no details in the permit application regarding truck traffic between the two sites. Such information should be made a part of this application and be made available for public comment. Thank you for your consideration of these points. Sincerely, 674,_ /A.L___ oberta M.Wilson Bruce Wilson JOHNSON & SMITH, L.L.L.P. 12506 WCR 19 Platteville CO 80651 June 10, 2001 Weld County Planning Dept. Weld County Department of Planning Attn. Chris Gathman, Planner • . ' 2C.3 1555 N. 17th Avenue RECEIVED Greeley, C Coll orado 80631 Dear Chris: RE: USR-1343 Special Use Permit - Owens Brothers Concrete Company The Zoning Ordinance of Weld County requires that companies applying for Uses by Special Review ensure that their proposed buiness is established and operated in a manner that is compatible with existing land uses in the neighborhood (24.1.1). As currently written, this application for a gravel mine and aggregate processing plant does not seem to meet the criteria of(24.1.1). The following points are some that we feel need further review. • The location of the pocessing plant would be more compatible in the northwest corner of the property near the Varra gravel plant rather than at the southeast corner near farm ground. • Ingress and egress would be better served using State Highway 66 rather than WCR 28 especially since the instersction of WCR 28 and WCR 19 blind. • No haul route has been specified. • No mention of Groundwater protection for neighbors has been addressed. • No firm completion date has been established. • No proper septic system has been addressed (port-a-potties for 25 years is not reasonable when drivers of 200 trucks a day will be using them). • Noise issues are contradictory and misleading (Owens states that most noise sources will be set back a significant distance; however the processing plant is next to WCR28). • Hours of operation are ambiguous and should be limited to daylight hours only, with no exceptions for government contracts. All in all, it seems that considerably more time and many more specifics need to be addressed prior to approval of this application. As close neighbors, we are not opposed to the operation in general, but feel that the application as it exists should be denied. It is impossible for us to determine the impact to us from the limited information provided. Special Use Permit #1343 should not be granted until the afonnentioned as well as other issues have been satisfactorily resolved. EXHIBIT Jane ohnson, P esid06)7,AL?.:S-- Jim and Khileen Flynn 9163 Weld County Road 28 970 785-6277 Platteville, CO 80651 Jkflvnnco@aol.com Fax: 970 785-2792 June 13, 2001 Weld County Planning Dept. Weld County Department of Planning Services 2Q01 1555 North 17`h Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 RECEIVED Attention: Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner RECEIVED Re: USR-1343 Special Use Permit—Owens Brothers Concrete Company We live in a peaceful, quiet, rural community of farmers, neighbors and landowners that chose rural living as a way of life - to raise crops, animals and children away from the hectic, busy, and noisy city life. We are extremely concerned about the above referenced Special Use Permit which proposes the use of a gravel mining operation on property near our home. It does not appear to us that the applicant, Owens Brothers Concrete, has attempted to make its operation compatible with existing land use in this rural area. With a minimum of 200 trucks a day and continuous 24 hour operation, it does not appear that the applicant has concern for the safety of our family, the continued effectiveness of our farming operations, or the environment and our rural lifestyle. it would appear to us that it would be more logical to place the proposed mining operation in the northwest corner of the Owens/Nix property, adjacent to the only existing industrial business in the area, the Varra plant, rather than adjacent only to farm land. The negative impact of the increased truck traffic alone will make Weld County Road 28 hazardous for traffic that most often includes slow-moving farm vehicles. The intersection of County Roads 28 and 19 would become even more dangerous with heavy gravel trucks attempting to turn at that corner, impeding the flow of traffic in both directions. It would be more logical for the proposed truck traffic to be routed directly to State Highway 66 which already carries commercial traffic including trucks from the Varra operation. The applicant has supplied insufficient information regarding the proposed concrete batch plant that prevents us from knowing what the possible impact will be on the neighboring residents and farmers, therefore we feel the batch plant should be denied under the current application. We have further serious concerns regarding how the applicant plans to protect the groundwater in the surrounding areas. There are few domestic water lines available in this area therefore most residents have domestic wells and irrigation wells which are the lifeline to our homes and farms. A reduction in the water table could determine whether or not our homes and farms survive. There are also some designated wetlands very near the proposed gravel-mining site, which also could be severely impacted by the environmental changes. We feel this Special Use Permit should not be granted until the applicant can show that they have systems in place for protecting the environment, as well as the safety, welfare and farming practices of the neighboring residents. Sincerely, EXHIBIT i0 im d Khr een F v,� ("pit, Weld County Department of Planning Services „ IvOty Attn: Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner �`�� n�• 'Jet)r, 1555 N. 17a Avenue RF CS/ Jc'Q0/ Greeley, CO 80631 V RE: USR-1343 Special Use Permit Owens Brothers Concrete Company Fa Dear Planning Department: I live near the proposed sand and gravel mine referenced above. As you can imagine, I am deeply concerned about how this mining operation will influence my land, my home, my safety and my rural lifestyle. It seems to me that the applicant, Owens Brothers Concrete, has made very little effort to organize its operation in a way that minimizes the impact on the neighboring residents and farms. To begin with, why doesn't Owens Brothers locate the aggregate processing plant in the northwest corner of the Nix property, in the area currently proposed as Phase II? Varra already has a gravel plant near there. That way these two industrial sites would be grouped together, leaving the surrounding area as rural as possible under the circumstances. Secondly, why is Owens Brothers asking to take their haul trucks out on WCR 28? Road 28, which is not a through road in this stretch, is used primarily by local residents and slow-moving farm vehicles. Plus, there is a very dangerous intersection where WCR 28 and WCR 19 meet, due to a hill to the south. Those big gravel trucks will never be able to make that turn without impeding the flow of traffic in both directions. I think that all truck traffic to and from the gravel pit should be restricted to State Highway 66 or possibly WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which carry through commercial traffic. Thirdly, how can those of us who live in this area possibly judge the effect of the proposed concrete batch plant, when no information on it has been provided by the applicant? I think that the concrete batch plant should be denied under the current application, due to insufficient information provided by the applicant. Finally, why has Owens Brothers made no plans to protect the groundwater of neighboring residents and farmers? Many people in this area have domestic wells, irrigation wells and wetlands which will be severely impacted by this gravel pit. In conclusion, I do not think this Special Use Permit should be granted until the above issues have been satisfactorily resolved. Sincerely, (Y1 t (Antk P 4- J641/lory firr.at-n- EXHIBIT I 15 W �r2 15 Imo_ A 066 Weld County Department of Planning Services !Ye Attn: Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner /v0 o 1555 N. 17th Greeley, CO 80631 Avenue 4✓��'ty p/0,,(lot RE: USR-1343 Special Use Permit—Owens Brothers Concrete Compank$$ e I�Q0 ""ept, Dear Planning Services: % fr , e4 According to the Zoning Ordinance of Weld County, companies applying for Uses by Special Review are required to ensure that their proposed business is established and operated in a manner which is compatible with existing land uses in the neighborhood (24.1.1). As the Owens Brothers' application is currently written, it doesn't appear to me that any effort has been expended to make this gravel mine, aggregate processing plant, and concrete batch plant compatible with the existing rural neighborhood. The vicinity of the proposed gravel mine is mostly farmland, with scattered rural residences. We value the solitude, silence and serenity of our rural existence. We are agricultural, not industrial. We enjoy driving unhurriedly along our dirt roads, admiring our neighbors' crops and cattle. We know our neighbors. We love our farms and homes. Can you tell me in what way this is compatible with a gravel mine that wants permission to operate 24 hours a day, which plans to put almost 200 trucks per day on our back roads, which intends to use port-a-potties for the next 25 years or more rather than put in a proper septic system, and which has made no provision whatsoever to protect the irrigation wells and wetlands of adjacent properties? Section 24.7.1.3 of the Zoning Ordinance requires that the applicant explain how the uses which would be permitted will be compatible with the existing surrounding land uses. Only one corner of the Owens/Nix property touches on a gravel pit. All the other boundaries of this odd-shaped piece of land border agricultural farmland. I believe that the Qwens aggregate processing plant should be located next to the existing Varra plant and that the truck traffic should be routed out onto State Highway 66 like Varra's trucks are. That would be a much better solution and would make the Owens pit more compatible with its rural neighbors. Furthermore, the Owens application contradicts itself regarding noise. In section 4.3 it says that most of the noise sources will be set back from the property lines by a significant distance. Yet the accompanying map shows the aggregate processing plant, the biggest noise source of all, right next to WCR 28. In conclusion, I challenge this application on the grounds that insufficient thought has gone into making this gravel operation really compatible with the surrounding properties and into generating the least possible impact on this rural neighborhood. Sincerely, 6/ "atatile e Cz�✓�E a7 .J Cc) •C, li . /r3 EXHIBIT 11 jin Q.? 5— W to i3 £a', Co, -. T Weld County Planning Dept. Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner Weld County Department of Planning Services U''Jtd 2 5 zCO\ 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 _ AtEt-f TV RE USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit /` f /�t�i` . Dear Mr. Gathman. As a member of the Platte & Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter "adopted" the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens propert}, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, /0117)/ o iq `,/ G- ,2- My Address: r' " •±- r'' WOWf�fJ ( I t t7 it ( c. 1 `9 tm t-, r �--�-- . ) i C D� P�trul y p,a�ninBDePt- /553`—� �'o7 $ /7"'� W end Cou t -drefica Ceromao6 gO 5/ 3" z 5 2p0 A,: risk 1373 �1 l ,,, ' - I r Cory?, i ExHierr ir . /VI -D ? Aalmme4l drANd -w / i ci3R- /3 - cot i fa/math, 4 recce," 21-4L) ynione 4 - J #7/ % 7A0 c_��z r�z -.de OYIAge ern 7 , mod e,6Zr�4jfl ctra4 ,„-u-4pre paki3 • rafz5z- Tuvr \ cd �../f__%�W''� �. /' za %turo �,'"I mo,q/-�Zt� z ema Q"/ �..�cticif rri filq; -frrithtn4-(4 ck vie. °� aa� J X47 --r4 rwoolo �� `� 6 ePsal ///td -660zdj e. T' 1 /07 1 A-1,r7 letroak oL Cwizt?4 � c & , al . 1 1- e '7c-L -DLO -i1 A, Ian fltttt %ciz(- a I d � Y_co-enn.) rzomenii 4,a2 �a /no c) 0{4,01 lcuzAncEA 7)2 a" —/ a anger, ✓m f% j iCtL D� , ` .ve amd -ti' ` a�cnrLes� �t2Pr�M�/��j //�� �c •� atu7 -A4/1"\d", -,e94 e na';� azuz� d� � rur " iG� % _4(c. e ,,r‘uni. /eszsy , dA4 i,z gYU -ade ---4/. 17 Faso/ (q76) ?cs ‘V6/ \a • LPL <GC \. eta , J Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner G♦ Weld County Department of Planning Services � 1555 N. 17th Avenue V Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. -Our local Audubon chapter "adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the agg-:.gate processing plant to the northwest corner of t'ae Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, � My Address: EXHIBIT Cao5� veNusaS�S e f or /IN$�t;00 OeSP" Q\a(0\�Q� �g Jt�O Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner Weld County Department of Planning Services VC�` 1555 N. 17'h Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 RE USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plans which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, / EXHIBIT My d.r s � I (4° 1 h lrt00 W . 6rPe/7 cc. &C37 • O� 47 Mr Chris Gathman, Planner \S Weld County v�Department of Planning Services Q�a� 1555 N. 17th Avenue Ala � VO Greeley, CO 80631 \aG( � RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Speeral Use PC}miitt Dear Mr Gathman: V am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, EXHIBIT y Address: /OM 1/ VC ( -et L' I I fLI(itolS0r, Cc _ pl anon S oept. Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner a County Weld County Department of Planning Services Nfei 1555 N. 17'" Avenue v�1; 5 Zoo\ Greeley, CO 80631 �� RE. USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Pelt'tCE 1V Dear Mr. Gathman As a member of the Platte & Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter "adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. hi in k L o1) Thank you for your attention to the above points. Y-IV, ,c4-7 Sincerely, X30 Lo c Ust ,s1 My Address: I vjI)101st (1O r1 V wan r �rn1 EXHIBIT 7. y a -d RECEIVED ,0\ Alp*, co gQ63d JUN 2 5 2001 WELD COUNTY 9 � f� p ����// PUBLIC WORKS DEPT -141V 0/ d/ Pkt•C - / abULC/ "i, am -rti / m � to - cad Aa a -iru C7 )t 4/1- 62c 201kzi ancr (Z yy ((S R / td ��-4 0-122 �-Zc�C. 7f. /7r a � /�1 a-m eanceiz� OM 4- c✓ll Ij ri�f!T 4 _Kt r(:/ a neiza c'e( 1 u Lll �c u %fr -17ore4 --ar j ca ezo- 2&n0 -4421 ircY7 Rally& e � -� . il14 � a -Ait - cf AaQ- Fterc a arze Atttiel a Curb cevrx 4 co ckJ r/ / //67 � . � � %wea 2�J zi L4 anti LGttO; S71.7 -g Q ?craJ n/12da Z(� d8 t/7, -cam/ 76/ 02E d - zfre� � - c -r .6 0,6 you --edzi, t-41-tfiT24 --teed a crnQ_ ad �I` 2 el -er a --(Any. ti/zl1 n o6 • q/ cc-11,0,7 q,/ a mz cze_ 7•Cesz a-o-n.z.(' Ad, / -XO0fre Zee) -% 061? -' % „A-EC-it /AA/VC -2_12eM UaJ�J�: yrzcot, t lzc}J Y -fin E,'X,6',du 4K S d (/n&o s ��UV,�C Mme/ �t - 71071 • GiAAJZ/IYUMp r21/ ',Vje) at -44 41 C6 461/Ve- C - -41C4 17-c -4 a offik,a C --(Scxele(7)4 4 q JIL-46# i .4Th _y;i icr7 4 Ea. �m izecC _At) �2 �uc � _ ! _ ¢ -�.e Ca.� Cep., --t-1 , C Gdn2�r nn.� e!)-7L --6l_ a catonly de - rruA4ititmA 0-27_ "4 C, 02c0(.2 461/ _tuctartta - al 4 14- 17,41g471 fZ Lt 2 -ale 4L • /01-C243/ Weld Co Unor Pla "Ins Dept 7.107)Wccm /I/ Cam/ 6 2001 /e '(? O -tit] di Coto, -7O /J RECEIVE p o Cr ?cos-0y (91»0 Cs_- 6e/6/ Chris Gathman -chris gathman.doc ^ Page 1 ' June 26, 2001 Weld County Department of Planning Services Attn: Chris Gathman 1555 N. 17t Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631 RE: USR— 1343 Special Use Permit Nix Property Sand and Gravel Mine/Owens Brothers Concrete Co. This proposal impacts the farming community in this area in many negative ways. The application has many omissions and inconsistencies. The application does not provide sufficient information regarding many aspects of the proposed mining operation and proposed concrete batch plant to allow for a responsible evaluation of the degree of impact on the surrounding properties. PLEASE DO NOT APPOVE THIS GRAVEL MINE PERMIT FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: WATER: The farming communities' irrigation and domestic wells will be affected and possibility deplied. Farmers in Weld County and across the United States are struggling to make a living,please don't add to this already existing problem by asking the farmers to compete with gravel mines for our water. TRAFFIC: This farming community cannot handle an additional 200 trucks a day. The roads in this farming community are narrow, some of them dirt, and the 4 way cross roads are not large enough for trucks to turn without stopping traffic. Thank you for your close consideration. Sincerely, Lila&Ken Mayer 14534 WCR#19 EXHIBIT Chris Gathman -chris gathman.doc Page 2 Platteville,Colorado 80651 r r rrevorn er Q -1,-4. V �nnj°8D Mr. Chris Weld County y Departhman, ment of Planning Services `FC b 10 , ep4 1555 N. 17th Avenue Fji,F Greeley, CO 80631 O RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also,the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland,to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.)of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. 014011 Thank you for your attention to the above points. 2\ Sincerely, J 4Gfy Address: i r j , ," _)0 J 1' //It ���' C oVno,1.70, o 'que6 ept, Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner 11)4% e6 1"0/ Weld County Department of Planning Services /4, 1555 N. it" Avenue FO Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Ell Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sinc ly, CC- S EXHIBIT R My Address: � 22.3 •2- .Arc Ac � � I Cc % o 1O • 04, Got y Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner • Ata Weld County Department of Planning Services dpF^ ' Qa 1555 N. 17`s Avenue � 6<to, OPA4 Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit FO Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte & Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also,the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, 77111 nn �y r L Cal P t O, 1. 2,U-6. EXHIBIT My Address: �1R79 u} a$t. a Z3 r co, ac oOe AV Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner ccc% 6 . 0 Weld County Department of Planning Services �GOJ 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 �O RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, Ext+iBR My Address:Local/ 5.1- - 1/ I Taik t4%NclSc'r Co S"GSf-G &aO04 Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner bY 'c.le Weld County Department of Planning Services �nI q . J 1555 N. 17`s Avenue e �`�e ��epit Greeley, CO 80631 C `1/0/RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit �,fr crio Dear Mr. Gathman. As a member of the Platte & Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, 1 am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter "adopted" the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, My Address: 1 ;\ 0 3 ZSL _, . _. ` omen Co SAS 3`iS tYe/a Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner CoU�/y�% Weld County Department of Planning Services %i 0q/ngO 1555 N. 17 Avenue C 6 Greeley, CO 80631 eC•� e0/ RE USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit ,V Co Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte & Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter "adopted" the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely,_ r►i.--A G4.Q :7 EXHIBIT My Address Z(747 hhd4 SCAN �dyz Ci I flo.jz . to\J.-t us to Weld C. anti,Planning0ept, ` 62001 Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner R FQ Weld County Department of Planning Services , Vg� 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte & Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Van-a plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely° EXHIBIT My Address: 2O.2o G'r'/51& Cr Lave/Ina! CU gas37 %/°'c oo tyA a Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner `✓, '�/��a� Weld County Department of Planning Services ` 610 0,041555 N. 17th Avenue ` Cse 01 Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also,the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. EXHIBIT Sincerely, �— P.Gc.a 4-e iii My Address: (q 103r - 713.3 4;,rnz2' 49� ' ,ua.4j. . v. e r. m O Oe, v, y4 Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner � c-D `�OO Weld County Department of Planning Services 15- 1555 N. 17th Avenue F>� rC . °pcq� Greeley, CO 80631 � RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit �Q Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the.already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28,which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks;etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincetely, My Address: j EXHIBIT //37 ct 3q2 I 2a\ 4,4O0 8c631 Weld c pia nnlnb'DePt Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner 2 6 ?GoI Weld County Department of Planning Services 1555 N. 17th Avenue EC EI VED Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also,the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.)of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, EXHIBIT LOA/AP/Ma—)/(-)Yealie& 5C) My Address: e/tl County p�annl Mr. Chris Gathman Planner "�'/ ng�ept, 2 Weld County Department of Planning Services RE 61601 1555 N. 17th Avenue C CC, Greeley, CO 80631 C 0 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also,the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28,which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.)of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, , , EXHIBIT My Address: u -,, , XOly 3 y, Weld County Planning Dept. 2 7 2001 Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner Weld County Department of Planning Services RECEIVED 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 EXHIBIT RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit I rn Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the contirued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the • gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for ycur attention to the above points. Sincerely, ()butt wild I fe.�q habattt- �G LJ �la(ru iS clisappeo i Lin W€,(c. �� Court at ar Ma( My Address: rate. Barb W .Taku I hopes mot.L. will GC CIO 24355 Nwy 25T preserve. e Sage. lhil @cm MiUiken,Co 8052/-3l we:Hanel . ,,k t3O Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner Weld County Planning Dept. Weld County Department of Planning Services J i! 2 l 'LG 01 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 RECEIVED RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: I am writing you to express my concerns about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well- being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or possibly onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, /� ' ' W +,-eN E (Ho17 i 8ygCoe R \ ci 11 33 Picot-co : 1►.-e_ 4 /O go65--1 Weld County Planning Dept. Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner L:Jia 2 7 2001 Weld County Department of Planning Services 1555 N. 17th Avenue RECEIVED Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (I) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gavel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the • gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravcl pit well away from the wetland and limit r i"""g and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for ycur� attention to the above points. Sincerely, jQez. I r7l8 36:4 07 6 ru2da2 co g0631 My Address: EXHIBIT Weld County Planning Dept. Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner JJi l 2 7 2001 Weld County Department of Planning Services 1555 N. 1thAvenue RECEIVED Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also,the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, t: y Address: rd 00911 (6tr . E.- 7.,73 eb c4111({04 , COr 80 -2 Weld County Planning Dept. .-� Mr. Chris Gathman,Planner 1`1' 2 7 2001 Weld County Department of Planning Services RECEIVED 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the.continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also,the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks;etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincere EXHIBIT My Address: 300 7 G.sra eL ea O" • Greek Co t0G3 Weld ,aunty Planning Dept. UNJ 2 7 2001 Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner RECEIVED Weld County Department of Planning Services 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also,the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (I) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only(not 24-hour operation as requested). >(5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the 6 source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, '49 �gR 4-0elvi Z C� eb6 3q I My Address: 1 CAA-di/ Weld County Planning Dept. Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner �Ji1 z 2001 Weld County Department of Planning Services n C f ' D 1555 N. 17 1�th Avenue RE CE CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gavel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincere , ( � EXHIBIT My Ad ess: zleat lq �e 3$ Weld County Planning Dept. Weld County Department of Planning Services jJil 2 7 2001 Attn: Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner 1555 N. 17th Avenue RECEIVED Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Special Use Permit—Owens Brothers Concrete Company Dear Sirs: As a Weld County resident, I am concerned about the sand and gravel mine referenced above. As the above permit is currently written, I have serious misgivings that the surrounding farm businesses and rural residents will be impacted in a negative way by this gravel mining enterprise. In order to maintain the rural character of the land surrounding the mining operation, I propose that the gravel processing plant be located in the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property (in the current Phase II area), as near as possible to the existing Varra plant. Since this area around the Varra plant is already industrial, the two plants could be grouped together, thus protecting the rural nature of the surrounding properties as much as possible. All truck traffic to and from the gravel pit should be restricted to State Highway 66 or Country Road 19, both of which are paved roads which carry lots of commercial traffic. No gravel pit traffic should be routed over County Roads 28 or 17, both of which are dirt roads mostly used by slow- moving farm equipment and by local residents. Hours of operation should be limited to daylight hours, with no exception for government contracts. The concrete batch plant should be denied under the current application, due to insufficient information provided by the applicant. From the meager information supplied, it is impossible to determine the impact on the surrounding area. Thank you for your consideration of the above points. r " �1� �C Sincerely, /4y 1 �� tb EXHIBIT C=am f 6647 Weld County Planning Dept. Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner JUN 2 7 2001 Weld County Department of Planning Services 1555 N. 17th Avenue RECEIVED Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: I am writing you to express my concerns about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well- being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or possibly onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincere] , EXHIBIT i 'O ,9 b __--- / l te Co ,ekosi Weld County Planning Dept. Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner 3JidL $ 2001 Weld County Department of Planning Services RECEIVED 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also,the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28, which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.)of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, My Address: SO 6,34`)1 LA\ effro' X06 1 �I Weld County Planning Dept, Mr. Chris Gathman, Planner "J ! 2 8 2001 Weld County Department of Planning Services p 1555 N. 1thAvenue RECEIVED Greeley, CO 80631 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Special Use Permit Dear Mr. Gathman: As a member of the Platte& Prairie Chapter of the National Audubon Society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed mining operation referenced above. This mining operation is directly across the road from the 19-acre Sage Hill Farm Wetland, located at 8234 WCR 28, and poses a serious threat to the continued well-being of the wetland and all the species of animals and plants which live there. Our local Audubon chapter"adopted"the Sage Hill Farm Wetland several years ago, and many of our members have volunteered numerous hours of work towards improving the already high quality habitat to be found on this site. The traffic, noise, lights, dust and other disturbances associated with the gravel operation will negatively impact the ideal habitat currently found in this wetland. Also, the proposed mining operation may lower the water table and thereby destroy the wetland. Therefore, I ask that you consider implementing the following changes to the proposed mining operation: (1) Move the aggregate processing plant to the northwest corner of the Nix/Owens property, placing it near the already existing Varra plant and as far away from the Sage Hill Farm Wetland as possible. (2) Route the gravel hauling traffic onto State Highway 66 or onto WCR 19, both of which are paved roads which already carry commercial truck traffic. Don't allow gravel truck access onto WCR 28,which runs along the north border of the wetland. (3) Require a substantial dirt berm along the entire length of the boundary where the gravel operation borders the wetland, to protect against noise and disturbance. (4) Keep night lighting at the gravel pit well away from the wetland and limit mining and processing activities to daylight hours only (not 24-hour operation as requested). (5) Disallow the Concrete Batch Plant proposed under this Special Use Permit, as insufficient information has been provided in the application to determine the environmental impact (location of plant, number of mixing trucks, etc.) of such a plant. (6) Require evidence of adequate protection to the high water table which is the source of the Sage Hill Farm Wetland. Thank you for your attention to the above points. Sincerely, gi /et- ,- Address: Exton Jim and Khileen Flynn 9163 Weld County Road 28 970 785-6277 Platteville, CO 80651 Jkflvnnco@aol.com Fax: 970 785-2792 June 14, 2001 Weld County Planning Dept, Glenn Vaad ..4‘11. $ 2001 2688 Weld County Road 32 Mead, CO 80542 RECEIVED Re: Owens Brothers/Nix Site Gravel Mine USR#1343 Dear Mr. Vaad: We are writing to express our sincere concerns in regard to the proposed Owens Brothers/Nix Site Gravel Mine. Our home and farm is in close proximity to the proposed gravel mine and we were shocked and concerned when we learned that this proposed gravel mine will be run on a continuous 24 hour basis. The impact of high volume truck traffic, dust, lights and noise on a round-the-clock schedule is certainly not contiguous with our quiet, rural, farming community. We are concerned about our family's and our neighbors' families' safety, welfare, and lifestyle. We are further concerned that the gravel mine, operating for a period of 20 years or more, in accordance to the proposed application, will have a negative influence on the environment, our property values, and our farming practices. We would suggest the following issues be reviewed before the application is accepted: 1. That the mine be relocated on the northwest corner of the Owens/Nix property adjacent to the existing Varra mine, the only other industrial business in this vicinity, for the least impact to the farming community. The present proposed location is adjacent only to farm ground, therefore not compatible with existing land uses. 2. The truck traffic (proposed 200 trucks per day) could be rerouted directly to Highway 66 that currently carries commercial traffic, including trucks from the Varra pit. This would prevent dangerous intersections and the overuse of our "back roads" which are largely used by farm equipment. 3. That the Owens/Nix mine be restricted to operation during daylight hours, to maintain some semblance of peacefulness to this quiet, rural community. 4. That the applicant be required to establish a system that will protect and maintain the water table, as almost all the residence in the area use domestic wells and irrigation wells. 5. That the applicant be required to submit a plan to adequately control the noise, dust and pollution for the health, safety and protection of the residence and the environment. EXHIBIT I u3 6. That a reclamation plan to submitted to fully reclaim the mined area into wildlife and/or recreational use and that the reclamation plan be started as the mining progresses and fully implemented at its completion. Should the ground water be effected by this proposed gravel mine and the water table be reduced, it could very well determine whether or not our homes and farms survive. Our wells are the very lifeline to our rural existence and farming practices. The consequences of a lower water table to a nearby established wetland area could be drastic. The survival of the plants, animals and birds that thrive there would be severely threatened by reduced groundwater and environmental issues such as noise and air pollution. This mine, as proposed, will last for the remainder of our lifetime (and many of our neighbors' lifetimes), certainly the life we will have left on our present farm. Therefore, we are not talking about a short-term effect on the rural lifestyle we have chosen, but rather a permanent change that will affect our way of life on a daily, hourly basis. It will change the dynamics of this rural community, the safety, the solitude, and the welfare of our homes and farming businesses. We feel our concerns and fears are realistic and justify review of the above referenced application. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and concerns and thank you for your careful review of the USR-1343 Special Use Permit before making your decision. Sincerely, Jim and Khileen Flynn cc: Chris Gathman, Weld County Planner Weld County Commissioners Weld County Planning Commission riyy 47202/ P (72 42/1X) tall/SilLr0 7k212921 r.r,._/ - f Loge 27- 1 pia)/ bjrntyr - a °G ' a�71- � 72.0721 ? P 11.o eye �o ii u mop p p _(v3. �z2J ode �0 Cab 7277_022r yr )4 � t- 1c7&(3 oc,v22_0-2re_or7-- 4-42rocrad 314 fihold ear (vim p4;77 taNb7fb b h �a2r v222rt/� fir � � ��� .�'���fP friq.4 ur kdr r7297. fzin2P27 y, P71=T*- fret? 7 . r Pc11- par20L/ /nom -'ham/-� -' �'`nu r Q�� a7 11804X3 X4740r) 1444112.PJat/ C40/MYSV7- WO? 8 Z Ntl( i n_cos rn--197'd 7v9k • ldaQ 8uluueld Rluno° Pla(o�l � 77 /' °7) - DAD' 7Q 2ei1024- A404P(Ja.ta 7 IZ11t! Pt a i0-tce7 ymztrv-67 $uz .a oC-t t fiemi tow - y, .4f S H-Xaile- 74-570-vtid 4,24 ckea -z - ^, cam tszos�e- 4 fz° e 4 o oear-4 I J can-c , r�2 7 -- 6 f critfr; .e,,icr071 cc �zarn ti. 167 b v-ci .ac 4n C (a4 j -u� f7 w L-724WA 21Ne O2e> szao-6-C ! -7 tee P62_;v--Ato- --dam 6 ,, _ylivce) ,tezx a4sol -%/1/7 Sys Zse corm ("V 78s-6y6/ Sasc Hill Pa,71.14June 28, 2001 Weld County Planning Dept. ]UI 2 2001 Mr. Don Carroll EXHIBIT RECEIVED Public Works Dept. A P.O. Box 758 _-- Greeley, CO 80632 RE: USR-1343 Owens Brothers Concrete Company/Nix Sand & Gravel Mine Dear Mr. Carroll: I am writing to express my concerns about traffic problems which may result in consequence of the proposed gravel mine referenced above. These concerns are as follows: Truck Trips. The application indicates that this gravel operation will add approximately 190 vehicle trips per day to our neighborhood roads, 167 of these trips being heavy gravel hauling trucks. I am concerned about the increased noise, dust, pollution, congestion, road maintenance and safety issues this will create. Access. The application indicates the gravel pit access will be on WCR 28. This stretch of WCR 28 is unpaved and is not a through road. It is currently used primarily by local residents and slow-moving farm vehicles. I have to say, the thought of fighting my way through that many big trucks every day as I turn in and out of my own approved agricultural and residential entrance at 8482 WCR 28 (which is directly across the road from the proposed Nix Gravel Mine entrance) is truly appalling! On page 5 of the Traffic Impact Study provided by the applicant it states: "Over the life of the project, the traffic generated by the Nix Property Gravel Mine will account for approximately 98 percent of the total number of ESALs on WCR 28 from its intersection with WCR 19 to the entrance to the Nix Property Gravel Mine. " I do not see how the applicant can justify the statement found on page 4 of this study stating that "the average daily impacts are minimal"in regard to WCR 28. Certainly the impact on me and on my neighbors will be significant. Please do not approve WCR 28 for access to this mine. Please require that access into and out of the Nix Property Sand and Gravel Mine be moved to either WCR 19 or Highway 66. 8234 WCR 28 • Platteville, CO 80651 • P/F 970-785-6034 • cparker@sagehillfarm.com Mr. Don Carroll June 28, 2001 Page 2 Safety. First, visibility at the intersection of WCR 28 and WCR 19 is severely limited. A hill on WCR 19 crests approximately 550 feet south of the midpoint of this intersection. At approximately 700 - 850 feet south of the intersection midpoint, oncoming northbound traffic on WCR 19 is completely invisible to a vehicle crossing WCR 28 or turning from WCR 28 onto WCR 19. Similarly, northbound traffic on WCR 19 does not even glimpse the intersection with WCR 28 until approximately 700 feet from the intersection. Trees along the west side of WCR 19 further inhibit clear visibility at this intersection. Those of us who drive this route regularly cannot overemphasize what a tricky intersection this is. A second very important safety concern is that the county roads in the vicinity of the gravel pit are school bus routes. The addition of hundreds of trucks on these roads would constitute a safety hazard to our children and to the school bus drivers. To resolve these safety issues, please move the mine access to either WCR 19 or to Highway 66. Haul Route. The applicant did not designate a haul route in the permit application. Please require that the haul route be designated. Dirt Roads. If the applicant uses unpaved county roads, the county will have to provide additional maintenance to keep the road surfaces graded. This will add to tax expense for all county taxpayers. The addition of hundreds of trucks into the local area will degrade the roads and the quality of life for all local residents. Please limit the haul route to paved county roads and state highways Traffic Between Mines. Owens Brothers owns another gravel pit site on the northeast corner of the intersection of Weld County Roads 15 and 26, approximately two miles from the proposed Nix Property site. The USR-1343 application does not mention any traffic between these two nearby sites. The roads between these sites are unpaved and used primarily by local residents and farm vehicles. Additional truck traffic between the two sites would significantly degrade the roads and quality of life of the nearby residents. Please limit the number of trucks traveling between the two sites to a minimal amount, fewer than 5 per day. WCR 26. Throughout the Traffic Impact Study, references to WCR 26 occur. For example, on page 5, it states: "On WCR 26 west of the site access, the total number of ESALs will be about 466,710... " Such references to WCR 26 need to be explained more fully. If WCR 26 is a typographical error for WCR 28, then we do not understand the reference to "west of the site access", as other places refer to trucks heading EAST from the proposed site access on WCR 28 to WCR 19. Mr. Don Carroll June 28, 2001 Page 3 Please require that all references to WCR 26 in the Traffic Impact Study provided by the applicant be clarified. Thank you very much for considering the above points. Sincerely, / aACa 2 l Cynthia Parker Hello