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HomeMy WebLinkAbout951053.tiffRESOLUTION RE: ACTION OF BOARD CONCERNING DUST BLOWING COMPLAINT - N'/:N'/2 S6, T3N, R65W WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, has been informed, in accordance with Section 35-72-101(1), CRS, that dust is blowing from property located in the N1/2N1/2 of Section 6, Township 3 North, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado, said property being owned by Benjamin Knaub, 1589 Venture Out, Mesa, Arizona 85205-8091, and operated by Ted Oster, 19463 Weld County Road 39, LaSalle, Colorado 80645, and WHEREAS, the Board caused an inspection of the above described parcel of land by a representative of the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service, and WHEREAS, said Soil Conservation Service representative also inspected property located in the S1/2 NW% of Section 6, Township 3 North, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado, which is owned by Marilyn and Maynard Ludwig, 17978 Weld County Road 39, Platteville, Colorado 80651, and operated by Kevin Derro, complainant in the original complaint against Messrs. Knaub and Oster, and WHEREAS, pursuant to the information and the inspection referred to above, a hearing before the Board was held on May 22, 1995, at which time the Board considered the dust blowing complaint pursuant to Section 35-72-101(1), and WHEREAS, Mr. Oster and Mr. Derro were present at said hearing, and WHEREAS, upon said consideration, the Board did order that Mr. Oster and Mr. Derro treat their respective properties as described above, with said matter to be brought back before the Board on June 19, 1995, at 9:00 a.m. to determine whether the remedial actions have been effective. 951053 EX0011 0y+ ; CA; Os ler) e c Kit aub,' f Vie. DUST BLOWING COMPLAINT - S6, T3N, R65W PAGE 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that Ted Oster and Kevin Derro be, and hereby are, ordered to perform the treatment upon the above described parcels as recommended by the Soil Conservation Service. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that this matter be, and hereby is, continued to June 19, 1995, at 9:00 a.m. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 22nd day of May, A.D., 1995. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, C9LORApO Weld County Clerk to the Board Deputy Clerk "tothe Bawl /APP' • D AS TO FO' '~ my Attorne Barbara J. Kirkmey, Pro-Te / GeorjE. Baxter Constance L. Harbert W. H. Webster' 951053 EX0011 19/05 '95 16:33 303 6591768 ADAMS CMTY CFSA-->1038719703520242 Pg. 01 AGE: - .4 ,a &ILCC aacl& i...._ .'DS Ness s/ 1.411 6";7,-3-2sOl,1� 04550 _Y' .- (;; 9 e_O St FAX t.-.4"/- raxr. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 60 S. 27TH AVE. BRIGHTON, CO. 80601 (203)659-7004 May 18, 1995 Mr. Bruce T. Barker Weld County Attorney Office of County Attorney P.O. Box 1948 Greeley, Co. 80632 RE: Dust Blowing Complaint for Property located in the N2N2 of Section 6, Township 3 North, Range 65 West Dear Mr. Barker. Per your written request made on May 15, 1995, I inspected the above mentioned property. In the process I have visited with Mr. Ted Oster, Mr. Kevin Derro and Mr. Maynard Ludwig. Mr. Benjamin Knaub is out. of the state and could not be contacted. All parties that I have contacted agree that there is a dust blowing problem. The following trip report includes information on the present field conditions, evidence of erosion, remedial action to be taken, and future recommendations on reducing erosion. All parties that I have contacted agreed on the remedial action to be taken. PRESENT FIELD CONDITIONS: T6957 Owned by Mr. Benjamin Knaub, operated by Mr. Ted Oster. Neither are currently involved in Agriculture Subsidy programs. This tract is made up of 3 fields. Field 18, 66.4 acres The source of the wind blowing complaint. Presently planted to oats, this field will go back to alfalfa in July. September this was taken out of a 14 year old stand of alfalfa, irrigated prior to plowing, and planted to wheat in 2 stages. Half in late September, and half in late October. 32 pounds of wheat seed were planted to the acre. This field was irrigated two times after planting the wheat last fall. The oats were planted directly into the wheat onThis April 25, 1995 at a rate of 70-80 pounds o the acre. was approximately one week prior to the winds that prompted this blowing complaint. The oats will be harvested in July and the alfalfa will be seeded directly into the oat stubble at that time. MAY 19 '95 16:32 303 6591768 PAC' 951053 19/05 '95 16:34 303 6591768 ADAMS CNTY CFSA-->1038719703520242 Pg. 02 Presently, there is a strong wheat cover on the north and north-west portions of this field. Approximately twelve to fourteen inches of green growth in some places. The wheat growth on the southern one-third portion of this field is approximately two to three inches tall with patches of bare ground. The oat cover is approximately an inch to two and a half inches tall, and is becoming established in all areas except the blow-out areas. Soil movement is evident on the east slopes of all sand bars and south-central locations of, this field. The row orientation is east to west and row width is seven inches. The ridge height is one to one and a quarter of an inch high in the north half of this field, to nonexistent in the blowout areas. On 5-18-95 Mr. Oster and I took four transects on this field and clipped two random plots of ve9eLaLiuu. Plcate at= LI.e enclosed map for locations. The purpose of the transects was to determine percent overall cover on this field for both prior crop stubble, and new green growth cover. The following are the results: TRANSECT PRIOR CROP COVER ALL COVER 1 7% 9% 2 3 4 9% 15% 17% 48% 26% The plots were clipped, air dried and weighed. CLIP # AIR DRY WEIGHT AVE. LBS./AC. ***********tie***#tit*************lift****************A**** 1 2.92 grams 584 2 46.45 grams 4,645 Given the erodibility of this soil and the point in the growing season, we consider seven hundred and fifty pounds of green growth (approximately 23% cover) sufficient to hold this type of soil in place. As you can see, the northern area of this field has substantial cover while other portions of this field have 17% or less cover; these are the areas requiring treatment. Field 1D, 44.5 acres Planted to alfalfa last spring, following one year of corn which followed an alfalfa stand. Alfalfa ie established in this field. This field is presently being irrigated. Field 1F, 25.7 acres Presently in alfalfa, will be taken out next year. The recommendations made later in this report concerning control MAY 19 '95 16:33 303 6591768 PAGE.002 951053 19/05 '95 16:34 303 6591768 ADAMS CNTY CFSA-->1038719703520242 Pg. 03 of future erosion will address this field when it does come out of alfalfa. T7255 This tract is owned by Mrs. Marilyn and Mr. Maynard Ludwig, and is operated by Kevin Derro with Agriculture Products, Incorporated. Mr. Derro filed a wind blowing complaint against T6957 during the week of 5-14-95. Both owners have current, signed 1026's through Weld County CFSA. We do have a plan on this tract dated 11-7-89, signed on 11-6-89 by Mr. Ludwig. Field 1A is the only field in this tract currently being operated by Agriculture Products. Field lA This field was in wheat last fall, with a manure application that occurred from December 6 to January 20th, at a rate of 20T/ac. Irrigation took place on the 1st of April, immediately followed by a plowing operation with a one-way plow. It was then planted to potatoes on April 8th. Since then, this field has been worked four times in an emergency effort to reduce the impacts from wind erosion. The row spacing is 32', with a ridge height of approximately ten inches; where impacts from wind erosion have not been severe. This field was last plowed for emergency measures on or about 5-11-95. Where there are signs of erosion in this field, the row height is closer to six to eight inches high. EVIDENCE OF EROSION There is evidence that erosion has taken place on both fields. Blowout arras on T6997; *Two blowouts exist on east side slopes of the sandbars within this field, and a third in the central portion of the south end of the field. *All blow-out areas appear to be the origin of soil erosion from T6957 to T7255. These can easily be seen on the east facing slopes where the blowouts began and traveled to blowouts that occur on east side slopes of T7255. Damage from these blow out areas include: *soil drifting in the road separating the two tracts, up to twelve inches deep, *siltation of rows in the northern portion of tract 7255. reducing the ridge height from ten inched to approximately seven inches. subsequent damage as a result of rows silting in include seedbed displacement from numerous emergency tillage operations. MAY 19 '95 16:33 303 6591768 PAGE.003 951t3 19/05 '95 16:35 303 6591768 ADAMS CNTY CFSA-->1038719703520242 Pg. 04 Other Erosion: On the southwest corner of T6957, small drifts of soil can be seen on the south and east side of the alflafa residue. Which indicate that the soil in this area has also been moving from the southwest direction. Erosion on T7255: Present on east facing side slopes, and ridge tops. Most prevalent on the north and north-east ends of this field, adjacent to the blow-out areas in T6957. *There are two knobs in the northern portion of this field that are more susceptible to wind erosion than other portions of this field simply due to topography. The areas adjacent to these knobs in T6957 have cover. Therefore, the point of wind erosion origin for these knobs probably began on this tract, and not on T6957. *Soil accumulation at the row ends on the east side of this field indicate erosion from direct west winds. surrounding Field Conditions The fields both to the north and west of T6957 are presently in stubble with strong volunteer pressure. Both have recently been sprayed to control the volunteer. REMEDIAL ACTION: The soils on both of these tracts are considered highly credible. They are particularly oonduoive to wind erosion when left uncovered and dry. Therefore, the solution is to provide cover and/or keep the fields moist enough so that they will not be as susceptible to wind erosion. Initially, Mr. Derro expressed that Agriculture Products would be satisfied if Mr. Oster would re -plant the blow-out areas and/or apply manure to prevent blowing until the oats begin to grow. Be offered Mr. Oster free manure if he would do that. Mr. Oster has expressed concern that by applying manure he would also be applying unwanted if accompanied Mr. Oster expressed that he would apply by a mold -board plow operation; which would defeat"the purpose of trying to maintain adequate cover on thic field. Therefore, the next best solution to ob bare areas covered over this wind blowing problem is to get the with green growth as soon as possible. The following solution has been discussed with and agreed upon by Mr. Oster, Mr. Derro and Mr. Ludwig. MAY 19 '95 16:34 303 6591768 PAGE.004 19/05 '95 16:36 303 6591768 ADAMS CNTY CFSA-->1038719703520242 Pg. 05 Mr. Oster has agreed to do the following; Re -plant his oat crop in the blow-out areas, and areas where the oat and wheat stand are not providing adequate cover. This includes the sand -bar side slopes, the top of eastern most sand -bar, and the central portion of the south end of the field. This crop will take approximately seven days to germinate and begin to show top growth. If erosive winds should occur prior to these areas becoming established, Mr. Oster has further agreed to irrigate this field to reduce the impact from wind erosion. The oats will be drilled in a north east to south west direction where possible, around the sand -bars, and east to west in all other areas. Re will be using a double disc drill, which will given him a seven inch row spacing and a one to one and a quarter of an inch row height. The recommended seeding rate is 80 pounds to the acre. he will begin drilling on 5-18-95 or 5-19-95. Mr. Derro has agreed to do the following': Realising that T7255 has ita own cronion problemo, Mr. Dorro has agreed to begin irrigation on his field if erosive winds occur between now and when his potato crop begins to emerge in one to two weeks: Thus, avoiding severe wind erosion impacts on T6957 if southern erosive winds are encountered. Future Recommendations on Erosion Reduction It is my understanding that both of these fields are primarily alfalfa fields. Alfalfa can provide adequate long term vegetative cover, which is ideal for these soil types. During periods of stand re-establishment that will occur no more than once every five years, we recommend that a high residue crop, such as corn be planted. The alfalfa should stand over the winter months and seed -bed preparation for the other high residue crop should begin no earlier than March 15th. Thus leaving sufficient crop residue on the soil surface for the majority of our critical wind erosion period which is from November to May. Our office is available to help all producers implement conservation systems that meet acceptable erosion levels. nna Sue Nelson Range Conservationist MAY 19 '95 16:35 303 6591768 P951953 Ottr COLORADO CERTIFIED MAIL May 15, 1995 OFFICE OF COUNTY ATTORNEY PHONE (303) 356-4000 EXT. 4391 P.O. BOX 1948 GREELEY, COLORADO 80632 Mr. Ted Oster 19463 WCR 39 LaSalle, CO 80645 RE: Dust Blowing Complaint for Property Located in the N2N2 of Section 6, Township 3 North, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County. Colorado Dear Mr. Oster: The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado has been informed that dust is blowing from a parcel of land operated by you, as hereinabove described. According to the information received, the soil is moving from said parcel and is causing damage to surrounding properties. Pursuant to Section 35-72-102(6), C.R.S., it is the duty of the owner or occupier of any land in the State of Colorado to prevent soil blowing from such land. The Board will hear the matter at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, May 22, 1995 at 9 a.m_ The meeting will take place in the First Floor Meeting Room, Weld County Centennial Center Complex, 915 Tenth Street. Greeley, Colorado. You may be present at the meeting in order to give testimony relative to the dust blowing problem. The Board requested an inspection of the above -described property and the inspector will be present at the meeting in order to inform the Board of what the inspection revealed and recommend treatment of the property. Pursuant to Section 35-72-103(1). C.R.S_, the Board of County Commissioners may order certain treatment of the parcel so as to reduce or abate the dust blowing therefrom. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact this office at 356-4000. Extension 4391. Veritruly your" i/- / / .Buce T'Barker Weld County Attorney 951053 ito(\dr, WIOc COLORADO CERTIFIED MAIL May 15, 1995 OFFICE OF COUNTY ATTORNEY PHONE (303) 356-4000 EXT. 4391 P.O. BOX 1948 GREELEY, COLORADO 80632 Mr. Benjamin Knaub 1589 Venture Out Mesa, AZ 85205-8091 RE: Dust Blowing Complaint for Property Located in the N2N2 of Section 6, Township 3 North, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado Dear Mr. Knaub: The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado has been informed that dust is blowing from a parcel of land owned by you, as hereinabove described. According to the intbrmation received, the soil is moving from said parcel and is causing damage to surrounding properties. Pursuant to Section 35-72-102(b), C.R.S., it is the duty of the owner or occupier of any land in the State of Colorado to prevent soil blowing from such land. The Board will hear the matter at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, May 22, 1995 at 9 a.m. The meeting will take place in the First Floor Meeting Room, Weld County Centennial Center Complex, 915 Tenth Street, Greeley, Colorado. You maybe present at the meeting in order to give testimony relative to the dust blowing problem. The Board requested an inspection of the above -described property and the inspector will be present at the meeting in order to inform the Board of what the inspection revealed and recommend treatment of the property. Pursuant to Section 35-72-103(1), C.R.S., the Board of County Commissioners may order certain treatment of the parcel so as to reduce or abate the dust blowing therefrom. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact this office at 356-4000, Extension 4391 Very -truly yours, � . r c:, .72 �' /, . / , �lirucc T. Barker ( i Weld County Attorney 951953 Alpg‘t COLORADO May 15, 1995 OFFICE OF COUNTY ATTORNEY PHONE (303) 356-4000 EXT. 4391 P.O. BOX 1948 GREELEY, COLORADO 80632 U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Attn: Donna Nelson 60 S. 27th Avenue Brighton, CO 80601 RE: Dust Blowing Complaint for Property Located in the N2N2 of Section 6, Township 3 North, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado Dear Ms. Nelson: As per our telephone conversation of May 15, 1995, the Board of County Commissioners has received a dust blowing complaint for property located in the N2N2 of Section 6, Township 3 North, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County. Colorado. It is my understanding that you or someone from your office will inspect the property and report back to the Board. Your report will include what the inspection revealed and will recommend remedial action to be performed by the owner and/or occupier. Please note that the hearing concerning the dust blowing complaint before the County Commissioners has been set for Monday, May 22, 1995 at 9 a.m. Therefore, 1 would like to receive this report by May 19, 1995 so that I may confirm the complaint and have the information ready for the Board's meeting. If you should have any questions or comments concerning this letter, please feel free to call me at (970) 356-4000, Extension 4390. Very truly yours, 7 Bruce 11. Barker Weld County Attorney 951953 ts0 COLORADO Mr. Kevin Deroo P.O. Box 39 Lucerne, CO 80646 OFFICE OF COUNTY ATTORNEY PHONE (303) 356-4000 EXT. 4391 P.O. BOX 1948 GREELEY, COLORADO 80632 May 15, 1995 RE: Letter Concerning Dust Blowing Complaint Dear Mr. Deroo: The County Attorney's Office has received your complaint concerning dust blowing from a parcel which is located in the N2N2 of Section 6, Township 3 North, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. An inspection will be conducted by the Brighton Soil Conservation District. The parcel is owned by Benjamin Knaub. The Board will hear the matter of your complaint at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, May 22, 1995 at 9 a.m. The meeting will take place in the First Floor Meeting Room, Weld County Centennial Center Complex, 915 Tenth Street, Greeley, Colorado. The owners have been advised of this meeting and you also may attend in order to offer any other comments concerning this complaint. The Brighton District will be at this meeting to advise the Board of their observations during the inspection. If you have any questions, please contact this office at 356-4000_ Extension 4391. Vcry truly yours, 1 ruce T. Barker Weld County Attorney 951953 Hello