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HomeMy WebLinkAbout972849.tiffBEFORE THE WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Moved by Jack Epple that the following resolution be introduced for passage by the Weld County Planning Commission. Be it resolved by the Weld County Planning Commission that the application for: CASE NUMBER: Amended USR-248 APPLICANT: Varra Companies, Inc. PLANNER: Kerri Keithley REQUEST: A Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended Special Review Permit for a sand and gravel mining operation in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. LOCATION: West of Weld County Road 15, north of Weld County Road 26. be continued for a date not to exceed six months, no date established, to give the applicant and the property owner time to resolve issues with the lease (the right to mine the property). Rusty Tucker seconded the motion. VOTE: For Passage Against Passage Cristie Nicklas Fred Walker Marie Koolstra Jack Epple Rusty Tucker Stephen Mokray Shirley Camenisch Arlan Marrs The Chairperson declared the resolution passed and ordered that a certified copy be placed in the file of this case. CERTIFICATION OF COPY I, Tammie Pope, Recording Secretary for the Weld County Planning Commission, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing resolution is a true copy of the resolution of the Planning Commission of Weld County, Colorado, adopted on June 17, 1997. Dated the 17th of June, 1997. la/ )t-e)ik.Q I _ Gpe Tammie Pope Secretary Gri284-19 SUMMARY OF THE WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, June 17, 1997 A regular meeting of the Weld County Planning Commission was held June 17, 1997, in the County Commissioners' Hearing Room (Room #101), Weld County Centennial Building, 915 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado. The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Arlan Marrs. Tape 526 Glenn Vaad Cristie Nicklas Fred Walker Marie Koolstra Jack Epple Rusty Tucker Stephen Mokray Shirley Camenisch Arlan Marrs Absent Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Also Present: Monica Daniels -Mika, Director, Todd A. Hodges, Current Planner II, Kerri Keithley, Current Planner, Shani L. Eastin, Current Planner, Department of Planning Services; Bruce Barker, Weld County Attorney, Lee Morrison, Assistant Weld County Attorney; Don Carroll, Weld County Public Works; Trevor Jiricek, Supervisor, Weld County Health Department; Tammie Pope, Secretary. The summary of the last regular meeting of the Weld County Planning Commission held on June 3, 1997, was approved as read. CASE NUMBER: AmUSR-248 PLANNER: Kerri Keithley APPLICANT: Varra Companies, Inc. REQUEST: A Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended Special Review Permit for a sand and gravel mining operation in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. LOCATION: West of Weld County Road 15; north of Weld County Road 26. Kerri Keithley explained that the Department of Planning Services' staff is asking for a continuance because there is a conflict between the property owner, Harold Nelson, and the applicant, Varra Companies. The conflict is based upon the legal right to mine the property, and the lease agreement between the owner and the applicant. Ms. Keithley stated that the Department of Planning Services' staff is recommending that the Planning Commission establish a time parameter for the continuance, and requests that the continuance be held within six months of June 17, 1997. Per Fred Walker's request, Ms. Keithley discussed how the six-month limit was determined. She noted that because of its proximity to the Mixed Use Development Area, the Department of Planning Services' staff feels that comments from referral agencies will still be valid in six months, but any longer than that will require resubmittal of referrals. Jack Epple asked if Ms. Keithley had a date in mind. Ms. Keithley did not want to set a hearing date until the issue is resolved, if it is resolved. She noted that as soon as the conflict is resolved between the applicant and the owner, they can be scheduled for the next Planning Commission Hearing. Arlan Marrs asked if the applicant was in agreement with a six-month limit on the continuance. Brad Janes, a professional forester employed by Varra Companies, stated that he would ask the board to consider that an additional extension of time be granted relative to seeking remedy in the concern between the landowner and the operator, Varra Companies. WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 2 Stephen Mokray asked the applicant representative how much progress was made in the last three years. Mr. Janes stated that the problem only recently surfaced during the notification period. The original delay occurred concerning the Office of the State Engineer water rights and related affairs. The Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak for or against this application. Harold Nelson, the property owner, discussed the continuance. He noted that that there is a sewer plant involved, and he does not know how much of the ground can be mined. Arlan Marrs asked if six months is adequate. Mr. Nelson stated yes. Jack Epple moved that Case Number AmUSR-248, Varra Companies, Inc., be continued for a period not to exceed six months. Rusty Tucker seconded the motion. The Chairman asked the secretary to poll the members of the Planning Commission for their decision. Cristie Nicklas-yes; Fred Walker -yes; Marie Koolstra-yes; Jack Epple-yes; Rusty Tucker -yes; Stephen Mokray-yes; Shirley Camenisch-yes; Arlan Marrs -yes. Motion carried unanimously. CASE NUMBER: USR-1152 PLANNER: Shani L. Eastin APPLICANT: Horton Cattle Companies REQUEST: A Site Specific Development Plan and Special Use Permit for an expansion of a livestock confinement operation (50,000 head feedlot, 12 accessory dwelling units). LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The E2 of Section 18 and part of the NW4 of Section 17, T3N, R64W of the 6th P.M,, Weld County, Colorado. LOCATION: South of and adjacent to Weld County Road 34; west of and adjacent to Weld County Road 51. Shani L. Eastin gave an overview of the proposal. The feedlot currently has 22,000 head of cattle. It is operating by Special Use Permit 112 (SUP -112), approved by the Board of County Commissioners on August 23, 1971. It is valid only in the NE4 of Section 18 and part of Section 17, all in T3N, R64W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. This proposal would allow the facility to expand to 50,000 head, and increase the acreage to 335, to include the SE4 of Section 18. It will also include 10 additional housing units, to make a total of 12 accessory dwelling units. Ms. Eastin stated that the Department of Planning Services' staff recommends approval of this proposal, and she read the reasons from her recommendation into the record. Ms. Eastin also submitted a petition signed by surrounding property owners in favor of the request, and two letters in opposition or with concerns regarding this request. Joe Hoff, the Horton Cattle Company representative, stated that the purpose of this request is to allow for the natural growth of this family owned and operated business, and to consolidate its operation from its other locations throughout Larimer and Weld Counties. He discussed the history of the operation and explained how this operation fosters the economic health and continuance of agriculture in this community by purchasing nearly $2 million of crops from farmers each year, and they have 22 employees, with an annual payroll of $500,000. The total payroll and benefits of all the Horton locations are in excess of $1.8 million. Current livestock sales at this location are in excess of $32 million, and the economic impact to Weld County is approximately $82 million. After the proposed expansion, the projected sales would grow to $82.5 million, with an economic impact of $206 million. Mr. Hoff discussed the applicant's comprehensive manure and wastewater handling plan, fly control plan, and odor and dust abatement plans. He has met with Don Carroll of Weld County Public Works to discuss the road improvement agreement to reduce the number of access points to the feedlot, and they plan to make access much safer than it is now, They have also agreed to the dedication of County right of way on Road 51. Mr. Hoff discussed the future construction. He stated that Weld County is ranked third nationally in terms of agricultural production, and Horton Cattle Companies is proud to be part of the success of Weld County. They want to continue to support the local farmers and be a strong employer, while remaining aware of their environmental responsibilities. WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 3 Arlan Marrs asked if the Condition of Approval denying truck traffic on Weld County Road 32 was a concern. Mr. Hoff stated no, that they mainly use Weld County Road 34. The Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak for or against this application. James Welch, surrounding property owner, stated that he is in opposition to the expansion. His back door is approximately 600 feet from the property line, which will abut the expansion. He discussed the surrounding properties, and how he feels this request is inconsistent with the current use of the area, noting that in a one - section radius in each direction of the proposed site, there are almost 70 different properties, including a subdivision. Mr. Welch stated that Shani L. Eastin told him that if this were to be redone today, they would all be considered residential properties, not agricultural properties. Mr. Welch's other concerns were the lack of a plan to deal with the floodplain issue, the fact that fly control is not being adhered to currently, and the environmental issues of dust, smell, and water quality. Mr. Welch stated that the drainage ponds are in the floodplain and he is concerned that they will contaminate Box Elder Creek. He stated that the zoning requirements state that no septic sludge can be applied in a 100 -year floodplain, so what is the difference between septic sludge and the sludge from 50,000 head of cattle. There was discussion between Marie Koolstra and Mr. Welch regarding his expectations when he moved into his home in 1995, with Mr. Welch noting that he does not have a problem with the existing feedlot. He stated that because of hills, he can't see the existing feedlot, but after the expansion he will see the feedlot no matter how many trees are planted. The hills also prevent dust from coming his way currently, but he feels that dust will be a problem after the expansion. Cristie Nicklas asked if Mr. Welch has called the Health Department for a fly count; he stated that he did not know that was an option, but he will do so now Shani L. Eastin clarified that there is a Special Use Permit for Mile High Turkey Hatcheries directly to the south of this proposal and another Special Use Permit to the west for a dog kennel. The properties in the immediate area were all created either by right prior to zoning, by 80 acre splits, or by Recorded Exemptions. The subdivision Mr. Welch mentioned, Milton Lake Estates, is located 1-1/2 to 2 miles to the north. It was platted prior to zoning. Ms. Eastin stated that she told Mr. Welch that if a residential subdivision came into this area at this time, it wouldn't be done quite the way it was done back then. Howard Franklin, surrounding property owner, clarified that he previously owned the property Ms. Eastin stated has a dog kennel Special Use Permit, and Mr. Welch is the current owner of the property. Mr. Franklin stated that the Special Use Permit was pulled at the time he bought the property, so it is no longer available. Mr. Franklin stated that he is concerned by the past history of poor overall control, citing that the current permit is for the NE4 section, but it is actually in the SW4 section, so it has been out of compliance since 1971. He discussed his concerns as to smell, dust, flies, and the source of water for the proposed sprinkler system. He stated that he heard bees could be used to control the flies, but he worried that bees would cause an additional problem. Runoff into the lagoons is also a concern, as he feels their proximity to the road poses a safety hazard. Mr. Franklin stated that the southeast corner is in a floodplain, and water will run into Box Elder Creek. Mr. Franklin asked how the water from the lagoons will be disposed of, since the LDS Farm has denied acceptance of the water. Mr. Franklin stated that he is opposed to the abandonment of Weld County Road 51. He is not against feedlots, but feels that the proposed expansion will lower property values. Mr. Franklin questioned how there could not be any manure storage on the site, and also questioned the use of water from the retention pond on agricultural ground to the east. Cristie Nicklas asked if the effects of this feedlot are going to be that much greater after the expansion than they are now. Mr. Franklin stated no, if it is well maintained, but he is concerned with what will happen when the cattle prices go down. Larry Madison, surrounding property owner, had the same concerns mentioned by Mr. Welch and Mr. Franklin. He questioned whether bees are already used, as his sons have been stung. Mr. Madison stated that he is very concerned with the possible contamination of his water from the holding ponds on Weld County Road 51, and is worried there will be additional dust, as his wife and son have asthma. There was discussion between Mr. Madison and the Commission members regarding the depth of his well (297 feet), and the length of time he has owned the property (three years). Ms. Nicklas explained how wasps, not bees, are used in biological WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 4 control at her feedlot, noting that they are no bigger than a gnat, and do not land on or sting humans. They lay their eggs in the manure, and the eggs eat the fly larvae. Trevor Jiricek agreed with Ms. Nicklas' description. There was discussion between Mr. Madison and Ms. Nicklas as to how the size of feedlot effects the problems of the feedlot. Fred Walker asked Mr. Madison how big his parcel is; Mr. Madison stated 80 acres. Courtney Monaghan, surrounding property owner in Milton Estates, stated that he has lived in the area for 10 years. He stated that he signed the petition for the dog kennel, but there is a big difference between 50 dogs and 50,000 head of cattle. He can see the feedlot all the time, regardless of trees planted, and he gets the smell constantly. However, but he is accepting of this; his concern is the proposal to almost triple the current size. Diane Mildenberger, surrounding property owner, stated that she signed the petition in favor of the expansion, but has since changed her mind. She and her husband purchased their property in 1992, and moved into their home in 1993. She has been in the agricultural/farming business since 1974, and understands all of the problems that go along with animals. She discussed her concerns with Weld County Road 49, which she feels is a very dangerous road, ground pollution, and property values. She stated she lives in Milton Lake Estates on approximately 60 acres. She realizes that the feedlot was there long before they were, however, she feels that the expansion is monopolizing the area with cattle, and would be a mistake for the people currently there and the people that are not there yet. She asked that the smaller acreages be taken into consideration. Pat Krautschun, surrounding property owner stated that she, her husband, and their two adult children are for the expansion. The north end of her house is 44 feet from Weld County Road 34, which is a dirt road, and she requested that some consideration be given to paving or spraying the road. She does not feel one person who raises fewer cattle should say that someone else cannot make a living raising more. Ms. Krautschun welcomes this proposal because these are agricultural -based people that have a working knowledge of what it takes to feed people and be in agricultural. She would rather have a little more smell and flies versus a lot more traffic and small acreages. Ms. Krautschun stated that her acreage (37.5 acres) is the smallest of those parcels adjoining the proposal to the west. Her only question was what is going to be done with the property in between the two parcels. The property owners on each side do not want cattle pens there, and do not want the 12 dwelling units there either. Shani L. Eastin stated that the 12 dwelling units will be in the upper northwest corner and the mid northeast section. Ms. Krautschun stated that she does not have a problem with the placement in those areas, and added that she knows the feedlot has had problems keeping help due to a lack of rental housing in the area. Ms. Krautschun voiced complaints about the dust from the dirt road, the condition of the road, the narrowness of the road, and stated that the road should have a wider turn for trucks and better signage for the feedlot. Tom Herron, director of natural resources for the Colorado Cattle Feeders Association, spoke neither in favor of nor against the proposal, only to provide information regarding management practices and to answer questions. Dust will be controlled through pen density, regular manure removal, and a sprinkler system. Arlan Marrs questioned how the implementation costs will affect the profitability of the operator. Mr. Herron explained that these costs are no longer seen as an expense because dust is a health concern for the livestock. There is benefit economically to raising healthy livestock. In regards to the concerns that there is not enough water capacity for the sprinkler system, Mr. Herron stated that dust control requires considerably less water than crops. Odor will be controlled through pen drainage, regular manure removal, reduction of standing water, barriers such as windbreaks and fences, and land application timing. Mr. Marrs asked if composting will be done, Mr. Herron stated that it is an option, but most of the solid waste is hauled off because farmers prefer manure to compost. Flies will be controlled through regular manure removal, reduction of standing water, weed and grass management, and biological treatments such as parasitic wasps. There is a Manure and Wastewater Management Plan, as required by the State Confined Animal Feeding Control Regulations, to handle stormwater runoff and manure. Per Mr. Marrs' request, Mr. Herron discussed the responsibilities that cattle feeders have to meet the changes that are occurring in Weld County with growth. In response to the floodplain concerns, Mr. Herron explained the floodplain regulations, noting the distinction between a stormwater retention facility and a process wastewater lagoon, which generates water other than stormwater. WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 5 The Horton's have built a berm approximately three feet high within the County road right-of-way, and have discussed continuing it all the way around the property. Stephen Mokray asked if the Horton's are receptive to all of Mr. Herron's ideas. Mr. Herron stated that the ideas are the Horton's, they just need engineering and development help. Sharon Welch, surrounding property owner, stated that, during a meeting in March with surrounding property owners against the proposal, Mr. Horton falsely stated that the expansion was already approved. When they brought this to his attention, Ms.. Welch stated that Mr. Horton said, "Fine. I'm going to put in a 50,000 head feedlot to make your lives miserable." Ms. Welch does not have confidence in an owner who would make such a threat, and would like to know who will oversee the expansion. Eric Angus, farm manager for the LDS Church, stated that the Church is neutral as to the expansion. His concern is floodwater and if it will go across the road to their farm. Dallas Horton, applicant, acknowledged his respect for his neighbors' concerns, the impact this proposal will have on them, and expressed his appreciation to the people who signed his petition. Arlan Marrs asked if the applicant can, after the expansion, reduce or at least not increase the current level of fly, dust, and odor problems. Mr. Horton and Mr. Herron explained that the problems will not increase proportionately. Mr. Horton expressed his sense of responsibility to himself, employees, the community, and the industry. Marie Koolstra asked how long until build -out. Mr. Horton stated that the expansion will begin sometime next year and could take until 1999. Stephen Mokray asked if the additional requirements will be a handicap in terms of being competitive. Mr. Horton stated no and reiterated that some of the costs also benefit the operation in terms of animal health. Cristie Nicklas asked if there is an alternate plan for wastewater since LDS farms has declined to use it for irrigation, Mr. Horton stated that he is still in negotiation with LDS and with a neighbor to the north. Ms. Nicklas asked why a letter was not sent to the Corps of Engineers since this proposal is in a flood overlay zone. Shani L. Eastin stated that this issue is covered under a Development Standard, and any building in the floodplain will be reviewed by FEMA. Per Mr. Marr's request, Ms. Eastin explained how the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards address the concerns expressed by surrounding property owners, and also the consequences if they are not adhered to. These stipulations were not attached to the old Special Use Permit. Regarding road dust concerns, Ms. Eastin explained that paving has been proposed for Weld County Road 51 from center section north, and on Weld County Road 34 from Weld County Road 49 to Weld County Road 51. Fred Walker moved that Case Number USR-1152, Horton Cattle Companies, be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards, with Planning Commission's recommendation for approval. Cristie Nicklas seconded the motion. The Chairman asked the secretary to poll the members of the Planning Commission for their decision. Cristie Nicklas-yes; Fred Walker -yes; Marie Koolstra-yes; Jack Epple-yes; Rusty Tucker -yes; Stephen Mokray-yes; Shirley Carnenisch-yes; Arlan Marrs -yes. Motion carried unanimously. CASE NUMBER: USR-1153 PLANNER: Todd A. Hodges APPLICANT: Public Service Company of Colorado REQUEST: A Site Specific Development Plan and a Special Review Permit for a Major Facility of a Public Utility for a wind electric generation project in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Located in Section 19, T12N, R66W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. LOCATION: Approximately 2 miles west of U S Highway 85; south of and adjacent to the Colorado/Wyoming border. WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 6 The Chairman, citing a conflict of interest, turned the case over to the Vice -Chairman. The Vice -Chairman asked for clarification as to whether this would be the final approval. Todd A. Hodges explained that if the Planning Commission approves this proposal, it will not go before the Board of County Commissioners. It will go before the Board if it is denied by the Planning Commission. Mr. Hodges gave an overview of the proposal. The preferred access is from U.S. Highway 85, but the applicants are looking at alternative routes from the Wyoming side. Mr. Hodges explained that the changes made to the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards are minimal. The word "pipeline" was replaced with "facility" throughout, and "property owner" was changed to "facility owners/operators" in Development Standard #6. The Department of Planning Services' staff recommends approval of this proposal. Rick Thompson, applicant representative, explained the need for renewable energy, that the proposal is the most cost effective technology available, and that the site provides an excellent wind resource. Dale Osborne, president of Distributed Generation Systems, gave an overview of his background in the wind generation industry. Mr. Osborne explained that there are four aspects to picking the best site. First, the land must be privately owned, remote, and used primarily for grazing. Second, there must be a strong and reliable wind resource. Third, there must be good transmission line access. Fourth, the facility must not cause any significant environmental impact, especially regarding avian issues. Per Fred Walker's request, Mr. Osborne explained the three proposed access routes. The preferred access, off of U.S. 85, is owned by the Lazy D Grazing Association and the State of Colorado. However, Lazy D is reluctant to grant access. Another access is off of 1-25 and owned by the Terry Bison Ranch and the State of Colorado. The applicants are reluctant to pursue this access because they would also have to cross the Union Pacific Railroad. The final access, which is in negotiation currently, will require entering in Wyoming, and passing through parcels owned by the State of Colorado and surface -leased by the Terry Grazing Association. Stephen Mokray asked if there would be a problem with the flight pattern to Cheyenne. Mr. Osborne stated that they are currently waiting on FAA approval. Fred Walker asked if Public Service would use their power of eminent domain in order to use their preferred access. Mr. Thompson stated that they would be reluctant to exercise their right because they want to be a good corporate neighbor. Mr. Osborne explained that only 3/4 of a section of the land will be developed, in phases, for this facility, and he gave an overview of the facility. Per Mr. Mokray's request, Mr. Osborne explained that the noise generated would not be louder than a speaking voice, and that there is no evidence of any noise impact on wildlife. He added that there is almost no ground food to attract raptors, eagles, etc. Mr. Mokray asked if EMF is a concern; Mr Osborne stated no, all the cabling will be underground. Cristie Nicklas asked how much of the project has been sold; Mr. Thompson stated that they have commitments for eight of the 13 turbines proposed to be built before 1998. Construction would begin this fall on six turbines, a small substation, and two meteorological towers. There was discussion between Mr. Mokray and Mr. Thompson regarding this being "wholesome" electricity. Jack Epple asked what the generation capacity will be; Mr. Thompson stated approximately 20 Megawatts. Ms. Nicklas asked what will happen to the site if it is not economically viable. Mr. Thompson stated that Public Service does not believe that will be an issue, but if it were, they would work with the landowner and probably remove the turbines. Ms. Nicklas asked if Laramie County was aware of the project. Todd A. Hodges stated that they were sent a referral, but did not respond. Mr. Osborne added that several Wyoming state officials are aware of the project and are interested in it for their state. Mr. Osborne discussed Governor Romer's Renewable Energy Task Force. In response to Ms. Nickles' earlier question, he explained that if the project becomes inoperable, the project owner is obligated to remove the facility and reclaim the land. WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 7 Jerry Burnett, director of Lazy D Grazing Association, clarified that there are nine residences in the surrounding area of the proposal. His concerns are for property value, as there is development less than three miles away, possible security problems if the applicants were to use the Lazy D as their access route, and also the disruption of cattle by the heavy traffic caused by construction. Mr. Burnett would like the access route to be defined before the proposal is approved. Marlin Opperman, representative for Lazy D Grazing Association, questioned Mr. Hodges' earlier statement that the proposal would go before the Board of County Commissioners if the Planning Commission denies approval, citing Section 25.1 of the Weld County Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Opperman discussed the Commission's obligations in deciding on this, the first application of this type in Weld County. He also discussed his concerns, which include the fact that this application is only supported by Public Service and is not on behalf of Public Service, and he questioned the agreement between Public Service and Distributed Generations Systems with regards to maintenance and removal. Mr. Opperman asked that the Lazy D property be withdrawn as an access route, and does not feel that Public Service has a right of eminent domain. He stated that Lazy D Grazing Association is requesting postponement of action on this application. The reasons cited were: the Department of Planning Services did not post proper signage per Weld County Zoning Ordinance, Sections 24.7.2.11 and 22.4.2.5; the concerns of the Colorado Department of Transportation regarding highway access have not been addressed; the heavy equipment necessary for construction of the proposal would not make it over the existing two -track road on the Lazy D property; the Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Study has not been released, as per Sections 25.8.11, 25.7.2.4.14.9, and 25.7.2.14.10 of the Weld County Zoning Ordinance; and the precedent this will set requires a clear and concise set of rules and regulations. Don Ward, operator of a guiding and outfitting business on surrounding property, stated that he is concerned with the access route and the effect it will have on his business during hunting season, and the possible effects to the animals. Mr. Ward asked that a decision be postponed until the access route is confirmed. Rudd Myer with the Land and Water Fund of the Rockies, a nonprofit environmental law firm, discussed how they have been working to make renewable energy a reality and its importance. She also explained how they and the Department of Energy are "watchdogs" for the project. Ms. Myer discussed the success of Fort Collins' wind project. Mark Roper, manager for the Renewable Energy Program at the Colorado State Governor's Office of Energy Conservation, expressed the general, conceptual support of the Governor's Office of Energy Conservation for this application. He provided, for the record, a copy of the executive order signed by the Governor, which created the Renewable Energy Task Force. Mr. Roper then gave background information on the creation of the Task Force, and explained that its purpose is to develop a strategy for Colorado to develop 250 megawatts of new renewable energy in the next ten years. Mr Roper stated that market research shows that there is about 50 megawatts worth of demand for this project, while there will only be about 22 megawatts produced at full build -out. He explained how the Department of Energy grant of $3 million will support the development, and added that the DOE assessment should be released within the next month. He commended Public Service Company on the development and asked for a favorable recommendation. In response to concerns about noise, Mr. Roper stated that early model turbines (which have been improved on) produced 45-50 decibels, while the normal human speaking voice produces approximately 60 decibels. Stephen Mokray questioned the fact that the task force does not have a strategy. Mr. Roper stated that the strategy will consist of a list of ideas to help promote renewable energy and that it will be policy level recommendation. Keith Roman, the owner of proposed site, stated that this project will not cause any pollution or smell, and he wanted everyone to know that he lives only three miles from the proposed site. He also wanted the Planning Commission members to think about clean power the next time they turn on their lights. Jerry Burnett asked if what he has heard about the applicants filing for wind rights is true. Lee Morrison explained that an easement could be acquired to prevent any structures from obstructing the generators. WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 8 Mr. Morrison responded to some of the issues brought up by Mr. Opperman Regarding signage posting, Mr. Morrison explained that Mr. Opperman was referring to the section for regular Special Use Permits, not the Major Facility of a Public Utility. However, Mr. Hodges still tried to meet that standard to make notice available to the public. Regarding the Planning Commission having the final say, Mr. Morrison cited additional sections which stated that the applicant can petition the Board of County Commissioners if the Planning Commission denies their application, and they can also request that the Public Utility Commission hear the case. There was discussion then between Mr. Opperman and Mr. Morrison regarding the Weld County Zoning Ordinace sections in question. Mr. Hodges explained the Department of Planning Services signage requirements, and indicated that Mr. Opperman cited the wrong section of the Weld County Zoning Ordinance; duties of the Department of Planning Services' staff for a Major Facility of a Public Utility are listed in Section 25.4. Mr. Hodges noted that the signs posted were done as a courtesy, and that they do not have to be maintained. Dale Osborne responded to several of the concerns raised. Regarding access to the property, there will be gates with locks or remote control access, and the landowner will be notified each time before access is made. Mr. Osborne noted that ingress/egress access rights must be finalized before financing. All assets of the project will be assigned to Public Service Company. Mr. Osborne's company has signed a long term contract to purchase the energy for the first six turbines. The company has no relationship to the furthering development of the project after that without the concurrence of Public Service, who will own the site. Mr. Osborne also explained that this project is a fully financially disclosed transaction. He discussed how wind energy is being produced around the world, so this is not a prototype. He asked that the record reflect that he has never had any contact with Mr. Opperman on this project, and that Lazy D management denied his requests for meetings. Per Mr. Epple's request, Mr. Osborne explained that wind rights are not like water rights. Mr. Roman will deed the wind above his property to the applicant so that a barrier cannot be built to block the wind. Fred Walker asked if the wind rights would be from the property line inward. Mr. Osborne stated yes. Rick Thompson clarified that the Environmental Assessment is a federal process required because of the grant, not because the proposed site is on private land. Cristie Nicklas questioned a previous comment made that there is no food available for raptors so therefore there are no raptors. Mr. Thompson stated that the statement was made per baseline data from the site. There was discussion between Ms. Nicklas, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Osborne regarding the two -track road at the preferred access and its possible improvement. Fred Walker stated that he cannot support this until there is a guaranteed access to the property, and that he feels that the use of eminent domain would be wrong as there is private money involved. Rick Thompson stated that Public Service Company will fully own the substation and all of the power produced there. He also noted that the Condition of Approval deals with access, so that should address Mr. Walker's concern. Mr. Hodges discussed the two Conditions of Approval, adding that the permit would not be valid until those conditions are met. Shirley Camenisch asked if the applicants agree with the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards. Mr. Thompson stated yes. Ms. Nicklas stated that she agrees with Mr. Walker's comments, and discussed how she resents that previous comments seem to indicate that the proposed site is acceptable because it will not impact very many people and wildlife. Marie Koolstra moved that Case Number USR-1153, Public Service Company of Colorado, be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards, with Planning Commission's recommendation for approval. Stephen Mokray seconded the motion The Vice -Chairman asked the secretary to poll the members of the Planning Commission for their decision. Cristie Nicklas-no; Fred Walker -no; Marie Koolstra-yes; Jack Epple-yes; Rusty Tucker -yes; Stephen Mokray- yes, Shirley Camenisch-yes. Motion carried. Marie Koolstra commented that she feels there are adequate provisions being made for the access. Rusty Tucker agreed with Ms. Koolstra's comment. WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 9 CASE NUMBER: USR-1151 PLANNER: Kern Keithley APPLICANT: Francis Gregerson REQUEST: A Site Specific Development Plan and Special Review Permit for a livestock confinement operation (6,000 head dairy) with 3 office buildings and 29 accessory to the farm dwellings. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The NW4, W2 NE4 and NW4 SE4 of Section 12. T2N, R68W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. LOCATION: South of and adjacent to Weld County Road 24; east of and adjacent to Weld County Road 11. Kern Keithley explained that the case originated when Mr. Gregerson applied for three additional employee housing units, to be the 17th, 18th, and 19th accessory dwellings. It was discovered at that time that there are currently 3,600 animal units on site, when only 1,120 units are allowed by right. Therefore, it is operating in violation of the Weld County Zoning Ordinance without a Special Use permit. The applicant believes that the dairy is a nonconforming land use, or grandfathered into the site. However, a nonconforming land use cannot be enlarged without a Special Use Permit, Prior to the adoption of the Weld County Zoning Ordinance, the dairy consisted of fewer animal units. Since it has increased, the Department of Planning Services' staff does not believe the Gregerson dairy to be a nonconforming land use. Therefore, it is subject to the requirements and the regulations of the Weld County Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision Ordinance, and the Intergovernmental Agreement between the County, Firestone, Frederick, and Dacono. Ms. Keithley stated that the dairy is located east of and adjacent to the Mixed Use Development Area and within the Town of Firestone's urban growth boundary area. Because the area surrounding the dairy is developing rapidly, with annexations occurring around the site, and because it is located in an urban growth corridor, the Department of Planning Services' staff is recommending denial of this request. Ms. Keithley further discussed how the proposal is not consistent with the Weld County Comprehensive Plan, as amended. She also discussed how approval of this proposal will violate the Tri-Area IGA, which was signed by the Board of County Commissioners. She also cited the various impacts this proposal may have. Ms. Keithley detailed the current and future development taking place in the area. She noted that there have been seven letters and numerous phone calls in opposition to this request. Mike Morgan, attorney for the applicant, clarified that this is an existing dairy with approximately 3,500 head, 15 permitted structures and three offices. The application is a request for additional accessory dwellings to house the existing level of employees, and to provide more economical operation of the dairy by increasing the number of head and dairy buildings. Mr. Morgan gave a brief overview of the history of the dairy, noting that prior to 1981, when the Weld County Zoning Ordinance was changed, the dairy was a use by right in an agricultural zone. He read from Section 17.1 of the Weld County Zoning Ordinance, stating that, therefore, the dairy has had a USR since 1981. At that time, there were approximately 1,555 head, and the barns, principal dwelling and 12 accessory dwellings were there. Mr. Morgan discussed his interpretation of Section 17.1 of the Weld County Zoning Ordinance, explaining that the expansion limit applies to acreage and buildings only. He believes the law allows the dairy to intensify the use on the land, allowing for natural expansion of the herd. Mr. Morgan discussed the new permits that Mr. Gregerson has been issued since 1981, noting that three permits for additional employee housing were approved just recently, pending approval of this application. These three accessory dwellings, which have been purchased and are sitting on blocks, are the only immediate additions. The proposed expansion would happen over time, if at all, as the economy dictates. Mr. Morgan noted that the dairy employs 30-35 people, produces 85,000-90,000 lbs. of milk per day, and that yearly it contributes approximately $4.5 million into the local economy, and pays approximately $10,000 in property taxes. Mr. Morgan discussed the surrounding properties, noting that there is no residential development planned for any directly adjacent parcels. Arlan Marrs asked if there are any large parcels in the surrounding area available for development. Francis Gregerson, applicant, stated that he does not believe there is. Mr. Morgan reviewed the application and reiterated many of his previous points. He clarified that the 12 additional accessory dwellings will not be for additional employees; existing employees could gradually move onto the site as housing becomes available. Mr. Morgan noted that this application was submitted before WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 10 the Tri-Area IGA was signed, and that the County and the Tri-Area have not developed and implemented the comprehensive plan described in the IGA, so therefore, it is not effective. He discussed the Tri-Area Planning Commission's and the Town of Firestone's recommendations, and addressed the Department of Planning Services' concerns and their recommendation for denial. Mr. Morgan asked for approval of the proposal, and that Conditions of Approval and Development Standards similar to the last four dairy expansions be used. He discussed some modifications that could be made. Per Marie Koolstra's request, Kern Keithley clarified that this application is not just to bring the dairy into compliance, it is also for future expansion Ms. Koolstra inquired as to what will happen to the dairy upon denial. Ms. Keithley first addressed the nonconforming use issue, noting that once the applicant increased intensity, he lost his nonconforming use. She also explained that the Department of Planning Services' staff validated the use of dairy in 1990 by releasing the additional accessory dwelling permits. Therefore, if the Planning Commission denies the request, the applicant should be ordered to go back to the head count back in 1990, when it was validated. There was discussion between Ms. Koolstra, Ms. Nicklas and Ms. Keithley regarding the incompatibility issue. Arlan Marrs stated that, due to the County's error by not catching the noncompliance over the years, the applicant should at least be allowed to keep the current head count. There was discussion between Mr. Morgan and Bruce Barker as to whether the limits set by the nonconforming use that became a USR in 1981 limited the total expansion, including head count, or just acreage expansion. Mr. Barker stated that a base must be established. He suggested that it be the total head present in 1990, when the Department of Planning Services erroneously validated the dairy by issuing additional accessory dwelling permits. Mr. Marrs disagreed because the applicant was never told there was a limit, therefore, the base should be set at the current head count. Ms. Keithley discussed the intent of the Tri-Area IGA. Mr. Marrs noted that he was opposed to the IGA from the beginning because of something such as this happening. Per Fred Walker's request, Ms. Keithley explained that the Town of Firestone was not represented at the Tri- Area Planning Commission hearing, but they did call the Department of Planning Services to comment individually. Mr. Walker and Ms. Keithley discussed the Town of Firestone's lack of participation in the Tri-Area Planning Commission. Robert Lehr, representative of Mr. & Mrs. Larnbertson, surrounding property owners, stated that they have no objections to the current operation, but object to the expansion. Mr. Lehr discussed the future development of the 296 acres the Lambertson's own, which includes a PUD for a modular home community. Mr. Lehr stated that he sees the area going from agricultural to residential more sooner than later. David Sewald, surrounding property owner, stated that he has no objection to the existing dairy, but objects to the expansion due to future development. He also objects to the any accessory dwellings being put on Weld County Road 11; he would like to see them all in the same area east of dairy. Conrad Hopps, surrounding property, spoke in favor of the dairy. He discussed the inconsistency of the residential developments. Louis Rademacher, manager of Rademacher Farms, LLC., spoke in favor of the dairy, noting that the dairy smells better than the nearby sewer plant. He discussed the difference between dairies and feedlots, regarding headcount fluctuations. Mr. Morgan responded to some of the concerns brought up by surrounding property owners. Arlan Marrs asked if the applicant would be willing to hook up to sewer service if it becomes available. Mr. Gregerson stated that he would be willing if it was feasible, but he knows that the sewer district is already overloaded. Mr. Marrs and Mr. Gregerson discussed the possibility of his employees living in the modular community previously mentioned. Mr. Gregerson did not envision his employees living there. WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 11 Jack Epple and Kerri Keithley discussed the possibility of a continuance to see if the Department of Planning Services' staff can work something out with the applicant. Ms. Keithley stated that the staff will not change their recommendation. Rusty Tucker asked for clarification as to what exactly the Planning Commission is voting on. Mr. Barker stated that the Department of Planning Services' staff is comfortable with the 1990 figure of 2,063 head, giving the applicant the benefit of the doubt from 1981 through 1990. He discussed possible recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. Per Mr. Walker's request, Mr. Morgan discussed what he would like the Planning Commission to vote on, which was for the expansion to 6,000 head. Mr. Barker discussed how it is inappropriate for the Planning Commission to ask the applicant to change that figure at this stage in the process. Bill Crews, representative for the applicant, discussed how the applicant ended up at this point after applying for three accessory dwelling permits. Mr. Crews explained that the expansion numbers are an eventuality, not a plan, and that the applicant wants to avoid the expense of having to come before the Planning Commission again. Per Mr. Mokray's request, Mr. Gregerson explained that economics and mother nature will control the head count. Per Shirley Camenisch's request, Mr. Gregerson explained the ratio of cows to employees. Cristie Camenisch asked what will happen when his head count reaches 6,000. Mr. Gregerson explained how the figure was reached, and stated that he does not envision his herd any larger than that. The Chairman asked if the applicant was in agreement with the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards. Mr. Morgan stated no, because he has not had a chance to review them all. He noted some of the concerns he has with the few that he had read. There was discussion by Mr. Marrs and Mr. Barker regarding the Planning Commission making a recommendation. Mr. Barker noted that after the recommendation is made, but before it goes to the Board, the staff and the applicant could make some revisions. Mr. Morgan expressed his reluctance to agree to this before they have had a chance to review them. Mr. Mokray asked if the Planning Commission could stipulate that an agreement be worked out between the applicant and the Department of Planning Services' staff. Mr. Barker stated that the Commission's job is to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners approval or denial, and Conditions of Approval and Development Standards. He suggested giving the applicant time to review the conditions. There was discussion between Mr. Marrs and Ms. Keithley as to why the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards were not included in the denial packet. The Chairman asked if the applicant would be agreeable to a continuance until the next Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Morgan did not want to wait on a decision. He suggested that general conditions from two recent dairy expansions be used. Ms. Keithley argued that every dairy is site specific. She stated that there has been only one change to the Conditions of Approval from the ones listed in the original referral packet, which the applicant received. She read Condition of Approval #5 into the record. Cristie Nicklas asked which access the existing houses will use if the Weld County Road 11 access is closed. Don Carroll explained that there are three existing accesses off of Weld County Road 11; the Department of Public Works is asking for the closure of only one of them. Mr. Carroll discussed the fire department's requirements, and the Department of Public Works policy on circle drives. The applicant agreed with Mr. Carroll's comments. Per Mr. Marr's request, Ms. Keithley explained the zoning permit process for accessory dwellings. Arlan Marrs clarified that the applicant has not agreed to the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards, he has not agreed to any lesser numbers, and the Department of Planning Services' staff is standing by the recommendation for denial. Marie Koolstra read a quotation from Glickman, the Secretary of Agriculture at the federal level: "Dairy will not survive unless it grows." Shirley Camenisch asked if the conditions can be changed after the Planning Commission's approval. Ms. Keithley stated yes. WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 1997 Page 12 Stephen Mokray moved that Case Number USR-1151, Francis Gregerson, be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards, with the Planning Commission's recommendation for approval. Shirley Camenisch seconded the motion. The Chairman asked the secretary to poll the members of the Planning Commission for their decision. Cristie Nicklas-yes; Fred Walker -yes; Marie Koolstra-yes; Jack Epple-yes; Rusty Tucker -yes; Stephen Mokray-yes; Shirley Camenisch-yes; Arlan Marrs -yes. Motion carried unanimously. Jack Epple commented that the applicant has 3,500 head, and 6,000 head is not that much more, so he'll stay pretty much the size he is. Mr. Epple stated that Mr. Gregerson has that right. If the staff had negotiated with the Town of Firestone and talked it over with the applicant, some sort of agreement could have been made before it came to the Planning Commission. Arlan Marrs commented that this is a tough issue. The area is developing rapidly, so it will be important for Mr. Gregerson to keep his facility as well operated as it is now, not only for himself and his neighbors, but for all of agriculture. In the future, if rules and regulations are passed because of one person's poor operation, it's going to affect us all. He noted his disappointment in the Tri-Area IGA, and the statement in there that certain issues will be disapproved. He stated that it was a bad agreement and should never have gone as far as it did. Meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, LrYIAL Tammie Pope Secretary Varra Companies, Inc. 2130 South 96th Street, Broomfield, CO 80020 (303)666-6657 Fax Number (303)666-6743 Friday 20 June 1997 Carl Mount and Gregg Squire, EPS's Colorado Division of Minerals & Geology 1313 Sherman Street, #215 Denver, Colorado 80203 Subject: Clarification of matters reported to DMG by correspondence of 9 June 1997 from Trevor Jiricek, Weld County Department of,Health. Dear Carl & Gregg: Respective of our telephone conferences of June 11 & 12, this correspondence will serve to benchmark our resolution concerning matters raised by Weld County Department of Health. The matter came to our attention as a result of an unrelated telephone conversation I had with Kerri Keithley, Larimer County Planning Department. We were not aware there was a problem or a concern prior to this. Kerri was kind enough to bring the correspondence to my attention and FAX a copy to my office. Upon reading it, we immediately acted to cease the activity until the matter could be resolved, and contacted your office that same day. It was interesting to us that Health never contacted us directly with their concern or included us in their correspondence. Regardless, we respect their concerns but with the caveat that we did not believe the activity violated our DMG backfill notice or related water quality concerns, for reasons we discussed at that time. Kerri indicated to me that Trevor admitted to her that it was a "grey area." Perhaps because the inspector apparently viewed the activity at a distance, the area of impact reported and suggested time period was exaggerated. Only a fraction of one acre was impacted and the activity was quite recent. Additionally, the trees were not laid down in a solid pact but graded in with soil around each bole. Since the site is in a flood plain, impacts to future structures should not occur since structures in a flood plain should not be allowed by Weld County. Given the rate of rot of a bole of tree it is difficult to believe that a common natural phenomena evidence along most tributaries of the state would create any other type of hazard give the spacing between each bole. Worst case, over time some settling and hummocking of the upper surface could occur. Regardless, in discussing the matter with Chris Varra, he apparently acted to have any buried trees dug up since they were predominantly sparse in number and located near the outer perimeter of the existing fill. The trees were then stockpiled with the majority stockpile of trees that had yet to be included in the fill. It is my understanding that Gregg will be out to inspect the site sometime after the June Board meeting. I have since inspected and filmed the location and could not find evidence of concern. Respective of the past activity the matter appears resolved. It would be good to have a better understanding as to what level of tree burial could occur. My understanding is that Carl will contact Glenn Malory at Solid Waste to determine any protocols. The practice will not be resumed without a prior understanding and agreement as to any limits. Not every element of our activity can be fully anticipated respective of its impact on the minds of others. Along with the myriad of laws and regulations come the more numerous opinions and interpretations. We do our best to do the right thing. Trust we will continue to be responsive to any legitimate concern raised about our operations, to the extent we are aware of them. If you need further information or clarification on this matter, please contact us. Thank -you again for your understanding and kind assistance. Sincerely, Bradford Janes Professional Forester cc. Christopher L. Varra, President Varra Companies, Inc. Kerri Keithley, Weld County Planner Greeley, Colorado Julie Chester, Weld County Planner Greeley, Colorado Trevor Jiricek, Supervisor Weld County Department of Health Environmental Protection Services BLJ/blj Correspondence of Friday 20 June 1997 from Bradford Janes, Professional Forester, Varra Companies, Inc., to Carl Mount, Senior Specialist, Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. 2 O co 4) 0 ▪ 0 4i 0 r- U 0 0 4) a) a) c7 Varra Companies, Inc. 2130 South 96th Street, Broomfield, CO 80020 (303)666-6657 Fax Number (303)666-6743 Thursday 12 June 1997 Certified Mail/Retn. Receipt P 135 660 330 Kerri Keithley, Planner Weld County Administrative Offices 1400 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631 Subject: Amended USR-248 - request indefinite postponement of Planning Commission Hearing to resolve evidence of legal right to enter. Dear Kerri: Per my discussion today with Shani Eastin, in your absence, Varra Companies, Inc. requests that the Planning Commission hearing for USR-248 be postponed until we can resolve matters pertaining to legal right to enter. Please confirm whether or not this continuance will or will not be granted in advance, or if we must appear at the scheduled 17 June 1997 Planning Commission meeting to effect our request. Regardless, if you or your office would like further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank -you for your understanding and kind assistance. Respectfully, r, Christopher L. Varra, President Varra Companies, Inc. cc. Shani Eastin, Planner Weld County, Colorado BLJ/blj Br 04t"f: COLORADO FAQ T1A Weld County Planning Department 1400 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 (970) 353-6100 Ext. 3540 Fax: (970) 352-6312 TO: Brad Janes DATE: June 6, 1997 FROM: Kerri D. Keithley, Current Planner SUBJECT: AMUSR-248 NUMBER: (303) 666-6743 PAGES: 2 , including cover sheet. Notes: As stated in our phone conversation today, due to the letter that the Department of Planning Services received from the property owner dated May 28, 1997, staff will recommend that AMUSR- 248 be continued at the Planning Commissioner Hearing until such time that Varra Co. submits evidence that they have the legal right to apply for the mining operation on the site. rg(la lac COLORADO May 1, 1997 Bradford Janes Varra Companies, Inc. 2130 S. 96th Street Broomfield, CO 80020 Subject: DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES PHONE (970) 353-6100, EXT.3540 FAX (970) 352-6312 WELD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 1400 N. 17TH AVENUE GREELEY, COLORADO 80631 AmUSR-248 - A Request for a Site Specific. Development Plan and an Amended Special Review permit for a sand and gravel mining operation in the A (Agricultural) Zone District on a parcel of land described as the E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado Dear Mr. Jane: Your application and related materials for the request described above are being processed. I have scheduled a meeting with the Weld, County Planning Commission for June 17, 1997, at 1:30 p.m. This meeting will take place in the County Commissioners' Hearing Room, First Floor, Weld County Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado. It is recommended that you and/or a representative be in attendance to answer any questions the Planning Commission members may have_ Itis the policy of Weld County to refer an application to any town or municipality lying within three miles of the property or if the property is located within the comprehensive planning area of a town or municipality. Therefore, our office has forwarded a copy of the submitted materials to the Firestone, Mead, and Tri-Area Planning Commissions for their review and comments. Please call Rick Patterson with the Town of Firestone, at 303-833-3291, Kelly Smith with the Town of Mead, at 970-535-4477, and Jay Curtis with the Tri-Area Planning Commission, at 303-833-3819, for further details regarding the dates, times, and locations of these meetings. It is recommended that you and/or a representative be in attendance at the Firestone and Mead Planning Commission meetings to answer any questions the Commission members may have with respect to your application. A representative from the Department of Planning Services will be out to the property a minimum of ten days prior to the hearing to post a sign adjacent to and visible from a publicly maintained road right-of-way which identifies the hearing time, date, and location. In the event the property is not adjacent to a publicly maintained road right-of-way, one sign will be posted in the most prominent place on the property and a second sign posted at the point at which the driveway (access drive) intersects a publicly maintained road right-of-way. The Department of Planning Services' staff will make a recommendation concerning this application to the Weld County Planning Commission. This recommendation will he available twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled hearing. It is the responsibility of the applicant to call the Department of Planning Services' office before the Planning Commission hearing to make arrangements to obtain the recommendation. If you hay' any que_ i ns concerning this matter, please call. Resp Kerri Keithle Current Planner KDK/tp NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Weld County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 17, 1997, at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of considering a Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended Special Review permit for a sand and gravel mining operation in the A (Agricultural) Zone District for the property described below. Approval of the request may create a vested property right pursuant to Colorado Law. CASE NUMBER: AmUSR-248 APPLICANT: Varra Companies, Inc. CURRENT PLANNER: Kerri Keithley LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. TYPE AND INTENSITY OF PROPOSED USE: A Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended Special Review permit for a sand and gravel mining operation in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. LOCATION: West of Weld County Road 15, north of Weld County Road 26. The public hearing will be held in the Weld County Commissioners' Hearing Room, First Floor, Weld County Centennial Center, 915 Tenth Street, Greeley, Colorado. Comments or objections related to the above request should be submitted in writing to the Weld County Department of Planning Services, 1400 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, before the above date or presented at the public hearing on June 17, 1997. Copies of the application are available for public inspection in the Department of Planning Services, 1400 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631. Please call Tammie Pope at (970) 353-6100, Ext. 3540, or Fax # (970) 352-6312, prior to the day of the hearing so that reasonable accommodations can be made if, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, you require special accommodations in order to participate in this hearing as a result of a disability. Arlan Marrs, Chairman Weld County Planning Commission To be published in the South Weld Sun. To be published one (1) time by May 8, 1997. Received by: �� ' / t.� 1 Date: BY: STATE OF COLORADO ) )s.s. COUNTY OF WELD ) Ruth Pel.ton-Roby, as manager of Pelton Publishing Company LLC, being duly sworn, states that it is publisher of the South Weld Sun, a weekly newspaper published in Keenesburg in said County and State; that said newspaper has a general circulation in said County and has been continuously and uninterruptedly published therein, during a period of at least fifty-two consecutive weeks prior to the first publication of the annexed notice; that said newspaper is a newspaper within the meaning of the act of the General Assembly of the State of Colorado, entitled "An Act to regulate the printing of legal notices and advertisements," and amendments thereto; that the notice of which the annexed is a printed copy taken from said newspaper, was published in said newspaper, and in the regular and entire issue of every number thereof, once a week for successive weeks; that said notice was so published in said newspaper proper and not in any supplement thereof, and that the first publication of said,notice as aforesaid, was on the day of , 1997, and the last on the day of Ii 1997. , PELTON PUBLISHING COMPANY LLC Ruth Pelton-Roby, Manager Subscribed and sworn to. before me this '.2'./2(day of i6t t �, 7/7., "� a Notary Public (?&.,;<e1/"AXY , 1997. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Weld County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 17, 1997, at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of considering a Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended Special Review permit for a sand and grave mining operation in the A (Agricultural) Zone District for the property described below. Approval of the request may create a vested property right pursuant to Colorado Law. CASE NUMBER: AmUSR-248 APPLICANT: CURRENT PLANNER: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Varra Companies, Inc. Kerri Kerthley The E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado TYPE AND INTENSITY OF PROPOSED USE: A Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended Special Review permit for a sand and gravel mining operation in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. LOCATION: West of Weld County Road 15, north of Weld County Road 26. The public hearing will be held in the Weld County Commissioners' Hearing Room, First Floor, Weld County Centennial Center, 915 Tenth Street, Greeley, Colorado. Comments or objections related to the above request should be submitted In writing to the Weld County Department of Planning Services, 1400 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, before the above date or presented at the public hearing on June 17, 1997. Copies of the application are available for public inspection in the Department of Planning Services, 1400 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631. Please call Tsmmle Pope at (970) 353-6100, Ext. 3540, or Fax 5 (970) 352-6312, prior to the day of the hearing so that reasonable accommodations can be made if, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, you require special accommodations in order to participate in this hearing as a result of a disability. Man Marra, Chairman Weld County Planning Commission Published 1 the South Weld Sun May 8, 1997. Administrative Review Flow Sheet APPLICANT: Varra Companies, Inc. CASE # AMUSR-248 REQUEST. A Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended Special Review permit for a sand and gravel mining operation on the A (Agricultural) Zone District LEGAL: E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Co. LOCATION: West of WCR 15, north of WCR 26 PARCEL NO: 1209 31 000026 Overlay Districts: Flood Hazard Overlay D Application Received April 30, 1997 Front Desk Application Completed May 1, 1997 KDK Hearing Date June 17, 1997 KDK Utility Board Date N/A KDK PC Sign Posted By: June 6, 1997 Sign Posted: — i; t , ‘ .: ` t 'i- Referrals listed May 1, 1997 KDK File assembled `: ci .- 7 _ Letter to applicant mailed C' i Referrals mailed > . ,_ _,.,r '-1 '" Chaindexed 5. - .7- LI '7 c �I Public Notice Sent out 5 - `._ - q q " Property & Mineral Owners Notified 5 .. q - CI /7 Aj_� Maps prepared 6; Field check by DPS staff DPS Recommendation ‘ , PC/BOA Hearing Action PC/BOA Resolution Resolution Sent to Applicant ( .,), Cq 1 Meeting Summory or Minutes Filed in Case 4, ,-, (O q '7 ',) i } Case sent to Clerk to Board i'1 / fe- ,.\ CC Sign Posted By: Sign Posted: _,ti.--) CC Hearing: Action: CC Resolution Received Plat and /or Resolution Recorded History card completed Recorded Maps and Filed DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES Weld County Administrative Offices, 1400 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631 Phone (970) 353-6100, Ext. 3540 Fax (970) 352-6312 USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW (MINING OPERATION) APPLICATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES USE ONLY Application Fee Receipt Number 4 Case Number ` . Recording Fee Receipt Number Zoning District Application Checked By: Planner Assigned to Case , To be completed by APPLICANT is accordance with procedural guide requirements: 1. I (we), the undersigned, hereby request a hearing before the Weld County Planning Commission concerning a proposed gravel (gravel, coal, borrow pit, etc.) mining operation for the following described unincorporated area of Weld County: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: E; SEA, Sec. 31, Township 3 North, Range 67 West, 6th P.M. PARCEL NUMBER: 1 2 0 9 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 6 (12 digit number - found on Tax I.D. Information or obtained at the Assessor's Office). 2. Surface owner(s) of area of land described Name:Nelson, Harold & La Verna Address:11955WCR15 Phone: (303) 776-2336 Name: Address: Phone: 3. Owner(s) of mineral rights or substance to be mined Name: same as #2, above. Name: Address: Address: 4. Source of applicant's legal right to enter and to mine on the land described: refer to lease, attached. Phone: Phone: (Include certified copy of any document(s) noted 80020 5. Applicant's address: 2130 S. 96th St., Broomfield, CO Phone: (303) 666-6657 Address: 12910 WCR 13, Longmont, CO 80504 Phone: (303) 666-6657 6. Identify any prior permits for mining held by applicant or affiliated person: DMG Permit #'s: M74-052/Del Camino - M84-036/Dakolios - M89-128/ Von Ohlen - M80-002/Carr, aka Tucker Aq. - M84-079/Sieqrist, aka Pit 112. 7. Description of Operation A. Types and number of operating and processing equipment to be used Scrapers (3), Dozer, Backhoe, Excavator, Water Truck, ,c Loader. B. Maximum number of employees: eight , and number of shifts: two 11 C. Number of stages to be worked:one , and periods of time each is to be worked Extraction should be completed prior to expiration of the lease in 2005. D. Thickness of mineral deposit: 25± feet, and thickness of the overburden: 3 — 5 feet. E. This will be a wet/dry pit operation. Dry . F. Site entrance/exit points and County roads and bridges to be utilized between site and delivery point(s)(must be coordinated with County Engineer) Entry points and pr i ma ry haul routed shown on 'Access Information_ Sheet' included with this submittal. r 8. Description of reclamation A. Proposed reclamation land use(s): general agriculture/wa r s orage B. Source of technical advise for reclamation: Chenoweth & Associates (1993) + approved plan of reclamation by DMG + Bradford Janes (19(47) + sr•s C. Explanation of Reclamation Process: The application proposes to reseer1 1 ands remaining above water to native grasses. I hereby depose and state under the penalties of perjury that all statements, proposals and/or plans submitted with or contained within this application are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Signatuf Owner/Authorized Agent 12 Varra Companies, Inc. 2130 South 96th Street, Broomfield, CO 80020 (303)666-6657 Fax Number (303)666-6743 Wednesday 30 April 1997 Kerri Keithley, Planner Weld County Administrative Offices 1400 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631 Subject: Amended USR-248 - Revised submittal. Dear Kerri: As we discussed on Wednesday 23 April 1997, and further on Friday 25 April 1997, submitted with this correspondence is a revised USR 248 with modifications to the original submittal as follows [relative to the 'Submittal Checklist']. U Original application form plus 24 copies. The 1993 submittal is included as well as a current application form with original signature. The maps from the original 1993 Special Review submittal were reduced, as you suggested, and are included at the back of each packet. Since the 1993 submittal already received staff comments and recommendations for conditional approval from the Planning Commission, little remains for review. Regardless, given the number of years that have passed since that time, it seemed appropriate to update this submittal with information derived from a Technical Revision approved by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology Office of Mined Land Reclamation [DMG] 3 September 1996. To this end, Maps included in the DMG Technical Revision are submitted as an addendum to the original submittal at the required 24"x36" format. Per your approval, scale was maintained at 1" = 600', the same scale as the June 1996 aerial photograph, which acted as the data base for the map features. The map updates information required under the 'Vicinity' Map, but also updates a portion of the former operating plan. Essentially, the area of concern is an approximate 80 acre parcel of land that will be extracted in one phase. Material will be transported internally, across the northern boundary of the Von Ohlen property to the plant site located at the Western end of the Dakolios Pit, both of which are located west of the Amendment 2 Area. This will serve several benefits, specifically, reduced impacts related to traffic and noise. The map shows existing water bodies for all portions of the Del Camino Pit, except that the water body shown for the Amendment 2 Area is hypothetical. The actual dimensions of the pond will vary from what is shown. Shoreline irregularities are typified by the map. Unlike the 1993 submittal, the revised map focuses on the 80 acre parcel to be added to the 2 previous 155 acres approved by Weld County in 1985. The 155 acres is under reclamation and pending release by the DMG. Contour intervals of 10 feet were not commented on in the 1993 submittal, and remain unchanged in the reduced versions. It is my understanding from our last conversation that establishment of 5 foot contour intervals are not necessary for this submittal. The revised vicinity map also updates surrounding land ownership and approximate location and number of residences within one-half mile of the operation. Other features not shown were previously addressed in the 1993 submittal, but the map can be revised to reflect any additional information needed based upon planning staff review and recommendations. Some of the issues pending from Staffs conditional approval comments included the need for a Flood Plain Permit. Since there are no critical or permanent structures planned, please consider a review of what, if any, portions of the permit are necessary under this submittal. The applicant agrees to anchor any temporary structures. All other material needed to fuel and service equipment will be secured to mobile vehicles or other equipment. Stockpiles will be minimal since material is extracted as pit run to the Dakolios plant where it is processed and stockpiled. Since a pit is created, detention time for flood water is increased when it intersects the site, and to that extent lowers flood effects by lowering peak flows down stream from the point of intersection. The site is a substantial distance from St. Vrain Creek. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's inspected the property on 17 March 1997 and determined that the Amendment 2 portion of the site is not 'waters of the United States.' Correspondence to that effect will be forwarded to your office upon receipt. ❑ 25 copies of the Special Review plat map (24 x 36). See above. ❑ One 8-1/2" x 11" reduced copy of the Special Review plat. See above. ❑ Original Special Review use questionnaire plus 19 copies. Contained in the original 1993 submittal along with the DMG limited impact permit, which was approved by the DMG. ❑ Original Weld County Road Access Information Sheet plus twenty-four (24) copies. Included with this submittal. ❑ One copy of document showing evidence of adequate water supply (e.g., well permit or letter from water district. This information will be provided upon completion of a formal Letter of Intent and Master Plan already under consideration at the Office of the State Engineer. ❑ One copy of deed or legal instrument identifying applicant's interest in the property. Included with this submittal. ❑ One copy of noise report, if required by Planning Department. Noise report shall be prepared by a qualified noise expert. A noise report was not required in the previous submittal. Since operations are directed downward and toward the rear of the property, operation noise should not be adverse. Correspondence of Wednesday 30 April 1997 from Bradford Janes, Varra Companies, Inc., to Kerri Keithley, Weld County Department of Planning Services. 3 ❑ One copy of soils report. Soils report available from Soil Conservation Service Office. The original submittal addressed this concern under Exhibit I - Soils Information. ❑ One copy of affidavit and certified list of names and addresses of surface owners within 500 feet of Special Review property. Information may be obtained from Weld County Assessor's Office, title or abstract company, or an attorney. The information provided was obtained from the Assessor's Office on 23 April 1997, and verified at the Clerk and Recorder's Office on 25 April 1997. Supplemental information on easements was derived by contacting the Utility Notification Center of Colorado on 24 April 1997. ❑ One copy of affidavit and certified list of names and addresses of mineral owners and lessees of minerals. Information may be obtained from Weld County Assessor's Office, title or abstract company, or an attorney. The information provided was obtained from the Assessor's Office on 23 April 1997, and verified at the Clerk and Recorder's Office on 25 April 1997. Supplemental information on easements was derived by contacting the Utility Notification Center of Colorado on 24 April 1997. ❑ $1,100.00 application fee. Waived due to previous payment for the 1993 submittal. ❑ $ 500.00 investigation fee, if required. Not required. ❑ Special Review plat recording fee ($11.00 a page). Will be complied with upon approval of the submittal by the Planning Commissioners. If you need further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank - you again for your time and kind assistance. Sincerely, Bradford nes, Professions Forester enclosures. cc. Christopher L. Varra, President Varra Companies, Inc. BLJ/blj Correspondence of Wednesday 30 April 1997 from Bradford Janes, Varra Companies, Inc., to Kerri Keithley, Weld County Department of Planning Services. Road File 11 RE: Other Case No. APPENDIX B WELD COUNTY ROAD ACCESS INFORMATION SHEET Weld County Public Works Department 933 North 11th Avenue, P.O. Box 758, Greeley, CO 80632 Phone: (970 )356-4000, Ext. 3750 Fax: (970) 352-2868 1. Applicant Name Varra Companies, Inc . Address 2130 q-. 96th Street Date: 25 April 1997 Phone (303) 666-6657 City Broomfield State CO Zip 80020 2. Address or location of access Weld County Roads 26 and 15 (see below) . Section 31 Township 3 North Range 67 West Subdivision none — rural location Block N/A Lot N/A Weld County Road // below. Side of Road below. Distance from nearest intersection see below. 3. Is there an existing access to the property? Ycs X No // of accesses 3 from County roads. 4. Proposed Usc: ❑ Permanent O Residential/Agricultural ❑ Industrial Sand & Gravel Temporary O Subdivision O Commercial {7 Other Extract i on 5. Site Sketch Legend for Access Description: ARG = Argricultural RES = Residential O&G = Oil Sc Gas D.K. = Ditch Road 1) ARG = 2550' to intersection 2) RES = 300' to intersection 3) O&G = 1250' to intersection 4) Access from DMG Amendment 1 site. 5) Access from DMG Von Ohlen site. NOTE: Primary movement of material during extraction will utilize access point #5 going West along the North boundary of the Von Ohlen site to the existing Dakolios plant identified as point #6. vii' i. ***********************s*************************,*4*4***************************************************** OFFICE USE ONLY: Road ADT Date Accidents Date Road ADT Date Accidents Date Drainage Requirement Culvert Size Length Special Conditions *********************************************************************************************************** O Installation authorized O Information Insufficient Reviewed By: Title: m:wpfilcs\engineer\acccss SAND & GRAVEL MINING LEASE 1. PARTIES. The parties to this Lease are HAROLD E. NELSON and LAVERNA J. NELSON ("Lessor") and VARRA COMPANIES, INC., a Colorado corporation ("Lessee"). 2. RECITALS AND PURPOSE. The Lessor is the owner of real property in Weld County, Colorado, described on Exhibit A. Lessee operates sand, gravel and associated activities and desires to lease the property described on Exhibit A from the Lessor for the purpose of mining sand, gravel, topsoil and their constituents, and conducting its associated activities. The Lessor desires to lease the property to the Lessee upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. Therefore, the purpose of this Lease is to set forth the terms and conditions of the Lease between the parties. 3. CONSIDERATION. This Lease is executed by the parties for and in consideration of the royalties, terms, covenants, conditions and agree- ments of the other party as herein set forth. Each party agrees that the consideration given is good, valuable and sufficient. 4. LEASED PREMISES. The property subject to this Lease consists of the real property described on Exhibit A, which is hereinafter referred to as the "premises." 5. TERM. The term of this Lease shall be for ten years, beginning on the date hereof and ending on the tenth anniversary. All obligations of the Lessee with respect to the reclamation of the leased premises shall be completed within the term of the Lease. 6. USE AND POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES. The Lessor hereby grants to the Lessee the exclusive right to prospect, mine and remove sand, gravel, topsoil and other minerals and associated materials from the premises during the term of this Lease. Furthermore, the Lessee shall have the right to conduct related and incidental activities in association with its mining operation. The Lessee shall be entitled to possession of that portion of the leased premises necessary for conducting its mining operations and shall further be permitted to use a reasonable amount of the surface of the property for related activities, including, but not limited to the construction of scale houses and offices, the installation of scales, the maintenance of stockpiles, crushing facilities, screening facilities and washing plants, a concrete batch plant, an asphalt hotmix plant, and equipment parking, maintenance and storage facilities. The Lessee shall not make any use of the property which is contrary to applicable zoning regulations or contrary to the provisions of any permits issued. Lessee's possession of the leased premises is expressly subject to existing roads and ditches and existing oil and gas leases and rights and obligations relating thereto. Lessor agrees to consent to any reasonable rezoning not detrimental to the value of its property. The Lessor reserves the right to use all portions of the leased premises not necessary for the Lessee's activity and the Lessor shall at all times have the right of access to the areas being used by the Lessee for purposes of inspection. In the event the Lessor uses the surface for the grazing of livestock, the Lessor will be responsible for fencing live- stock out of the area where mining and related operations are taking place and the Lessee will not be responsible for injuries suffered by livestock in the area where mining operations are being conducted. The Lessor shall not engage in any activity, including the running of excessive irrigation water, through or near to Lessee's operations as to unreasonably interfere with Lessee's operations. Upon termination of the Lessee's right to possession of the premises, upon request by the Lessor, the Lessee shall give to the Lessor a quitclaim deed or other appropriate document relinquishing all interest in the leased premises. Any sand and gravel removed from its natural state and stockpiled shall be the property of Lessee, subject to the payment of royalty upon removal from the Property. All material shall be removed within the time for completing reclamation and any material not removed within that time shall be forfeited to the Lessor. Lessee expressly agrees to mine the premises in an orderly fashion, removing all commercially saleable sand and gravel from areas being mined before moving to another area. The Lessor's intent is that the Lessee remove all sand and gravel to its full depth on all property where mining is commenced and not to waste sand or to use it to backfill excavations, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Lessor. 7. ROYALTY. a. As consideration for this Lease, the Lessee agrees to pay to the Lessor a royalty for all sand and gravel (which may include as much topsoil as is necessary to market gravel products and/or to bring sand and gravel products to acceptable specifications) removed from the premises equal to 35 cents per ton. The royalty shall be adjusted upward annually, with the first adjustment to be made on the anniversary of this Lease in 1986, by a percentage which shall be the percentage increase in the Consumer Gravel Index over the previous year. b. The Lessee further agrees to pay to the Lessor a royalty of 25% of the proceeds of all gold or other precious metals, sold from the premises, provided, however, that the Lessee shall be under no obligation to conduct any special activities for the recovery of precious metals. c. Topsoil, other than that required to market gravel products and/or to bring sand and gravel to acceptable specifications, shall be sold only with Lessor's prior consent and the Lessor shall be paid a royalty of 10% of the sales price. d. Royalties for sand and gravel shall be due and payable in arrears on or before the 10th day of the second month after the sand and gravel removed from the premiseshas been sold (for example, the royalty for sand and gravel removed from the premises sold in January shall be due and payable on or before March 10). The amount of material removed shall be based upon weight and Lessee shall weigh all material removed from the premises. In order to permit the Lessor to verify the amount of material removed, the Lessee's 2 ft books and records relating to its activities under this Lease shall be open to inspection by the Lessor, or its representatives,at all reasonable times provided that the inspection shall be conducted at the Lessor's sole expense and shall not unreasonably interfere with the Lessee's ongoing business activities. If an inspection of the Lessee's books and records shows that prior royalty payments were inaccurate, adjustments and payments shall,be made by the Lessor or the Lessee, as the case may be, within 6/Q1ays after the review of the Lessee's books and records or afte"eceipt of such survey to correct royalty payments. e. Royalties for precious metals or other materials removed from the premises shall be paid as sales occur. f. The Lessee shall pay, as advance royalty, the sum of $10,000.00 simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement. The advance royalty shall be credited against royalties in excess of $17,500.00 due annually. In the event the mining permits are denied, the advance royalty previously paid shall be refunded to the Lessee. g. The Lessee further guarantees minimum royalties of $12,000.00 for each year during the term of this Lease (years will consist of 12 calendar months beginning on the date of this Lease issued and on each anniversary thereafter). If, at the end of any year, royalties paid to the Lessor, including advance royalties credited, are less than the minimum royalty, Lessee shall pay the difference to the Lessor with the following month's royalty payment. h. Lessee shall be entitled to sell and remove from the premises all sand and gravel for which royalties have been paid without payment of additional royalties and without affecting royalty rates for subsequent years. For example, if in year one following issuance of permits, the Lessee sells and removes less gravel than he is entitled to remove based upon the $1.x,400.00 minimum royalty, the Lessee shall be entitled to sell and remove the, remainder of the material to which it is entitled by virtue of having paid the minimum royalty, in subsequent years without additional royalties being due and the material previously paid for shall not be considered as production during the subsequent year. 8. PERMITS. The Lessee agrees to apply for all permits necessary to obtain legal permission to conduct its operations and shall submit applications for permits to Weld County and the State of Colorado within 120 days after the signing of this Lease. Thereafter, the Lessee agrees to pursue the approval of such applications with reasonable diligence. Lessor shall cooperate in all efforts to obtain permits. All costs relating to the application shall be paid by the Lessee. All information gathered and work product developed by the Lessee shall be available for review and inspection by the Lessor. 9. RECLAMATION OF AREA TO BE MINED. As part of the permit process described in the preceding paragraph, the Lessee will be required to prepare a plan of reclamation for the area to be mined. The Lessee agrees to consult with the Lessor in the preparation of the reclamation 3 plan and, to the extent economically practical, to incorporate features in the plan desired by the Lessor. The Lessor may not unreasonably reject the plan but may regqm�'re reasonable alterations in the plan so long as the alterations for;;qt increase the cost to the Lessee of carrying out the plan. If th 'Lessor rejects the plan as submitted, the Lessee may promptly rescind this Agreement or submit further plans. If the rejection was unreasonable and, therefore, in violation of this Lease, the Lessee may also pursue such other remedies as may be available to it. The reclamation plan agreed upon by the parties, and as finally approved by the various regulatory agencies reviewing it during the permit process (and the Lessor agrees to consent to the reasonable alterations required by such agencies) shall be signed by the parties and shall thereafter be complied with by the Lessee and at the Lessee's expense. The reclamation of the property shall be completed in accor- dance with the reclamation plan within one year from the date of comple- tion of mining. 10. WATER RIGHTS. The Lessor will provide any ditch or water rights which are required to compensate other water users for the effect of the mining operation or reclamation plan upon water rights of others. The Lessee will not be responsible to the Lessor, or its tenants, successors or assigns, for any injury to land, livestock or crops resulting from a lowering of the water table during mining operations or thereafter. The Lessor further agrees to provide reasonable quantities of raw water, when available, as needed for Lessee's processing activities and for dust control. 11. INSURANCE. At all times that Lessee is in possession of the premises, it will maintain in force a public liability and property damage insurance policy naming the Lessor as an insured and having limits of not less than $1,000,000.00 per accident for personal injury and $500,000.00 property damage. 12. MERCHANTABLE TITLE. The Lessor agrees to furnish an abstract of title, certified to date, or a title insurance commitment showing that the Lessor has good and merchantable title to the sand and gravel in, on and under the premises, and the right to allow the Lessee to mine it. The Lessor further agrees to obtain the consent of lienholders, if such consent is determined by Lessee to be required. The abstract, if furnished by the Lessor, shall remain the property of the Lessor, but will be made available to the Lessee at any time and from time to time during the term of this Lease. 13. ACCESS TO THE PREMISES. The Lessee shall have the right to use all existing roads and railroad crossings for access to the premises. The Lessor agrees to obtain written approval of other persons entitled to use these roads or railroad crossings for the Lessee's use. 14. INDEMNITY AGAINST CLAIMS OF OTHERS. The Lessee shall fully indem- nify and hold the Lessor harmless from any demand, claim or cause of action for personal injury, death or property damage brought against the Lessor by a person or entity not a party hereto and not a successor, assignee, grantee, employee or tenant of the Lessor, arising out of or connected with any operations or activities conducted or performed 4 hereunder by the Lessee or its successors, tenants, agents, employees, or assigns. As an aid to understanding the foregoing language, it is stated that the indemnity is not intended to protect the Lessor or the Lessor's successors, assigns, grantees, employees or tenants from the consequences of the mining operations contemplated herein, but rather is intended to protect the Lessor against litigation and claims brought by unrelated parties and arising out of those operations. The obligation to indemnify shall not include payment of the Lessor's attorneys' fees to long as the Lessee provides competent counsel to represent the Lessor in the action. The Lessee shall have full control of any litigation covered by the indemnity, with right to settle or compromise, and the Lessor shall cooperate fully in any such litigation, settlement or compromise. The Lessor shall give the Lessee written notice of the assertion against the Lessor of any matter covered by the indemnity, promptly after such assertion is first made. Nothing in this paragraph shall diminish the Lessor's express obligations contained under other paragraphs of this Lease. 15. TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS. The Lessor shall be responsible for the payment of all real property taxes and assessments levied during the term hereof and for all assessments on ditch and water rights associated with the premises. The Lessee shall pay, before they become delinquent, all taxes and assessments levied against personal property owned or leased by it, all sales or inventory taxes and all payroll taxes relating to its operations on the premises. 16. NOTICES. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given for all purposes if sent by certified or registered mail, postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the party to whom such notice is intended to be given at the address set forth below, or at such other address as has been previously furnished in writing, to the other party or parties. Such notice shall be deemed to have been given when deposited in the U.S. Mail. 17. INTEGRATION AND AMENDMENT. The parties agree that this Agreement represents the entire agreement between them and that there are no oral or collateral agreements or understandings of any kind or character whatsoever except those set forth herein. Neither this Agreement nor any term or provision hereof, may be changed, waived, discharged or termin- ated orally, or in any manner other than by instrument in writing signed by the parties. In the event that any term or provision of this Agree- ment shall be held invalid or unenforceable, no other provision of this Agreement shall be affected by such holding, and all of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. 18. BINDING EFFECT AND ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the parties, and their respective legal representatives, successors and assigns. The Lessee shall have the right to assign this Lease provided, however, that no assignment shall relieve the Lessee of its obligations hereunder. 5 DATED: / / LESSEE: VARRA COMPANIES, INC., a Colorado corporation STATE OF COLORADO ) ) ss. COUNTY OF BOULDER ) LESSOR: r 4 - Harold E. Nelson' La1erna J. Nelson Subscribed and sw)orn to efore me this / 7 day of d 19 S; by//L/o.i as President o panics, Inc. Witness my hand and official seal. My commission expires • i`ry U� i u LX res 'r D. 1, a hite,:zz, No r ublic STATE OF COLORADO ) ) ss. COUNTY OF BOULDER ) Subscribed and sworn to before me this / day of 19 ej , by Harold E. Nelson and LaVerna J. Nelson. Witness my hand and official seal. r nes Feb. 1, 193'9 My commission expires: WHG:mj • -Le /7:-La22 j, 9 EXHIBIT A TO: SAND AND GRAVEL MINING LEASE DATE: _ ___ LESSORS: Harold E. Nelson and LaVerna J. Nelson LESSEE: Varra Companies, Inc. The premises consist of that part of the NE1/4 of Section 31, Township 3 North, Range 67 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado owned by Lessors. Mining shall be completed on that part lying north of the St. Vrain Creek before mining is commenced south of St. Vrain Creek. MEMOF 'DUM OF AMENDMENT TO SAND & GRA`' MINING LEASE NAME AND ADDRESS OF LESSOR HAROLD & LAVERNA J. NELSON 11955 WELD COUNTY ROAD #15 LONGMONT, COLORADO 80501 AMENDMENT TO ITEM #5 (TERM OF LEASE) NAME AND ADDRESS OF LESSEE VARRA COMPANIES, INC. A COLORADO CORPORATION 2130 SOUTH 96TH STREET BROOMFIELD, COLORADO 80020 This agreement for good and sufficient consideration by which the original Agreement of the parties is being amended to provide for an extension of term of original lease which is February 13, 1985 thru February 12, 1995 a period of ten years. Lessee requests an additional term of ten years extending from February 13, 1995 thru February 12, 2005. By signatures of Lessor & Lessee this extension is consumnated. All other terms and conditions shall remain the same as set forth in the original Sand & Gravel Mining Lease. DATED: na1.' LESSEE ✓,l /g; , 1989 VARRA COMPANIES, INC., a Colorado Corporation AAL PRESIDE STATE OF COLORADO COUNTY OF BOULDER )ss. Subscribed and sworn to before me this //71- day of ) cG 6c= 1989, by e. VARRA as President of Varra Companies, Inc. C�L'-G4�1 LESSOR: "HAROLD E. NELS N LAVERNA J. NELSON� Witness my hand and official seal. My commission expires: IOM?/9a-- STATE OF COLORADO COUNTY OF BOULDER Subscribed and sworn to before me this ..' day of /kti 1989, by Harold E. Nelson and LaVerna J. Nelson. Witness my hand and official seal. My commission expires: e )ss. ) Oflt-It-^! Notary Publ 1 atic,[-L., /I/ Notary public \ I • m DEL CAMINO PIT VARRA COMPANIES, INC. WELD COUNTY. COLORADO ■ ■ 1 dL \l� DEL CAMINO PIT VARRA COMPANIES, INC. WELD COUNTY, COLORADO VARRA COMPANIES, INC SAND & GRAVEL MINE WELD COUNTY USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT AND MINED LAND RECLAMATION DIVISION MEND PERMIT APPLICATION NO.1 WELD COUNTY, COLORADO PREPARED BY: CHENOWETH & ASSOCIATES 1 e 11730 WADSWORTH H ULE VR i 'L BROOMF ELD, COLORADO 80020 Chenoweth Associates environmental consultants 11730 Wadsworth Blvd. Broomfield, CO 80020 (303) 469-1986 FAX (303) 465-2478 February 8, 1993 Mr. Keith Schuett Weld County Department of Planning Services 915 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 Re: Varra Companies, Inc., Nelson Property Dear Keith: Enclosed is the Use by Special Review Application, pertaining to the Nelson property, for Varra Companies, Inc. This application expands the existing operations permitted through Mined Land Reclamation Division Amended Application No. SUP 248. Operations on the Nelson property (Amended SUP 248) are adding 80 acres to the SE 1/4 of Section 31, Township 3 North, Range 67 West. Please call- with any questions or comments. Sincerely, David R. Chenoweth President DRC/eaw C: \WP51 \CHN&ASSO\V ARRA\FORWARD. LTR VARRA COMPANIES, INC. SAND & GRAVEL MINE WELD COUNTY USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT WELD COUNTY, COLORADO FEBRUARY 1993 PREPARED BY: CHENOWETH & ASSOCIATES 11730 WADSWORTH BOULEVARD BROOMFIELD, COLORADO 80020 WELD COUNTY, COLORADO USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW APPLICATION for MINING PERMIT Weld County Department of Planning Services, 915 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado, Phone 356-4000, Extension 4400 For Department of Planning Services Use Only Case Number: Date Application Received: PC Hearing Date:. Section: , Township: Zoning District: Recording Fee: Recording Fee Receipt #: Application Reviewed By: North, Range: West Permit Fee: Receipt Number: To be completed by APPLICANT in accordance with procedural guide Requirements: 1. I (we), the undersigned, hereby request a hearing before the Weld County Planning Commission concerning a proposed gravel (gravel, coal, borrowpit, etc.) mining operation for the following described unincorporated area of Weld County: LEGAL DESCRIPTION NE 1/4 and the E of the SE of Section 31 Township 3 North and Range 6.7 West TOTAL ACREAGE: 2. Surface owner(s) of area of land described Name: Harold E. Nelson Address: 71955 we'd Cry Rd 15 Name: LaVerna Nelson Address: 11955 Weld Cty Rd 15 3. Owner(s) of mineral rights to substance to be mined Name: Harold E. Nelson Address: 11955 Weld Cty Rd 15 Name: LaVerna Nelson Address: 11955 Weld Cty Rd 15 235 Phone: Phone: Phone: Phone: 4. Source of applicants' legal right to enter and to mine on the land • described: See attached letter from Harold E. Nelson - Exhibit A (Attached certified copy of any document noted to the back of this form) 5. Address of applicant and general office Applicants address: 2130 South 96th St, Broomfield Phone: 666-6657 General Office address: same as above Phone: same 6. Identify any prior permits for mining held by applicant or affiliated person: Varra's Permit # Amended SUP 248 and USR 616 ATTACHMENT A LEGAL RIGHT TO ENTER The operator has the legal right to enter this pit as indicated by the following ceritfication. We certify that Varra Companies, Inc. has our permission to operate in the amended area. Varra Companies, Inc. has the legal right to enter and mine sand and gravel on the property described below: The NE 14 and the E 1/ of the SE 1/, of Section 31, Township 3 North, and Range 67 West, 7 arold BA fn La erna Nelson Signed and sworn to me this 14th day of Jan' , 1g93 Jan. 14, 1993 `y% 7/�/ e- le2-7.-k Date Notary Public �1 8-20-96 My commission expires C:\WP31\CHNAAJS4\VAJA\ATTAC HA THE SIGN SHALL BE POSTED ADJACENT TO AND VISIBLE FROM A PUBLICLY MAINTAINED ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY. IN THE EVENT THE PROPERTY UNDER CONSIDERATION IS NOT ADJACENT TO A PUBLICLY MAINTAINED ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY, THE APPLICANT SHALL POST ONE SIGN IN THE MOST PROMINENT PLACE ON THE PROPERTY AND POST A SECOND SIGN AT THE POINT AT WHICH THE DRIVEWAY (ACCESS DRIVE) INTERSECTS A PUBLICLY MAINTAINED ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY. PLANNING COMMISSION SIGN POSTING CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT THE SIGN PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES WAS POSTED ON THE PROPERTY AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING FOR CASE # THE SIGN WAS POSTED BY: NAME OF PERSON POSTING SIGN SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT STATE OF COLORADO ) )ss. COUNTY OF WELD ) SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO ME THIS DAY OF , 19 SEAL NOTARY PUBLIC MY COMMISSION EXPIRES LAST DAY TO POST SIGN IS: , 19 PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES' OFFICE ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF THE HEARING. THE SIGN SHALL BE POSTED ADJACENT TO AND VISIBLE FROM A PUBLICLY MAINTAINED ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY. IN THE EVENT THE PROPERTY UNDER CONSIDERATION IS NOT ADJACENT TO A PUBLICLY MAINTAINED ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY, THE APPLICANT SHALL POST ONE SIGN IN THE MOST PROMINENT PLACE ON THE PROPERTY AND POST A SECOND SIGN AT THE POINT AT WHICH THE DRIVEWAY (ACCESS DRIVE) INTERSECTS A PUBLICLY MAINTAINED ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SIGN POSTING CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT THE SIGN PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES WAS POSTED ON THE PROPERTY AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HEARING FOR CASE # THE SIGN WAS POSTED BY: NAME OF PERSON POSTING SIGN SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT STATE OF COLORADO ) )ss. COUNTY OF WELD ) SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO ME THIS DAY OF , 19 SEAL NOTARY PUBLIC MY COMMISSION EXPIRES LAST DAY TO POST SIGN IS: , 19 PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES' OFFICE ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF THE HEARING. General Vicinity Map Please see the following page for Exhibit B-1, the general vicinity map. 4 I I I I I I SCALE: 1'2000' EXHIBIT B -I e U Extraction Plan Map Please refer to the Pre -Mining and Mine Plan Map (Map C-1) at the end of the document. Varra Companies, Inc.- Use by Special Review Application Application Requirements a. The proposed mine plan is consistent with the Weld Country Comprehensive Plan since mining is economically feasible. Publications by the Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey, prepared in cooperation with the Colorado Geological Survey, have prepared maps and descriptions of gravel areas along the front range which include the proposed amended permit area. b. The proposed expanded mine plan area is consistent with the intent of the district, since this is an amendment to the present operation. Mining is also in progress in numerous other areas along the St. Vrain Creek. c. All of the land areas within the amendment boundary contain marginally productive agricultural land. Restrictive soil features such as texture and alkalinity levels categorize the land as marginal pasture. d. The operation provides for the protection of the area and county's inhabitants through distance from the nearest inhabitants, fencing, perimeter berms (made from overburden and topsoil) and restrictive gates. e. The area surrounding the permit area is used for gravel mining. The soil's physical and chemical conditions improve, as the distance from the flood plain increases, in support of agricultural endeavors. Mining and agriculture have been compatible in the geographic area for many years. f. Future uses of the area are limited to those compatible with a flood zone; i.e, agriculture, wildlife habitat, open space, or mining. g. While the permit area is located within the 100 -year floodplain area, it does not lie within a geologic hazard area or airport overlay area. The proposed post -mining land use of water resources (lakes) allows this site to function as a flood control structure. Application Requirements Page 2 of 2 h. Water supply will be from a well permitted by Harold E. Nelson. The well produces 15 gallons per minute. i. The applicant's interest in the property is documented in the attached letter, illustrated as Attachment C. J Varra Companies, Inc. respectfully requests that the County waive the requirement of a noise report, since it was not required in the 1985 amendment. ATTACHMENT C APPLICANT'S INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY The operator is granted the legal right by the property owners to mine this pit as indicated by the following certification. We certify that Varra Companies, Inc. is the interested applicant. Varra Companies, Inc, is granted the legal right to minc sand and gravel on the property described below: The NE I4 and the E 3h of the SE 1/4 of Section 31, Township 3 North, and Range 67 West. Harold E. Nelson LaVerna Nelson Signed and sworn to me this 14th day of Jan. 14, 1993 Jan. _, 19 93 Date Notary Public 8-20-96 My commission expires C:\WP31\C8NAASSOWARYA\ATrACSC Operation Policies a. This will be a dry mining operation. Each phase will be dewatered prior to commencement of that phase. Phase 1 will begin at the northwest end of the property and proceed southwest into Phase 2. Topsoil will be stripped by scrapers or end loaders and stockpiled at the location shown on the northwest corner of the Pre -Mining and Mine Plan Map (Map C-1) located at the end of the document. Sufficient topsoil will be salvaged to allow for a replacement depth of eight (8) inches. Phases 3 through 6 will proceed with the same operation policies. No gravel processing will take place on site during the phases. Materials will be excavated with a backhoe, scraper or bulldozer and hauled to the existing plant site at the adjacent Dakolios Construction Company Pit, operated by Varra Companies, Inc. Pit. The ditch which runs west to northwest is no longer in use. Permission has been granted for it removal, as the head gate went out years ago and the river has changed course. The mine plan does not include mining within a minimum of 50 feet of any adjacent property line, easement, or irrigation ditch. Nor is there any mining within 125 feet of any existing buildings. Operations are expected to last fifteen to twenty years. The size and location of each phase is shown on the Pre -Mining and Mine Plan Map (Map C-1). The mining time table is listed below in Table A-1. The maximum depth of mining will be approximately 20 feet. The disturbances associated with each phase of mining are classified in Table A-2 as major, moderate, and minor disturbances. TABLE A-1 PHASE MINING ESTIMATED TIME RECLAMATION ESTIMATED TIME 1 Completed 2 In Process 3 4 years 4 2 years 5 2 years 6 3 years Completed. Start reclamation Phase 1 in Year 2. Start reclamation Phase 2 in Year 2. In Process. Start reclamation of Phase 3 immediately. Start reclamation Phase 4 at end of Phase 5 mining. Start reclamation of Phase 5 in Year 2 of Phase 6 mining. Start reclamation of Phase 6 immediately upon completion of mining. Phase 6 may not be mined. Operation Policies Page 2 of 3 TABLE A-2 TYPE AND AREA OF DISTURBANCE MAJOR DISTURBANCES Mined Area Topsoil and Overburden Stripped Areas Topsoil and Overburden Stockpiles 5 acres 9 acres 1 acre MODERATE DISTURBANCES Backfilling and Grading 1 acre MINOR DISTURBANCES Final Grading Seeding, Mulching, and Planting 2 acres 2 acres b. The operation of this sand and gravel mine will be during daylight hours, except for emergencies or repairs to mining -related equipment. This restriction does not apply to administrative operations located within the permit area. c. Noxious weeds will be controlled by mowing or application of herbicides. d. Trees, shrubs and ground cover will be preserved around public road frontage and drainageways. These drainageways are shown on the Reclamation Plan Map (Map E-1). Three (3) long narrow water impoundments exist. They are interconnected by culverts or ditches and drain into the St. Vrain Creek. e. Access routes to the permit area do not primarily serve any residential developments. Therefore, the routing of vehicles will not conflict with any surrounding residents. f. All access roads from the permit area to county roads will be paved or treated as required to control fugitive dust within a quarter ('4) mile area of a county road. g. Weld County may review excavation of certain areas prior to commencement to determine the need for special fencing requirements. Operation Policies Page 3 of 3 h. The mining and reclamation plan addresses stripping, stockpiling and replacement in sufficient quantities to accomplish revegetation of shoreline areas. Three (3) different soil mapping units occur within the permit area: Altvan loam, Aquolls and Aquents, and Heldt silty clay. The surface layer of these soils averages 7-10 inches. The entire solum averages 25-30 inches. However, for the purposes of seedbed quality material, only eight (8) inches of the surface layer will be salvaged. The Pre -Mining and Mine Plan Map (Map C-1) at the end of the document illustrates the locations of topsoil and overburden stockpiles. Topsoil stockpiles left in place for more than one growing season will have temporary erosion control applied in the form of a quick germinating seed mix. All facilities and equipment will comply with conditions set out by the planning Commission or the Board of County Commissioners. The processing facilities illustrated on the Dakolios Pre -Mining and Mine Plan Map (C-1) will process all material mined from the Varra permit area. The equipment listed in Table B will be used for topsoil and overburden stripping and replacement, and for the transportation of sand and gravel to the Dakolios processing plant. TABLE B EQUIPMENT LIST BRAND EQUIPMENT TYPE CAT Scrapers - 637 2 CAT Dozers - D-8 1 Lieber Backhoe - 965 1 J. An insurance certificate showing sufficient insurance coverage by Varra Companies, Inc. is provided on Attachment B. k. Protection of vested and conditional water rights is an integral part of the Operations Plan. Any damage to such waters will be corrected by an Augmentation Plan. The Augmentation Plan has been submitted for review to the State Water Engineer. Reclamation Policies a. Six (6) ponds are to be constructed as part of the reclamation plan and cover the north and south banks of St. Vrain Creek. One pond is complete and five more are to be constructed. The proposed structures will not alter the drainage pattern; if any effect is present, it will improve the overall drainage pattern. The ponds constructed from the proposed pits will act as flood retarding structures, thereby reducing the potential flood hazard. The ponds will be able to absorb and retain flood water velocity which would otherwise be experienced by downstream structures and residents. Creation of the ponds should increase the aesthetic quality and wildlife habitat of the proposed area. The reclamation is to be a contemporaneous procedure throughout the life of the mine and is scheduled according to Table A-1. The landscape features of the reclamation plan will revegetate the surroundings with native and introduced grasses. Temporary revegetation of any topsoil stockpiles which are left in place for more than one season will be seeded with a mixture of quick germinating species. Annual species such as annual rye, cereal grains, and perennial long-lived species, such as crested wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, etc. will be used for this temporary erosion control. All stockpiles seeded will also be mulched with straw, hay or hydromulch. All shoreline and peripheral land areas will be fertilized, tilled, seeded, hay/straw mulched and crimped. Prior to revegetation, topsoil will be tested to determine fertility needs. If possible, seeding will be completed during the dormant period: October 1 - March 15. The reclamation seed mixture includes the species Blue grama, Switchgrass, Alkali sacaton, Western wheatgrass, Tall wheatgrass, and Vetch (v. Americana) as seen in Table C. The seed mix was chosen for long lasting vegetative cover. This type of reclamation is compatible with the site and the surrounding land area in that this is a wetland site, and open space areas of this nature are common to the region. This reclamation plan may also reduce the potential flood hazard. The shortage of overburden and the naturally high water table makes it nearly impossible to backfill the site without hauling in non-native waste material. The post -mining grading plan allows for proper drainage of areas and placement of lakes which will provide flood protection to adjacent floodplain areas. All final excavation will be graded in compliance with the final reclamation plan, followed by revegetation to accomplish an adequate vegetative cover for erosion control. Grading of the pond areas will conform to a slope of 3:1 from five (5) feet above to ten (10) feet below the expected waterline. A 2:1 slope will transcend to the bottom of the excavation. The land surface adjacent to the ponds and up to the water's edge will be graded to a slope of 5:1 or flatter. Topsoil on all shoreline areas, including the 3:1 skope, will be replaced to an average depth of 8 inches. This is compatible with the average depth of A -horizons for soils encountered during mining. Reseeding will incorporate the seed mix according to Table C. Upon the completion of mining, the land will be left in a safe, stable condition. See the Reclamation Plan Map (Map E-1) at the end of the document for details. Reclamation Policies Page 2 of 2 SPECIES Blue grama Switchgrass Alkali sacaton Western wheatgrass Tall wheatgrass Vetch (v. Americana) TABLE C SEED MIXTURE LBS. PLS/ACRE .5 1.1 .19 4.0 2.2 2.5 SEEDS/FT. 7.8 9.8 6.1 10.1 4.0 1.9 Drawing Requirements a. The Pre -Mining & Mine Plan Map (Map C-1) at the end of the document displays a plot plan of the property for which application is made. The Pre -Mining & Mine Plan Map (Map C-1) delineates the boundary lines of the Special Review Permit area. b. The Pre -Mining & Mine Plan Map (Map C-1) exhibits one (1) existing stream, St. Vrain Creek, three (3) existing ponds, and one pond resulting from completion of mining Phase 1. St. Vrain Creek transects the proposed area from east to west. c. The size of the proposed pit areas are included below in Table D. The proposed pit areas are on the southern bank of the St. Vrain Creek. The location of the proposed pit areas are shown at the end of the document on the Pre -Mining and Mine Plan Map (Map C-1). TABLE D PHASE 1 2 3 4 5 6 SURFACE AREAS DISTURBED 50.7 acres 7.8 acres 22.1 acres 38.3 acres 24.2 acres 4.1 acres d. The phases of the operation are listed above in Table A-1. e. The location of stockpile areas are shown on the Pre -Mining and Mine Plan Map (Map C-1). A major topsoil stockpile area is located on the east side of Phases 4 and 5. Overburden stockpiles are located around most of the Phase 4 and 5 perimeter. C: \WP51\CHN&ASSO\VARRA\SPECUSE.DOC VARRA COMPANIES, INC. SAND & GRAVEL MINE AMENDMENT PERMIT APPLICATION NO. 2 WELD COUNTY, COLORADO APRIL 1992 PREPARED BY CHENOWETH & ASSOCIATES 11730 WADSWORTH BLVD. BROOMFIELD, COLORADO 80020 REGULAR OPERATION (112) RECLAMATION PERMIT APPLICATION FORM The application for a Regular Operation Reclamation Permit contains three major parts: (1) the application form; (2) Exhibits A -S; and, (3) the application fee. When you submit your application, be sure to include five (5) signed copies of the application form , five (5) copies of Exhibits A -S, and a check for the application fee described under Section (14) on Page 3. To expedite processing, please provide the information in the format and order described 1n this form. GENERAL OPERATION INFORMATION Type or print clearly, in the space provided, all information described below. 1. Applicant/operator name: Varra Companies, Inc. 1.1 Type of organization (corporation, partnership, etc.): Corporation 2. Operation name (pit, mine or site name): Varra Companies, Inc. Amendment ##2 2.1 I.R.S. Tax ID No. or Social Security No.: 84-0752000 3. Permitted Acres: 155 Please indicate acreage to the nearest tenth (10th) acre. 3.1 Application fee (see Section 14): $1550 Permitted acres Application fee 4. Substance(s) to be mined (e.g., gravel/gold/borrow): Sand & Gravel 5. Name of owner of surface of affected land: Uarold E. & LaVerna Nelson 6. Name of owner of subsurface rights of affected land: Narnld E. & LaVerna Nelson If 2 or more owners, refer to Exhibit P. 7. Type of mining operation: �� Surface Underground 8. Location Information: the center of the area where the majority of mining will occur lies in: COUNTY: Weld PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN (check one): x 6th (Colorado) _ 1Oth (New Mexico) Ute TOWNSHIP (write number and check direction): T 3 x North South RANGE (write number and check direction): R 67 _ East x West SECTION (write number): S QUARTER SECTION (check one): 21N _ NW _� SE _ SW QUARTER/QUARTER SECTION (check one): _ NE _, NW _ SE _, SW GENERAL DESCRIPTION: (miles and direction one mile lout ofColoraan Hichwav 66 nff from nearest town and approximate elevation) Weld County Road 13 -2- 9. Correspondence Information: • APPLICANT/OPERATOR (name, address, and phone of name to be used on permit) Individual's Name: Chris Varra Company Name: Varra Companies, Inc. Street: 2130 S. 96th Street City: Broomfield State: Colorado Zip Code: 80020 Area Code: 303 Telephone: 666-6657 PERMITTING CONTACT (if different from applicant/operator above) Individual's Name: David R. Chenoweth Company Name: Chenoweth & Associates Street: 11730 Wadsworth Blvd. City: Broomfield State: Colorado Zip Code: 80020 Area Code: 303 Telephone: 469-1986 INSPECTION CONTACT Individual's Name: Chris Varra Company Name: Varra Companies, Inc. Street: 2130 S. 96th Street City: Broomfield State: Colorado Zip Code: 80020 Area Code: 303 Telephone: 666-6657 CC: STATE OR FEDERAL LANDOWNER (if any) Agency: Street: ;City: State: Zip Code:,, Area Code: Telephone: CC: STATE OR FEDERAL LANDOWNER (1f IMO Agency: Street: City: State: Zip Code: Area Code: Telephone: -3- 1O. Primary future Cropland(CR) Pastureland(PL) • (Post -mining) _ Rangeland(RL) _ Forestry(FR) land use Residential(RS) Recreation(RC) (check one): _ Developed Water Resources(WR) 11. Primary present land use (check one): Cropland(CR) _ Pastureland(PL) _ Rangeland(RL) _ Forestry(FR) Residential(RS) Recreation(RC) _ Developed Water Resources(WR) 12. Method of Mining: _ Quarry (OR) alMINIMM x General Agrlculture(GA) Wildlife Habitat(WL) Industrial/Commercial(IC) Solid Waste Disposal(WD) X General Agrlculture(GA) _ Wildlife Habitat(WL) Industrial/Commercial(IC) Solution (SO) 12a. Other: Briefly explain mining method (e.g. Placer, truck/shovel). Conventional Gravel Pit 13. On Site Processing: 14. Application Fee: The application fee for quarry mining is $2,325. The application fee for solution mining or any chemical or thermal processing is $3,100. _ Solution (SO) Chemical (CH) __Thermal (TH) __Heap Leach (HL) _ Vat Leach (VL) X Other If none of these methods or processes are to be included in the operation then the application fee is $1,875. An applicant will not be issued a reclamation permit until notified by the Division that this application and the required performance and financial warranties have been approved. Alternatively, an automatic approval will occur where the Division fails to notify the applicant/operator that the application has been denied. The final agency action must be made within 120 calendar days from the date the application was submitted. However, the performance and financial warranties must be approved by the Division or Board before a permit will be issued even if you receive an automatic approval. NO MINING OPERATIONS SHALL BEGIN UNTIL A PERMIT IS ISSUED (Rule 7.2(2)). It shall ;be a provision of this permit that the operations will be conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions listed in your application, as well as with the provisions of the Act and the Mineral Rules and Regulations in effect at the time the permit is issued. -4 — Notice Requirements Immediately after the first publication of your notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality of your proposed mining operation, you must mail a copy of the notice to all owners of record of surface rights to the affected land and all owners of record of lands that are within 200 feet of the boundary of the affected land. Notice requirements are specified in Rule 2.2. A copy of a form which includes all required information for the notice has been attached for your use. You- will need to provide the Division proof of notice prior to the decision date, which may be by submitting return receipts of a certified mailing or by proof of personal service (Rule 2.2.2(6)). NOTE TO COMMENTORS/OBJECTORS: It is likely there will be additions, changes, and deletions to this document prior to final decision by the Mined Land Reclamation Board or Division. Therefore, if you have any comments or concerns, you should contact the applicant or the Division prior to the decision date so that you will know what changes may have been made to the application document. The Division is not allowed to consider comments, unless they are written, and received prior to the end of the public comment period. You should contact the applicant for the final date of the public comment period. If you have questions about the Mined Land Reclamation Board and Division's review and decision or hearing process, you should contact the Division at (303) 866-3567. As an authorized representative of the applicant, I hereby certify that the operation described herein has met the minimum requirements of the following terms and conditions: 1. This mining operation will not adversely affect the stability of any significant, valuable and permanent man-made structure(s) located within two hundred (200) fee of the affected lands. However, where there is an agreement that damage to the structure is be be compensated for by the applicant/operator (C.R.S. 34-32-115(4)(d)), then mining may occur within 200 feet. Proof of an agreement must be submitted to the Division prior to the decision date. 2. No mining operation will be located on lands where such operations are prohibited by law (C.R.S. 34-32-115(4)(f)); 3. As the applicant/operator, I do not have any mining/prospecting operations in the State of Colorado currently in violation of the provisions of the Mined Land Reclamation Act (C.R.S. 34-32-120) as determined through a Board finding. • (02/92) 2823F -5- 4. I understand that statements in the application are being made under penalty of perjury and that false statements made herein are punishable as a.Class 1 misdemeanor pursuant to Section 18-8-503, C.R.S. Signe and dated this X31 ay of nn QQ '' da Appl i By: Title: State of By: If Cor_ ration Attest (Seal) Co "por.4e Secretary or Equivalent' 7T own/City/County Clerk. ) ss. County of The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this :'day of a by e t lki n U QiLf\IK as of \ 0J0. Q 2tiu L 0.. agth,t6g Notary Public My Commission Expires: q042//14 TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables Exhibit A - Legal Description Exhibit B - Index Map Exhibit C - Pre -Mining and Mining Plan Maps Exhibit D - Mining Plan Exhibit E - Reclamation Plan Exhibit F - Reclamation Plan Map Exhibit G - Water Information Exhibit H - Wildlife Information Exhibit I - Soils Information Exhibit J - Vegetation Information Exhibit K - Climate Exhibit L - Reclamation Costs Exhibit N - Other Permits or Licenses Exhibit 0 - Legal Right to Enter Exhibit P - Adjacent Landowners Exhibit Q - Municipalities Within Two Miles Exhibit R - Proof of Mailing of Notices to County Commissioners and Soil Conservation District i A-1 B-1 C-1 D-1 E-1 F-1 G-1 H-1 I-1 J-1 K-1 L-1 N-1 0-1 P-1 Q-1 R-1 Exhibit S - Proof of Filing with County Clerk and Recorder S-1 LIST OF TABLES Table D -1 Mining and Reclamation Timetable D-3 Table D-2 Type and Area of Disturbance D-4 Table E-1 Seed Mixture E-3 Table G-1 Permitted Water Wells G-2 EXHIBIT A - LEGAL DESCRIPTION The NE 1/4 of Section 31, less 5.6 acres in the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 and the E 1/2 of the SE 1/4, Township 3 North, Range 67 West, of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. A-1 { 1'4 u No+ 19 O N SEC. 31, T3N, b ' n/ J a. a / PERMIT AREA. Tills OM 481) , .4o SCALE: 1'2000' 1R67W EXHIBIT B -I INDEX MAP 29 _ 32 .t B-! EXHIBIT C - PRE -MINING AND MINING PLAN MAPS The Pre -Mining Plan map appears in conjunction with the mining plan map on Map C- 1 . C-1 EXHIBIT D - MINING PLAN This will be a dry mining operation. Each phase will be dewatered prior to commencement of that phase. Phase I will begin at the northwest end of the property and proceed southwest into Phase II. Topsoil will be stripped by scrapers or end loaders and stockpiled at the location shown on the Mining Plan Map (northwest corner of site). Sufficient topsoil will be salvaged to allow for an a replacement depth of 8-10 inches. No gravel processing will take place on site during Phases I and II. Materials will be excavated with a backhoe or end loader and hauled to the existing plant site at the adjacent Varra Companies, Inc. Pit. A plant site may be set up for Phases III, IV, V, and VI. If this is the case, it will be located at the point shown on the Mining Plan Map. Any water requirements will be supplied from the permitted well on the adjacent site. Addition of a plant site shall not affect reclamation costs. This stockpile/plant site will encompass the same land area (two acres) as the stockpile area for Phases I and II which is considered major disturbance and bonded for ripping, topsoiling and revegetating. The method of mining and equipment to be used for Phases I and II will be the same for mining the remaining phases. The ditch which runs west to northeast is no longer in use. Permission has been granted for its removal, as the head gate went out years ago and the river changed course. Operations are expected to last 15-20 years. The size and location of each phase is shown on Map C -l. Maximum depth of mining will be approximately 20 feet. The maximum amount of area to be mined during any year will be 50.7 acres in phase 1. Table D-1 illustrates the mining timetable. The disturbances associated with each phase of mining are classified in Table D-2 as major, moderate, and minor disturbances. D-1 TABLE D-1 MINING AND RECLAMATION TIMETABLE Mining Estimated Time Reclamation Surface Estimated time Areas Disturbed Phase 1 Completed Started 50.7 Acres Phase 2 In Process Start Reclamation 7.8 Acres Phase I in Year 2 Phase 3 4 years Start Reclamation 22.1 Acres Phase 2 in Year 2 Phase 4 2 years In Process 38.3 Acres Phase 5 2 years Start Reclamation of 24.2 Acres Phase 3 immediately. Start Reclamation of Phase 4 at end of Phase 5 mining. Phase 6 3 years Start Reclamation of Phase 5 in Year 2 of mining this phase. 4.1 Acres Start reclamation of Phase 6 immediately upon completion of mining 6. D-2 TABLE D-2 TYPE AND AREA OF DISTURBANCE Major Disturbances Mined Area — 5 Acres Topsoil and Overburden Stripped Areas Topsoil and Overburden Stockpiles Moderate Disturbances Backfilling and Grading - Minor Disturbances Final Grading - 2 Acres Seeding, Mulching, and Planting - 9 Acres - 1 Acre 1 Acre - 2 Acres Depths of Material Topsoil —Overburden Topsoil and overburden depths vary from 0.5 feet to 7 feet with an average depth of about 2.5 feet. See Exhibit I for a list of soils occurring on the site. Sand and Gravel Depending on the thickness of topsoil -overburden, sand and gravel deposits vary from 16-20 feet. The maximum depth to aggregate and mining is 20 feet. Shale -Bedrock The stratum immediately beneath the sand and gravel is the Pierre Shale. D-4 EXHIBIT E — RECLAMATION PLAN The reclamation plan is to create six ponds. The shorelines and areas surrounding the ponds will be revegetated with native and introduced grasses. This type of reclamation is compatible with the site and surrounding land area in that this is a wetland site, and open space areas of this nature are common to the region. This reclamation plan may reduce the potential flood hazard. The ponds will be able to absorb and retain flood water velocity which otherwise would be experienced by downstream structures and residents. The shortage of overburden and the naturally high water table also makes it nearly impossible to backfill the site without hauling in waste material which more than likely would not be native to the site. Creation of the ponds should increase the aesthetic quality and wildlife habitat of this land area. Implementation of the reclamation plan of the affected land as it relates to wildlife, air, water, vegetation and soil is as follows. Grading Adequate overburden and topsoil will have been stockpiled during the mining phase to allow for backfilling and grading of the shoreline area. The overburden material will be placed and compacted in lifts. The location of overburden and topsoil stockpiles are illustrated on Map C -l. The Reclamation Map E-1 illustrates the undulating pattern of the pond shoreline which is more desirable for wildlife habitat than a rectangular shaped pond. Grading will provide a slope of 3:1 from 5 feet above to 10 feet below the expected waterline. A 2:1 slope will transcend to the bottom of the excavation. Topsoil will be replaced to an average depth of 8 inches. This is compatible with the average depth of A -horizons for soils encountered during mining. Schedule of Reclamation The reclamation schedule is provided in conjunction with the Mining Plan on Table D-1. As illustrated on this table, reclamation will be a contemporaneous procedure throughout the life of the mine. E- 1 Permanent Revegetation All shoreline and peripheral land areas will be fertilized, tilled, seeded, hay/straw mulched and crimped. Prior to revegetation, topsoil will be tested to determine fertility needs. If possible seeding will be completed during the dormant period (October 1 - March 15). The proposed seed mix is illustrated on Table E-1. It was chosen for its diverse and long lasting vegetative cover. Temporary Revegetation Any topsoil stockpiles which are left in place for more than one season will be seeded with a mixture of quick germinating annual species such as annual rye, cereal grains, and perennial long-lived species such as crested wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, etc. All stockpiles which are seeded will also be mulched with either hay, straw, or hydromulch. E-2 TABLE E-1 SEED MIXTURE Species Blue grama Switchgrass Alkali sacaton Western wheatgrass Tall wheatgrass Vetch (v. Americana) Lbs. PLS/ACRE Seeds/FT. 5 1.1 .19 4.0 2.2 2.5 10.5 E-3 7.8 9.8 6.1 10.1 4.0 1.9 39.7 I EXHIBIT F - RECLAMATION PLAN MAP The Reclamation Plan Map appears on Map F -l. EXHIBIT G — WATER INFORMATION Each mining phase will be dewatered prior to excavation commencement. The St. Vrain 100 -year floodplain covers 90% of the permit area as shown on the Pre —Mining Map. The floodplain limits were obtained from Mr. William Stanton of the Colorado Water Conservation Board as delineated by Kucera and Associates. The site will be adequately graded to insure proper drainage from the site. Three culverts will be installed between the ponds to allow proper drainage and ground water flow of the site. See Reclamation Plan Map for locations. Water requirements for the proposed operation include 2,000 gallons per day for haul roads dust suppression. Based on operating 200 days per year, the requirement will be approximately 1.2 acre-feet per year. There will be no gravel processing on site during Phases I and II. Materials will be excavated and hauled to the adjacent plant site. A portable crusher may be set up at a later date, as shown on the Mining Plan Map for Phases III, IV, V, and VI. For the entire operation, any water requirements will be supplied from the well on the adjacent pit. Permitted wells in the area are shown on Figure G-1 and listed on the following Table G-1. These wells are not expected to be affected by operations. Discharge from dewatering the site will be monitored in accordance with the discharge permit to be obtained by the operator. Discharge will flow into the existing drainages at the locations shown on the Mining Plan Map. Riprap spillways will be installed at the dewatering discharge locations. After Phases I and II are dewatered, the pump will be relocated for dewatering the remaining phases. Both of the existing drainages are capable of handling the water to be discharged. s G-1 TABLE G-1 PERMITTED WATER WELLS Well No. 010671 033568 004619 020441 105608 105609 028980 037769 070334 OWNER Keith Warren Lee Gould Gordon B. Gurley A.A. Sheley Terri H. Gillat Terri H. Gillat Fred Craig Vernon Bone Arthur Crow, Jr. G-2 DEPTH 22 25 490 18 30 30 58 58 41 YIELD 15.0 28.0 20.0 14.0 15.0 15.0 28.0 20.0 20.0 EXHIBIT H - WILDLIFE INFORMATION Currently, property is being mined on the adjacent southwest and western boundaries. Due to past and present disturbances, impacts on existing wildlife communities are expected to be minimal. Typical wildlife expected to habitat the site include small rodents, cottontail, jackrabbits, squirrels, coyotes, fox, stripped skunks, and deer. Avian species sighted in the area include geese, ducks, pheasants, egrets, hawks, swallows, and sparrows. According to the Colorado Latilong Study, threatened and endangered species may include the White pelican, peregrin falcon, and the bald eagle. Threatened and endangered species which have been seen on the site are limited to the Bald Eagle. During the operation, there will be a temporary loss of food and habitat. After mining, the reclamation plan will alter the existing site by providing a larger area of aquatic habitat. Impact of any of the wildlife species is expected to be insignificant. Ongoing adjacent mining has been occurring long enough that any previous seasonal use has long since been disrupted. The proposed mining/reclamation plan is designed to generate minimum impact and restore the site with native vegetation, thereby enabling the return of a similar wildlife population with an increased aquatic habitat. Wildlife at the adjacent mining site have returned even as operations are still continuing. Blue heron, ducks, geese and various other types of birds and wildlife inhabit the site at this time. The Division of Wildlife has been contacted regarding the amended permit area, and an evaluation/inspection report will be forwarded when available. H-1 EXHIBIT I - SOILS INFORMATION The soils within the permit area occur on nearly level landscapes and are generally deep, greater than 40-60 inches, and poorly drained. The soils are underlain by gravels. The gravel averages 20 feet deep throughout the permit area. Three different soil mapping units occur within the permit area. They are the Altvan loam, Aquolls and Aquents (gravelly substratum), and the Heldt silty clay. The soils map is illustrated on Map I-1. A detailed description of the soils mapping units as prepared by the soil conservation office is provided below. 1- Altvan loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes. This is a deep, well drained soil on terraces at elevations of 4,500 to 4,900 feet. It formed in old alluvium deposited by the major rivers. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that show evidence of poor drainage. Also included are small, long and narrow areas of sand and gravel deposits. Typically the surface layer of the Altvan soil is grayish brown loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil is brown and light yellowish brown clay loam and sandy clay loam about 15 inches thick. The substratum is calcareous loamy sand about 6 inches thick over gravelly sand. Permeability and available water capacity are moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is low. This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, including corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage, sugar beets, small grain, or beans. The high clay content and the rapidly permeable substratum slightly restrict some crops. This Altvan soil has fair to good potential for urban and recreational development. The chief limiting soil features for urban development are the shrink -swell potential of the subsoil as it wets and dries and the rapid permeability of the sand and gravel substratum. Septic tank absorption fields function properly, but in places the substratum does not contain enough fines to properly filter the leachate. Sewage lagoons require sealing. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. Capability subclass Its irrigated. I-1 2 — Aquolls and Aquents, gravelly substratum. This nearly level map unit is on bottom lands and flood plains of all the major streams in the survey area. Aquolls. which have a dark colored surface layer, make up about 60 percent of the unit. Aquents, which have a lighter colored surface layer, make up about 35 percent. About 5 percent is Aquepts and Bankard sandy loam. These are deep, poorly drained soils that formed in recent alluvium. No one pedon is typical. Commonly the soils have a mottled, mildly alkaline to moderately alkaline loamy or clayey surface layer and underlying material and are underlain by sand or sand and gravel within 48 inches. In places they have a gleyed layer in the underlying material. Most of the acreage is subject to flooding. The water table is at or near the surface early in spring and recede to as deep as 48 inches late in fall in some years. These soils are used for rangeland and wildlife habitat. Some small areas have been reclaimed by major drainage and leveling and are used for irrigated crops. The potential native vegetation is dominated by alkali sacaton, switchgrass, and western wheatgrass. Saltgrass sedge, rush, and alkali bluegrass are also prominent potential production ranges from 3,000 pounds per acre in favorable years to 2,000 pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition deteriorates, the switchgrass, alkali sacaton, and western wheatgrass decrease and saltgrass sedge, and rush increase. These soils have good potential as a source of sand and gravel. Capability subclass VIw; Salt Meadow range site. 3— Heldt silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This is a deep, moderately well drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,950 to 5,050 feet. It formed in alluvial sediment derived from shale. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that have a clay loam or silt loam subsoil and substratum. Typically the surface layer is light brownish gray and light yellowish brown silty clay about 7 inches thick. The subsoil is light brownish gray silty clay about 27 inches thick. The substratum to a depth of 60 inches is silty clay. Permeability is slow. Available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is moderate. In irrigated areas this soil is suited to crops commonly grown in the area, such as corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, and small grain. The high clay content generally restricts some crops. I-2 Most methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow irrigation is the most common. Proper irrigation water management is essential. Barnyard manure and commercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. In non -irrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat, barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted to winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 25 bushels per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in alternate years to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation is too low for beneficial use of fertilizer. Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum tillage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. The potential native vegetation is dominated by western wheatgrass and blue grama. Buffalograss is also present. Potential production ranges from 1,000 pounds in favorable years to 600 pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition deteriorates, a blue grama-buffalograss sod forms. Undesirable weeds and annuals invade the site as range condition becomes poorer. This soil has poor potential for urban and recreational development. Slow permeability and high shrink swell create problems in dwelling and road construction. Capability subclass Its irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; Clayey Plains range site. Recommend Topsoil Salvage Plan The surface layer of these soils averages 7-10 inches. The entire solum averages 25-30 inches. However, for the purposes of salvaging seed -bed quality material, it is recommended to salvage only the surface layer. I-3 EXHIBIT J - VEGETATION INFORMATION Vegetation types usually follow soil boundaries as the aquoll's and aquent's potential native vegetation is dominated by alkali sacaton, switchgrass, and western wheatgrass. Potential production ranges from 3,000 to 2,000 pounds per acre. Switchgrass, western wheatgrass, alkali sacaton, tall wheatgrass, and tall fescue are suitable for seeding. As site conditions deteriorates, saltgrass, sedge, and rush increase. Cottonwood trees adjacent to the St. Vrain Creek will remain. A few trees, which are in the area to be mined as shown on the Mining Plan Map, will be removed prior to mining and put to a beneficial use, such as firewood. J- 1 Estimated Annual Production Since the vegetation production closely follows the soil type, they are illustrated below accordingly. 1—Altvan loam This soil is used generally for irrigated crops and some of the average yields are Alfalfa 5 tons/acre, sugar beets 23 tons/acre, corn 160 BU/acre., etc. Since the Altvan loam is in native grass on site, the average production is estimated at 4,000 lbs per acre. 3—Aquolls and Aquents, Gravelly Substratum This soil is suitable for native grass production only. Its average production is 3,000 pounds in favorable years and 2,000 pounds in unfavorable years. 27—Heldt Silty Clay This soil is predominantly suited for native grass production. Production ranges from 1,000 pounds in favorable years to 600 pounds in unfavorable years. J-2 EXHIBIT K — CLIMATE The climatology date recorded at the Longmont 2 ESE weather station indicates the average annual precipitation at the site is approximately 12.6 inches per year and the annual mean temperature is approximately 49 degrees Farenheit. January February March April May June July August September October November December Mean/Total Average Monthly 27.4 31.4 35.7 46.7 57.2 65.6 72.0 69.9 61.1 50.3 37.2 30.2 48.7 K-1 Total Precipitation . 34 . 43 . 96 1.26 2.53 1.76 1.18 1.12 1.16 . 98 . 52 . 35 12.59 EXHIBIT L - RECLAMATION COSTS Reclamation costs for this amendment were based upon the Mining and Reclamation Timetable and the type and area of disturbance as illustrated in Exhibit D. Therefore, the amount of overburden and topsoil backfilling and grading is based upon the maximum amount of disturbance at any give time. Overburden Placement and Grading (Estimate 4,625 lineal feet of shoreline.) 23,125 cubic yards @ $.35/cub,ic yard $8,093.75 Topsoil Placement and Grading 6,937.50 cubic yards @ $.80/cubic yard $5,550.00 Revegetation of Shoreline (Fertilizing, Disking, Seeding, Mulching, and Crimping .5 Acres @ $500/acre $ 250.00 TOTAL BOND ESTIMATE - $13,893.75 L-1 EXHIBIT N - OTHER PERMITS OR LICENSES List of current Mined Land Reclamation Permits. Varra Companies, Inc. Pit - Permit No. 74-52 Jenkins Pit - Permit No. 77-393 Carr Pit - Permit No. 80-2 Valmont Pit - Permit No. 81-77 Varra Companies, Inc. #3 Pit -Permit No. 81-228 Reynolds Pit - Permit No. 81-244 Henderson Industrial Pit - Permit No. 82-78 Southern Site Pit - Permit No. 82-227 Northern Site Pit - Permit No. 82-228 Pit No. 5 - Permit No. M-84-110 Weld County Special Use Permit Varra Companies, Inc. - Permit No. SUP -248A (1985) Colorado Department of Health Emission Permit Varra Companies, Inc. - Permit No. 84WE198F N-1 EXHIBIT 0 - LEGAL RIGHT TO ENTER The Nelson family has granted Varra Companies, Inc. legal right to enter the land area added in this amendment application. 0-1 EXHIBIT P - ADJACENT LANDOWNERS Harold E. and LaVerna Nelson 11955 Weld County Road 15 Longmont, Colorado 80501 Gilbert P. Acord 7541 Weld County Road 26-3/4 Longmont, Colorado 80501 Varra Companies, Inc. 2130 S. 96th Street Broomfield, Colorado 80020 Ernest R. and Wanda E. Dakolios 280 E. 64th Avenue Denver, Colorado 80221 Thelma Altha Swarts 6856 Weld Co. Road 26 Longmont, CO 80501 Seigrist 6999 York Denver, CO 80229 St. Vrain Sanitation Box 978 Longmont, CO 80502 Central Weld Co. Water Dist. 2235 2nd Ave. Greeley, CO 80631 Owens Bros. 5095 McIntyre Golden, CO 80403 P-1 EXHIBIT Q - MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN TWO MILES The only Municipality within two miles is the town of Gowanda. Q-1 EXHIBIT R - PROOF OF MAILING OF NOTICES TO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT. The notice to County Commissioners and Soil Conservation District are found in a letter following this Exhibit. R-1 200'3DFld 8LPZ SSP EOE L l: 0 l 26. 8 AtlW NOTICE OF FILING APPLICATION FOR COLORADO MINED LAND RECLAMATION PERMIT FOR REGULAR (112) OPERATION NOTICE TO flit SOAR OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY 1 nr(Operator) has applied for a reclamation permit from the Colorado mihed' nd Reclamation Board ("the Board") to conduct mining operations in U_ -1i" - County. The attached information is being provided to notify you of tne location and nature of the proposed operation. The entire application is on file with localcounty clerkand the Mined recorderReclamation Division The applicant proposes to reclaim the affected land to 1-4- rage'(c--• Pursuant to C.R.S. 34-32-116(7)(S) the Board is required to confer with the local Board of County Commissioners before approving of the post —Brining land use. Accordingly, the Board would appreciate your comments on the proposed operation. Please note that. in order to preserve your right to a hearing before the Board on this application, you must .submit written comments on the application within twenty (20) days of the date of last publication of notice pursuant to C.R.S. 34-32.112(10). If you would tike to discuss the proposed post.mintng land use, or any other issue atgiondDivition,this a1313cSheormanplease Streit, Roomtthe Colorado Mined Land 21E, Denver, Colorado 110203, Reclamation (303) 866-3667. NOTE TO OPERATOR: You must attach a copy of the application form to this notice. If this ssatattach acomplete and change sly filed olkcation accurateyou must either attach & COPYof thechanges, ora description of the change. 1301!-1 • Received by: • Deputy Jerk to Board Weld County ZOd isiii"S*L[ S3.LV.L K!!3.LS3M* rtivL t 8 '8 0 'S 0 ** TOTAL PAGE.002 ** "° 44 =M NOTICE OF FILING APPLICATION FOR COLORADO MINED LAND RECLAMATION PERMIT FOR REGULAR (112) OPERATION NOTICE TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE LOCAL SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT �-o 5 rnn r L DISTRICT Varra eonnpan►es, Inc. (Operator) has applied for a reclamation permit from the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board ("the Board") to conduct mining operations in Weld County. The attached information is being provided to notify you of the location and nature of the proposed operation. The entire application is on file with the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division ("the Division") and the local county clerk and recorder. The applicant proposes to reclaim the affected land to eneral rtaricwl ,�.rai Pursuant to C.R.S. 34-32-116(7)(j) the Board is require to confi r with the local Soil Conservation Districts before approving of the post -mining land use. Accordingly, the Board would appreciate your comments on the proposed operation. Please note that, in order to preserve your right to a hearing before the Board on this application, you must submit written comments on the application within twenty (20) days of the date of last publication of notice pursuant to C.R.S. 34-32-112(10). If you would like to discuss the proposed post -mining land use. or any other issue regarding this application, please contact the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 866-3567. NOTE; TO OPERATOR: You must attach a copy of the application form to this notice. If this is a notice of a change to a previously filed application you . must either attach a copy of the changes, or attach a complete and accurate description of the change. 1307F-4 (:-4CAA-r-e-r34 �, EXHIBIT S - PROOF OF FILING WITH COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER. The proof of filing with the County Clerk and recorder is found in a letter following this document. S-1 MAY 8 '92 16:59 PAGE.001 ?00'l d 134Z 53t' COC ZS:9T Z6, 8 AdW VELD COUNTY CLERK TO TEE BOARD 8y signing below, I acknowledge receipt of the 112 Permit Application Amendment from Yarra Companies, Inc. for the Dakolioa F Construction Companyla Sand and Gravel Mine this 1992. day of Chenoweth and Associates, on behalf cf Varra Companies, Inc. is submitting a copy of this application to you in compliance with Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division Rules and Regulations that all adjacent land owners are kept informed of future development activity. By: Titles pd Hvanov M.1.3 ZA34t DsIdt S = 40 ZB '90 'SO ** TOTAL PAGE.001 ** AFFIPAITTT OF INTEREST OWNERS SURFACE ESTATE Application, No. Subject Property SATE OF COLORADO COUNTY OF WELD Nelson Property - NE4 and the Ez of the SE of Section 31, Township 3 North, and Range 67 West. ss. THE UNDERSIGNED, being first duly sworn, states that to the best of his or her knowledge, the attached list is a true and accurate list of the names, addresses, and the corresponding Parcel Identification Number assigned by the Weld County Assessor of the owners of property (the surface estate) within 500 feet of the property which is the subject of the application. This list was compiled from the records of the Weld County Assessor, an ownership update from a title or abstract company, derived from such records, or from the records of the Weld County Clerk and Recorder. The list compiled from the records of the Weld County Assessor shall have been assembled within 30 days of the application submission date. The foregoing instrument was subscribed and sworn to before me this da of , 1911, by WITNESS my hand and official seal. My Commission expires: 3 Notary Public AFFIDAVIT OF INTEREST OWNERS MINERALS AND/OR SUBSURFACE Application Nu. Subject Property Nelson Property - NE4 and the E1/2 of the SE4 of Section 31, Township 3 North, and Range 67 West STATE OF' COLORADO ) ) COUNTY OF WELD SS. THE UNDERSIGNED, being first duly sworn, states that to the best of his or her knowledge, the attached list is a true and accurate list of the names and addresses of all mineral owners and lessees of minerals on or under the parcel of land which is the subject of the application as their names appear upon the records in the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, from an ownership update from a title or abstract company, or an attorney. The foregoing instrument was subscribed and sworn to before me this day of FeiDu.. -LL. , 19 93_, By -l�-t ✓4_'{ ( Cay e WITNESS my hand and official seal. My Commission expires: Notary Public NAMES OF OWNERS OF PROPERTY WITHIN 500 FEET Please print or type NAME ADDRESS, TOWN/CITY, ASSESSOR'S PARCEL STATE AND ZIP CODE IDENTIFICATION # Harold E. & LaVerna Nelson 11955 Weld County Road 1209-31-0-00-026 Longmont, CO 80501 Varra Sand & Gravel, Inc. 2130 South 96th Street 1209-31-0-00-049 Broomfield, CO 80020 Seigrist Construction Company 6999 York Street 1209-31-0-00-054 Denver, CO 80229 St. Vrain Sanitation District Box 978 1209-31-0-00-055 Longmont, CO 80502 Owens Brothers Concrete Co. 5095 McIntyre Street 1209-32-0-00-027 Golden, CO 80403 Joseph T., Jr. & Judith Timko 7095 Weld County Road 26 3/4 1209-32-0-00-028 Longmont, CO 80501 Gilbert P. Acord 7541 Weld County Road 26 3/4 1209-32-0-00-029 Longmont, CO 80501 Robert 0. Nelson 7497 Weld County Road 26 1209-32-0-00-032 Longmont CO 80501 Richard & Margaret Vogl 7250 Weld County Road 26 1311-05-0-00-020 Trustees Etal Longmont, CO 80501 James M & Dolores L. French 6600 Weld County Road 26 1311-06-0-00-024 Longmont, CO 80504 Alex D. Ferrington 11843 Weld County Road 15 1311-.0.6=9I=0.71.52 Longmont, CO 80504 PAGE 1 OF 2 NAMES OF OWNFRS OF PROPERTY WITHIN 500 FEET Pleace print or type NAME ADDRESS, TOWN/CITY, ASSESSOR'S PARCEL STATE AND ZIP CCDE IDENTIFICATION # Central Weld County Water 2235 2nd Avenue 1311-06-0-00-054 District Greeley, CO 80631 Thelma Aitha Swarts 6856 Weld County Road 26 1311-06-0-00-055 Longmont, CO 80501 PAGE 2 OF 2 .cvMI caacin P *341 ens CO 316 r CKS CHARGE POINT TO CREEK r- • l.F a s a a a • a • ! • a • a •-„! • •• •l,a a!-llrirwa +l. !• a a---f— Ii • I I e • •: ' • •rtrt .• 1: P • •••• a .•: . 4•4 .1014 • tWOMMA1A•la 4 • 404 4, 0 .A :: F:1: CC lea: cr b..• Z •.•dm . yVr� - /• • . a �'•: •1•r-, e r • •n -...•5 .a 4 .• •_.. • '•P o•iPi i:a i • a 7 J ^n _ _ iii !f ! -•-r r r r e'e 1 1•• •• •• • • •-Free• -..rr rr•••e ▪ iiiinfilMa OMimediaams 5:•..••••• _• : ▪ 1: • rr tt .12. ▪ t .. .-- I• r .-.er•sei .f.•:a Frrrrtet. �• . i• •r•er•••ai i .• a a r. re. W 002 I • opptri.ommma . I.. h... 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DEK '01 P 0 b011 In#'j i RIWR}6 CO 64001 27 •_• CENTRAL WELD COtR4tY WATER DISTRICT LIVE (FoLloows ROAD SHOULDER, e as a• i•—. _ I x a a a•a IV a _ INTERCEPT OF DISCHARGE( FROM DA.KOt1OS PROPERTY gvERSURDEN STOCKPILE IYPICr.L eie PHASE di 4 • OWNS ItRo$ 5095 MC R4TYRE GOLDEN, CO. 114403 gill' ` r . Mil yl 11 I leg 111t11inkilt pro 'tun f• ir,.f•.As' rlrr r• k t COUNTY MIS Pin iI it,yl•719P1/ L CIll'PII III N9ply,}1,r, sit itottC E -a I.AvfRYs ra�Ls4NI 11!66 *CO cpu It F1V4b I6 LOMIMIr,FT Ca. $0591 de ••••••e - rage PHASE 5 mai 27 IMMO GAS PELL • ai r MI. •awa• aaa•a-1 M.•••••a-••Mraa •ii. sTr*i--x—J+a}.se •♦ •—a—.s•a ea. aSMb .—..!-•ana•--r a. sp a a i ai GAS LIE ST. Ilium 5LMTATIOI4 bOM 976 LQ*IQMONT. CO 60502 7 dAKOUO;x CONSTRUCTION CO. MINE .1 SOILS MAP UNITS \ NUMBER ALTVAN LOAM 0 TU I PERCENT SLOPES A0U0LLS AND AQIJENTS, GRAVELLY SUBSTRATUM HELOT SILTY CLAY, 1 TO 3 PERCENT SLOPES PHASE BOUNDARY PERMIT AREA EXCAVATION LIMITS ye £Re!ACES ST0OCP&f 1Yfr CAS, :. a lei I Id: PREP/fD AF(t CNECwto eY DAVID R U•IIN0WETM r, j r� fi• � 1 WAST ;44, Wen 4FNVFS CO 10274 • L I SCALE: : 2OO1 CONTOUR cNTEPVAL ► 10 FT. ", 1 1 - I h - 1 1 I I J r - ♦. --i-- a—a--!a!•!e— 1 I 1 ifq Ll f • • : SI i.: OP fig"S-:ba '�rwy Imlay &Mr Cbaoowetk a A1ssoc l sse flrW IL Ommirm.1a ti s *,f~i PM. iwidociaC'6 met VARRA COMPANIES, INC cM.ft IMERMIT R'N-74-o$? AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2 PRE -MINING AND MINE PLAN MAP myrime ns a D MAP C-1 01111, 04 . iO- tI maws I r nut rmoi CIGNIMIN am Until WC Y 011-44.. .4 CIRCULATION ROUTES Use ist A B R l i dl Salt° ThL[PHONL. GAQL E esPLOED +gws7eR LEvtL• 4790' lai Orr C Pei ............Y EkPtctf Q WATE$ ttV$L• 47901 Y RIiL cvfl CAME MOUE ROAD 16 �Mi @ZINC! GMOUNOc4795' vii SECTION A —As (iv P.) l00k _ 479S ul90191 I1 p OROUNp r�}} �Sl1FtA[,E� .5T!VRMN ICE b li • • a4 Br SECTION B-0' (Tv R) 90' MIN. ELE4 i 479ff 4V"1057PROEM 2- G uINawg _ '1 24' DIA Cuv L6RT4TYP} rasa OR OF cudvt aiT r ()GLOW BOTTOM 4' DiA, buRliED 4n P,Pe {},t0, LMNS SECTION C -C1 (TYRO CROSS SECTIONS NON # VERT. SCALE t: i'+n0' 90' Min. LB GAt Lint Ww4in ROAD is a rear --' -- Ti i A' .. wxTtFt LSVC`4 r419D• CIO' al i. 4775. C4 txwpt re0 Y4ATER 'Et wiL.i4790 1RP ahnompuli Asthma nth '"awrim..s memadisco P%WA 4OWAMES. C. I RECLAMATION PLAN\ I CROSS SECTIONS E-2 Wile Oh sac Netealt Ciao ft PoinilliplaliniC =Win M. POLL r • war • art +Rr REFERRAL LIST NAME: Varra Companies, Inc. CASE NUMBER: AmUSR-248 REFERRALS SENT: May 1, 1997 REFERRALS TO BE RECEIVED BY: May 22, 1997 COUNTY TOWNS and CITIES Attorney Ault X Health Department Brighton Extension Service Broomfield Emergency Management Office Dacono Sheriff's Office Eaton X Public Works Erie — Housing Authority Evans Airport Authority f X Firestone Building Inspection Fort Lupton Frederick STATE Garden City X Division of Water Resources _ Gilcrest Geological Survey Greeley Department of Health Grover Department of Transportation Hudson Historical Society Johnstown Water Conservation Board Keenesburg j X Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Kersey Division of Wildlife La Salle FIRE DISTRICTS Lochbuie Ault F-1 _ Longmont Berthoud F-2 N./ X Mead Briggsdale F-24 Milliken Brighton F-3 New Raymer Eaton F-4 Northglenn Fort Lupton F-5 Nunn Galeton F-6 Pierce Hudson F-7 Platteville Johnstown F-8 Severance La Salle F-9 Thornton X Mountain View F-10 Windsor Milliken F-11 Nunn F-12 COUNTIES Pawnee F-22 Adams Platteville F-13 Boulder Platte Valley F-14 Larimer Poudre Valley F-15 Raymer F-2 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Southeast Weld F-16 J X US Army Corps of Engineers Windsor/Severance F-17 USDA -APHIS Veterinary Service Wiggins F-18 Federal Aviation Administration Western Hills F-20 Federal Communication Commission OTHER `1. X Central Colo. Water Conservancy Dist. X Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Co. X Tri-Area Planning Commission SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS Brighton Fort Collins Greeley X Longmont West Adams COMMISSION/BOARD MEMBER ,/ X Marie Koolstra 6 WIiDc. COLORADO Weld County Referral May 1, 1997 The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: Applicant Varra Companies, Inc. Case Number AmUSR-248 Please Reply By May 22, 1997 Planner Kerri Keithley Project A Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended Special Review permit for a sand and gravel mining operation in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. Legal The E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Location West of Weld County Road 15, north of Weld County Road 26. Parcel Number 120931000026 The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Current Planner associated with the request. Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) June 17, 1997 U We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan ❑ We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. U See attached letter. Comments: Signature Date Agency *Weld County Planning Dept. ♦1400 N. 17th Ave. Greeley, CO. 80631 x(970) 353-6100 ext.3540 +(970) 352-6312 fax WUDc. iatitral COLORADO MEMORANDUM TO: Referral Agencies May 1, 1997 From: Kerri D. Keithley, Current Planner SUBJECT: Background information on AMUSR-248 On March 18, 1993, Varra Companies, Inc. applied for an Amendment to a Special Use Permit (AMUSR-248) for a sand and gravel mining operation on the NE4 and E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. At the Planning Commission hearing on April 20, 1993, the Planning Commission voted unanimously that the hearing be continue indefinitely to allow time for the applicant to address the concerns of the State of Colorado, Division of Water Resources, St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District, and Central Colorado Water Conservancy District. The applicant is now requesting that AMUSR-248 be re -heard on the June 17, 1997 Planning Commission hearing. Due to the 4 year time lapse on the case, the Department of Planning Services is re -submitted the information and request for review by your referral agency. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (970) 353-6100 ext. 3540. Thank you for your time reviewing this request. Weld County Referral De COLORADO The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: Case Number AmUSR-248 Varra Companies, Inc. ApplicantPlanner Kern Keithley Please Reply By May 22, 1997 A Site Specific Development Plan and an Argyll dZd Spec p ci l Review permit for a sand and gravel mining operation in the A (Agricultural) ncultu The E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, ct. R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Legal Location West of Weld County Road 15, north of Weld County Road 26. Parcel Number 120931000026 give full u submitted to you for review and recommendation.reply by the above e comments st d date so hat we myg recommendation you the application relevant is be demayd ivto be a response not received before or on this date may consider to this request would be appreciated. Please ref> , consideration eso s your recommendation. Any I Department of Planning Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, positive response to the D f please call the Current Planner associated with the request. Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) June 17, 1997 U We have review ed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan /-� no conflicts with our interests. )7K.We have reviewed the request an.. find May 1, 1997 U See attached letter. Comments: Date Signature Agency (9701 353-6100 ext.3540 •(970) 352-6312 fax *Weld County Planning Dept. +1400 N. 17th Ave Greeley, CO. 80631 x x35!13/1997 n8:48 97x5:�?5L-i997 TOIoN OF MEAD PAGE 01 tio&f(?\:Tig • COLORADO The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review. Case Number AmUSR-248 Applicant Please Reply By Project Legal Location Varra Companies, Inc. Planner Kern Keithley May 2, 1g97 _ — tfic Develo ment Plan and an Amended Special Review permit for a sand and A Site 5p P ricultural) Zone District. gravel mining operation in the '°` (Ag Weld County, Colorado. The E2 SE4 of Section 31, 13N, R67W of the 6th P_M., West of Veld Count'' Road 15, north of Weld County Road Zb. Weld County Referral May 1, 1997 Parcel Number 120931000026 .., .. , Any comments or rc�omn,endatxr?Ve ou full Tcoo ides application an is this to youwould for prrent recommendation_ reply by the above listed date so that we may give request he app y wonder relevant to this response not received before or on this date may be deemed t be a consideration s yourrecommendation. Department i Planning Serices- If you have any further questions regarding the application, positive response to the DePart'nerit of please call the Current Planner associated with the request. June 17, 1997 Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable.) ! with our Comprehensive Plan la We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply omp ti' We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with cur interests. X L:1 See attached letter. CornmerltS Signature Agency ♦Weld County Planning Dept. •14 Date 17th Ave_. Greeley, CC) $063144970) 353-6100 ext.3540 a►(970) 352-6312 fax 05/13/97 07:51 TX/RX NO.7277 P.001 • Weld County Referral May 1, 1997 IiiDe COLORADO The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: Case Number AmUSR-248 Applicant Varra Companies, Inc. Kerni Keithley Planner Please Reply By May 22, 1997 Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended lc,SDistrict. Review permit for a sand and Project A (Agricultural) gravel mining operation in the A (Af, y Colorado. Legal The E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld Count Location West of Weld County Road 15, north of Weld County Road 26. 120931000026 w Parce� Number you comments or recommendation full I by the e date that we may i The consider application is submitted tto would d for arppreciated. ted. Please replyew and recommendation. Any be deemed to be a Any response not received before or on this date may he application, be a relevant to this request be app questions regarding the { t consideration eo s your recommendation further q �r associated with the request. positive response to the Department of Planning Services. If you have and please call the Current Planner Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) June 17, 1997 ❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. U See attached letter. Comments: Date Signature Agency •Weld County Planning Dept ♦1400 N 17th Ave. Greeley, CO. 80631 •(970) 353-6100 ext.3540 ♦(970) 352-6312 fax Weld County Referral 1LK COLORADO eld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: ThE:+W Case Number AmUSR-248 Itcant Varra Companies, Inc. Kerni Keithley APP Planner Please Reply By May 22, 1997 for a sand and e _t A Site Specific Devel'onnfil the A(Agricultural) and an Amen�I) Zon{�ded SDisir �ltRcwiew permit Prot gravel mining operat The E2SE4ofSection 31,73N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Legal Location West of Weld County Road 15, north of Weld County Road 26. Parcel Number 120931000026 give full by the Any c mm date or that m ndy oo be a submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments recommendation you The ....— consider application is be deemed response not received before or on this date may to e a consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply ponsiver e consideration s your Department Planning Any Services. If you have any further questions regarding the app positive response to the Department of Planning please call the Current Planner associated with the request. Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) June 17, 1997 U We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan U We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. May 1, 1997 See attached letter. Comments: Date Signature Agency +Weld County Planning Dept. +1400 N. 17th Ave. Greeley, CO. 80631 ♦i9701 353-6100 ext.3540 +(970) 352-6312 fax f;E Wfk COLORADO MEMORANDUM TO: Kerri Keithley, Current Planner DATE: May 19, 1997 FROM: Don Carroll, Project Administrator SUBJECT: AmUSR-248, Varra Companies, Inc. The Weld County Public Works Department has reviewed this proposal; the following comments are recommended to be a part of any approval: Haul Route: The designated haul route for the existing gravel pit operation is in place, and the access point is from WCR 13 either north or south from that location. No heavy hauling will be allowed on WCR 26 or WCR 15 adjacent to the amended USR property. The applicant has provided a Weld County Access information sheet identifying that location. If the applicant would like to enter into a Road Maintenance and Improvements Agreement to utilize either WCR 26 or WCR 15, it needs to be in place prior to hauling on either of these roads. Permits: The applicant has included the amended (112) Mining and Geology State Permit. Set Backs: The applicant should adhere to all state and county requirements on set backs from the roads, ditches, and rivers. cc: Commissioner Harbert AmUSR-248 file planl5 Road File 11 RE: APPENDIX B WELD COUNTY ROAD ACCESSINFORMATION SHEET Other Case No. Weld County Public Works Department 933 North 11th Avenue, P.O. Box 758, Greeley, CO 80632 Phone: (970 )356-4000, Ext. 3750 Pax: (970) 352-2863 Date: 25 April 1997 1. Applicant Namc Varra Companies, Inc. Phone (303) 666-6657 Address 2130 -96th Street City Broomfield State CO Zip 80020 2. Address or location of access Weld County Roads 26 and 15 (see below) . Section, 31 Township 3 North Range 67 West Subdivision none — rural location Block N/A Weld County Road N below.Lot N/A Side of Road below Distance from nearest intersection see below. 3. Is there an existing access to the property? Ycs X No II of accesses 3 from County roads. 4. Proposed Usc: O Permanent O Residential/Agricultural O Industrial Sand & Gravel RI Temporary O Subdivision O Commercial fa Other 5. Site Sketch Legend for Access Description: ARG = Argricultural RES = Residential O&G = Oil Sc Gas D.K. = Ditch Road 1) ARG = 2550' to intersection 2) RES = 300' to intersection 3) O&G = 1250° to intersection 4) Access from DMG Amendment 1 site. 5) Access from DMG Von Ohlen site. NOTE: Primary movement of material during extraction will utilize access point #5 going West along the North boundary of the Von Ohlen site to the existing Dakolios plant identified as point #6. A **************************************************************.******************************************* OFFICE USE ONLY: Road ADT Date Accidents Date Road ADT Date Accidents Date Drainage Requirement Culvert Size Length Special Conditions *********************************************************************************************************** O Installation authorized ❑ Information Insufficient Reviewed By: Title: m:wpGlcs\cnginccrlacccss MEMORANDUM WIDc. COLORADO TO: Referral Agencies May 1, 1997 From: Kerri D. Keithley, Current Planner SUBJECT: Background information on AMUSR-248 On March 18, 1993, Varra Companies, Inc. applied for an Amendment to a Special Use Permit (AMUSR-248) for a sand and gravel mining operation on the NE4 and E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. At the Planning Commission hearing on April 20, 1993, the Planning Commission voted unanimously that the hearing be continue indefinitely to allow time for the applicant to address the concerns of the State of Colorado, Division of Water Resources, St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District, and Central Colorado Water Conservancy District. The applicant is now requesting that AMUSR-248 be re -heard on the June 17, 1997 Planning Commission hearing. Due to the 4 year time lapse on the case, the Department of Planning Services is re -submitted the information and request for review by your referral agency. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (970) 353-6100 ext. 3540. Thank you for your time reviewing this request. 11111k. COLORADO June 9, 1997 Carl Mount Division of Mineral and Geology 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Denver, Colorado 80203 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 1517 16TH AVENUE COURT GREELEY, CO 80631 ADMINISTRATION (970) 353-0586 HEALTH PROTECTION (970) 353-0635 COMMUNITY HEALTH (970) 353-0639 FAX (970) 356-4966 Re: Complaint at Dakolios Pit-Varra Companies, Inc. Dear Mr. Mount: On Friday, June 6, 1997, I discussed a complaint with Gregg Squire which the Weld County Planning Department had received concerning non -inert fill being disposed at the Dakolios Pit (DMG Permit M84-036) in Weld County. Mr. Squire indicated that I should submit the complaint in writing to you. I personally observed this situation on June 6, 1997. Based upon visual observation of the site I estimated that several hundred yards of tree trunks and tree limbs were being disposed at this site. It was apparent, from observing partially covered wastes, that this practice has been occurring for some time. Our Department requests that you investigate this complaint at your earliest convenience. I have attached a map of the approximate location where I observed the wastes being disposed. I would gladly accompany you or one of your staff on an inspection. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (970) 353-0635, extension 2232. Sincerely, Trevor Jiricek Supervisor Environmental Protection Services tj\660 cc: Kerri Keithley, Weld County Planning Department Julie Chester, Weld County Planning Department WINk COLORADO MEMORANDUM TO: Kerri Keithley, W.C. Planning DATE: May 29, 1997 FROM: Sheble McConnellogue, W.C. Health Department CASE NUMBER: Amended USR-248 NAME: Varra Co. Inc. Environmental Protection Services has reviewed this proposal; the following conditions are recommended to be part of any approval: 1. All liquid and solid wastes shall be stored and removed for final disposal in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater contamination. 2. Any applicable Emission Permits shall be obtained from the Air Pollution Control Division, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for fugitive dust and odors. The facility shall operate in accordance all emission permits. 3. No permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site. 4. The maximum permissible noise level shall not exceed the industrial limit of 80 db (A), as measured according to 25-12-102, Colorado Revised Statutes. 5. The restroom facilities located on the Dakolois site shall be available for employees operating this site. In the event future toilet facilities are provided, port -a -potty units are acceptable. 6. The facility shall obtain (or amend, if appropriate) a NPDES Permit from the Water Quality Control Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 7. Fugitive dust shall be controlled on site. A dust abatement plan shall be submitted to the health department for approval prior to operation. The facility shall have sufficient equipment available to implement the dust control as required by the health department. 8. The applicant shall remove, handle, and stockpile overburden, soil, sand and gravel from the facility area in a manner that will prevent nuisance conditions. 9. If applicable, the facility shall obtain and operate in compliance with a stormwater discharge permit from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division. 10. The Environmental Protection Services Division of the Weld County Health Department was unable to locate a septic permit for the septic system located at 12071 WCR 15. Any existing septic system(s) which is not currently permitted through the Weld County Health Department must be permitted. Each unpermitted septic system will require and I.S.D.S Evaluation prior to the issuance of the required septic permit(s). In the event the system(s) is found to be inadequate, the system(s) must be brought into compliance with current I.S.D.S. regulations. 11. Reclamation and backfilling activities shall comply with all requirements and recommendations of the Division of Minerals and Geology. Only inert materials, as defined by the Regulations Pertaining to Solid Waste Disposal Sites and Facilities (6 CCR 1007-2), shall be used to backfill the site. May 20, 1997 MuUNTAIN VIEW FIRE PROTEC . iON DISTRICT Administrative Office: 9119 County Line Road • Longmont, CO 80501 (303) 772-0710 Metro (303) 666-4404 FAX (303) 651-7702 Ms. Kerri D. Keithley, Current Planner Weld County Planning Department 1400 North 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 I have reviewed the submitted material pertaining to the Amendment to a Special Use Permit for the Varra Companies, Inc. (AMUSR-248), located west of Weld County Road 15 and north of Weld County Road 26. The proposed gravel operation is within the boundaries of the Mountain View Fire Protection District and receives service from the District. The Fire District has no objections to the project if the requirements of the District can be met. The Fire District has adopted the 1994 Edition of the Uniform Fire Code and the activities of the gravel operation will be covered by this Code. The principal applications of the Code to a gravel operation will be for tank installations for flammable or combustible liquids, fueling operations, vehicle repair, welding, and any use of hazardous materials. Tanks installed for flammable or combustible liquid storage or dispensing, either temporary or permanent, need to be installed in accordance with the requirements of the Code and plans for the installation must be reviewed and approved by the Fire District prior to installation. We appreciate being involved in the planning process. Should you have any questions, please contact me at 772-0710. Sincerely, LuAnn Penfold Fire Marshal LMP/lp cc: project file Ip05.05.97 Station 1 9119 Cnty Line Rd. Longmont. CO 80501 file Station 2 10971 WCR 13 Longmont. CO 80504 Station 3 P.O. Box 575 299 Palmer Ave Mead, CO 80542 Station 4 P.O. Box 11 8500 Niwot Road Niwot. CO 80544 Station 5 10911 Dobbin Run Lafayette, CO 80026 Station 6 P.O. Box 666 600 Briggs Erie, CO 80516 Station 7 PO.Box 40 100 So. Forest St. Dacono, CO 80514 STATE OF COLORADO OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER Division of Water Resources Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman Street, Room 818 Denver, Colorado 80203 Phone (303) 866-3581 FAX (303) 866-3589 May 7, 1997 Ms. Kerri Keithley Current Planner Weld County Planning Department 1400 N. 17th Ave. Greeley, CO 80631 Roy Romer Governor James S. Lochhead Executive Director Hal D. Simpson State Engineer Re: Varra Companies Inc. Site Specific Development Plan and Amended Special Review Dear Ms. Keithley: Pursuant to the State Engineer's August 7, 1995 memorandum to county planning directors (copy enclosed for your information), this office is no longer providing comments on land use actions that do not involve a subdivision as defined in Section 30-28- 101(10)(a), C.R.S. This referral does not appear to qualify as a "subdivision." Returned herewith are the materials submitted to this office in the above referenced matter. If you have any questions in this matter, please contact Megan Sullivan of this office. Sincerely, lJ Puruslibttam Dass Supervising Professional Engineer PD/MAS Enclosures cc: Richard Stenzel, Division Engineer varrartn.doc .4.4:4 3 op May 1,1997 • COLORADO The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: Case Number AmUSR-248 Please Reply By May 22, Applicant Varra Companies, Inc. Kerri Keithley planner }997 hl—, Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended �� e District. s ial tr ctReview permit for a sand an Project A p (Agricultural) gravel mining operation in the A (Ag Colorado. The E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld Road County, Legal north of Weld County West of Weld County Road 15, Location .-----,�.............�.w.�-..•.....-......."" Parcel Number 120931000026 ..V..'W'..""..,. ............................... 00W„ you for review and recommendation. Any comments or recommendation you by the Any c lmm date sthat e may full The consider applicationt is submitted to be deemed giveo be u a consideration ito to this request would n appreciated. Phase reply application, Services. If you have any further questions regarding the app pse sto your recommendation. Any response not received before or on this date may positive response to the Department of Planning please call the Current Planner associated with the request. Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) June 17, 1997 request and find that it does / does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan ❑ We have reviewed the re q ❑ We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. XSee attached letter. Comments: c�. Weld County Referral Date ,irr Signature Agency Weld County Planning Dept. 41400 N. 17th Ave. Greeley, CO. 80631 4(970) 353-6100 ext.3540 4(970) 352-6312 fax A 7FN il)N OF .,, �:� PS OF Ivs_aLJt K RF.: DiCTp f;C,r. 11. STATE ': 12 LEI ON R A 1 ;',',(3123-43901 May 19, 1997 Ms. Kerri Keithley Weld County Department of Planning Services Weld County Administrative Offices 1400 North 17th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631 RE: Varra Companies, Inc., Weld Co. Case No. AmUSR-248, Corps File #199380175 Dear Ms. Keithley: Reference is made to the Varra Companies, Inc. sand and gravel mining operation located in the Southeast 1/a of Section 31, Township 3 North, Range 67 West, Weld County, Colorado. The project has been reviewed in accordance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act under which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates the discharge of dredged and fill material, and any excavation activity associated with a dredge and fill project, in waters of the United States such as streams and wetlands. Based on the plans presented, this project will not require a Department of the Army (DA) permit. Although a DA Permit will not be required for the project, this does not eliminate the requirement that other applicable federal, state, tribal, and local permits be obtained if needed. If there are any questions concerning this letter, please call Mr. Terry McKee of at 303-979-4120. Sincerely, Timot T. Carey Project ager ftzt WIDc COLORADO MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commissioners From: Kerri D. Keithley, Current Planner SUBJECT: AMUSR-248, Varra Co. June 10, 1997 The Department of Planning Services is requesting a continuance of case number AMUSR-248. On May 27, 1997, staff received a letter from the property owner indicating that no gravel lease was executed with the applicant, Varra Co., for the property in question (E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W). Due to the disparity between the applicant and the property owner, Staff is recommending that AMUSR-248 be continued until such time that the Varra Co. submits evidence to the Department of Planning Services and the County Attorneys Office that they have legal right to mine said property. 16 q' -v N'N n - :n�L •' .H P M � 6 . S • • 0 I WI A= • • 6 r IP a • • • • • • • 3? i• J• 1474, • G • a • • • 2• 53 t+N • 1'�/p' . 0 • .• • •• • _ 1Q • o e • v ki- �i a rS rI t r_ rr r 044 a 5 e Qa .._..rzfersia. a rr M 119 • q • 20 66 C o • o AS • I • i 2 _ • • • O G 0 • • trI • • ■ • «IG► t. AND Arti • .y ►- a..1 • r r 3 • 9 t a • a . A SSur • I • • • p 4el• -I u•. • •.• T- • • • • a a • r ma • • o (I. . • • c- `)• _ ... a • a % 1k 5 ub.•s' • I a • Oct a • • 6 WI WC WI szi • fa s •% a I I. 4 N /OIO e • • er. _ 1 r• Q G ! •�AN(� .CpfE• C• —,1 r -t -. J ael JIM 1 9 •I" • sI • u • • R 6AN 27 - 23 26 1 4 a v• a • • rr. ar. _ a -`fir �s •• • o euNr",_ I25 • ' • • o ir I .JsJ •� 34 >> 3• __tom 3• r wAl• RE f a a JaI� 1 • O • " O � r a , • •. t / r • • -4 •2 c� • 7 0 6 • • • • .• • . a Wr—st—Wiltlertr WI •• /• • I • ��.�'••,• • a sat ov • ii 12 r r • • •. • • • tr r. • a - r -zr masa in arrzr an • • • 0 t a •a a • a• WI • • • 5 4 r 4:4• • • i • jri O C J •. wI• • iraar as • • • o g+ T • • t 0 • C 2 4 • •0.0 66. • , . 4 11 • • p• • err r a I; 67 •• 2i Wildco! h/ound - • • • • a-' • r.Sr: rrz4r •v 0,4 M G. • •C .v .• •jy' as 2'. OP • v+LCQELT °C ` SvOv !IJ • • >a •• hi • I T ,0 I •` 4..7 • 5 r A •a . Sa arras as rt as. r< r alas- -jn >a r ri t • • • - 5t N` Z 4 a •• 5 • / i• • • r r rr rep= =an= •etasitan .r• • • 33 L I_ • • • • • sib •iiie a • a • Cr• • a 4r-jrn_, „tn.:sr:flirt. ,..„ • gill We • 9 sh rit a. • .. Jbasinasall.:121alligialaaill 61/.., 4. 1•6 WICILL.: I c, 0 . 1 5 • irranzirrin • • 113 Ir2 -111r1 In Ill • be /9 4 I floe 7 4 34 Mt an Mr art !sr i i 4799 a SURROUNDING PROPERTY OWNERS AND/OR SUBSURFACE ESTATES/INTEREST OWNERS VARRA COMPANIES, INC. AMUSR-248 Nelson, Harold E. & La Verna 11955 Weld County Road 15 Longmont, CO 80504 Pan Energy Field Services, Inc. c/o M.C. Valuations P.O. Box 32189 Fort Worth, TX 76113-3218 Snyder Oil Corporation c/o Ken E. Andrews & Co. P.O. Box 489 Seagoville, TX 75159 Rademacher, Louis J. & Frances J. 13184 Weld County Road 13 Longmont, CO 80501 Acord, Gilbert P. 7541 Weld County Road 26-3/4 Longmont, CO 80501 Timko, Joseph T. Jr. & Judith A. 7095 Weld County Road 26-3/4 Longmont, CO 80501 Owens Bros, Concrete Co. 5550 Sheridan Arvada, CO 80002 Nelson, Robert O. 7497 Weld County Road 26 Longmont, CO 80501 Varra Companies, Inc. 2130 S. 96th Street Broomfield, CO 80020 St. Vrain Sanitation District 515 Kimbark Street, #109 Longmont, CO 80501 Biella, Richard A. & Linda A. 6254 Weld County Road 26 Longmont, CO 80501 French, James M. & Dolores L. 6600 Weld County Road 26 Longmont, CO 80504 Swarts, Thelma Altha 6856 Weld County Road 26 Longmont, CO 80504 Central Weld County Water Disrict 2235 2nd Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 Chase, Jennifer M. 11843 Weld County Road 15 Longmont, CO 80504 Vogl, Richard James & Johnny Edward 7250 Weld County Road 26 Longmont, CO 80504 CERTIFICATE OF MAILING I hereby certify that I have placed a true and correct copy of the surrounding property owners and owners and lessees of minerals in accordance with the notification requirements of Weld County in Case Number AmUSR-248 in the United States Mail, postage prepaid First Class Mail by letter as addressed on the attached list this 7th day of May, 1997. Tammie Pope AFFIDAVIT OF INTEREST OWNERS SURFACE ESTATE Application No. US1 24 8 Subject Property A portion of Parcel # 120931000026 Weld County, Colorado r located predominantly in the EZSE4, Sec. 31, T3N, R67W, 6th P.M. THE UNDERSIGNED, states that to the best of his or her knowledge the attached list is a true and accurate list of the names, addresses, and the corresponding Parcel Identification Number assigned by the Weld County Assessor of the owners of property (the surface estate) within 500 feet of the property being considered. This list was compiled from the records of the Weld County Assessor, or an ownership update from a title or abstract company, or an attorney. The list compiled from the records of the Weld County Assessor was assembled within thirty days of the application's submission. 3. Signature 15 M S 12 NERAL AND IBSERFACE RIGHTS 0931000026 11955 Weld County Road 15 Longmont, CO 80504 ........................................... ASSESSOR'S :PARCEL: 1RENTIFICATION # Nelson, Harold E. & La Verna 120931000026 Pan Energy Field Services, Inc. c/o M.C. Valuations P.O. Box 32189 Fort Worth, TX 76113-3218 120931000026 Snyder Oil Corporation do Ken E. Andrews & Co. UTILITY NOTIFICATION CENTER OF COLORADO LIST OF CONTACTS RE 120931000026 AT & T P.O. Box 489 Seagoville, TX 75159 2535 East 40th Avenue Denver, CO 80205 800 252 1133 120931000026 TELEPHON Kelly Cable 7000 North Broadway Building 4, Unit 400 Denver, CO 80221 303 430 8392 KN Gas Gathering Company 635 North 7th Brighton, CO 80601 323 Denver Avenue Fort Lupton, CO 80621 1855 S. Flatirons Court Boulder, CO 80301-2039 1331 17th Street Denver, CO 80202 303 659 5922 United Power 303 659 0551 U.S. West Communication ATTN: Joel 303 441 7204 Public Service Company 303 571 3733 Patina Oil & Gas 804 Grand Avenue Plattville, CO 80651 P.O. Box 187 Fort Lupton, CO 80621 Drawer G Berthoud, CO 80513 303 939 8585 AMOCO Production 303 894 6630 Little Thompson Water Dist. 970 532 2096 Weld County Department of Engineering Last Chance Ditch Company 933 North 11th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 do Harold E. Nelson 11955 Weld County Road 15 Longmont, CO 80504 11955 Weld County Road 15 Longmont, CO 80504 P.O. Box 32189 Fort Worth, TX 76113-3218 970 356 4000 303 776 2336 Nelson, Harold E. & La Verna 120931000026 Pan Energy Field Services, Inc. do M.C. Valuations 120931000026 Snyder Oil Corporation do Ken E. Andrews & Co. P.O. Box 489 Seagoville, TX 75159 120931000026 Weld County Special Review - USR 248 - Varra Companies, Inc. - Del Camino Pit - Amendment #2 - DMG Permit M74-052. 2 NAMES OF OWNERS OF PROPERTY WITHIN 500 FEET J J J J J NAME ADDRESS TOWN/C TY STATE AND ZIP CODE Sec. 30, Township 3 North, Range 67 West, 6th P.M. Rademacher, Louis J. & Frances J. ASSESSOR`S PARCEL IDENTIFICATIO N# 13184 Weld County Road 13 Longmont, CO 80501 13184 Weld County Road 13 Longmont, CO 80501 7541 Weld County Road 26 3/4 Longmont, CO 80501 120930000040 Rademacher Farms LTD Liability Co. 120930000035 Acord, Gilbert P. 120930000009 Sec. 29, Township 3 North, Range 67 West, 6th P.M. Acord, Gilbert P. 7541 Weld County Road 26 3/4 Longmont, CO 80501 120929000025 Sec. 32, Township 3 North, Range 67 West, 6th P.M. Acord, Gilbert P. 7541 Weld County Road 26 3/4 Longmont, CO 80501 7095 Weld County Road 26 3/4 Longmont, CO 80501 5550 Sheridan Arvada, CO 80002 120932000029 Timko, Joseph T. Jr. & Judith A. 120932000028 Owens Bros. Concrete Co. 120932000027 Nelson, Robert O. 7497 Weld County Road 26 Longmont, CO 80501 120932000032 Sec. 31, Township 3 North, Range 67 West, 6th P.M. Nelson, Harold E. & La Verna 11955 Weld County Road 15 Longmont, CO 80504 2130 South 96th Street Broomfield, CO 80020 120931000026 Varra Companies, Inc. 120931000049 120931000051 Varra, Pasquale & Jacqueline N. 2130 South 96th Street Broomfield, CO 80020 120931000054 St. Vrain Sanitation District 515 Kimbark Street, #109 Longmont, CO 80501 120931000055 Sec. 6, Township 2 North, Range 67 West, 6th P.M. Biella, Richard A & Linda A. 6254 Weld County Road 26 Longmont, CO 80501 6600 Weld County Road 26 Longmont, CO 80504 6856 Weld County Road 26 Longmont, CO 80504 2235 2nd Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 11843 Weld County Road 15 Longmont, CO 80504 131106000060 French, James M. & Dolores L. 131106000024 Swarts, Thelma Altha 131106000055 Central Weld County Water District 131106000054 Chase, Jennifer M. 131106000052 Sec. 5, Township 2 North, Range 67 West, 6th P.M. Vogl, Richard James & Johnny Edward 7250 Weld County Road 26 Longmont, CO 80504 131105000020 Weld County Special Review - USR 248 - Varra Companies, Inc. - Del Camino Pit - Amendment #2 - DMG Permit M74-052. 1 mg c. COLORADO May I 199/ 1O: SURROUNDING PROPERTY/MINERAL OWNERS CASE NUMBER: AmUSR-248 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES PHONE (970) 353-6100, EXT.3540 FAX (970) 352-6312 WELD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 1400 N. 17TH AVENUE GREELEY, COLORADO 80631 There will be a Public Hearing before the Weld County Planning Commission on Tuesday, June 17, 1997, at 1:30 p.m., in the County Commissioners' Hearing Room, First Floor, Weld County Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado concerning the request of: NAME: Varra Companies, Inc. FOR: A Site Specific Development Plan and an Amended Special Review permit for a sand and gravel mining operation in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The E2 SE4 of Section 31, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. LOCATION: West of Weld County Road 15, north of Weld County Road 26 Your property is within five -hundred (500) feet of the property on which this request has been made or you may have an interest in the minerals located under the property. For additional information write or telephone Kerri Keithley, Current Planner. Comments or objections related to the above request should be submitted in writing to the Weld County Department of Planning Services, 1400 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, on or before the date of public hearing. tm 1.O dA -n CD 0 n w CI) CD !97 owner's consent to Varra Companies, Inc.'s ur property is located in the E iz of the gravel lease was executed with Varra want it mined. special use permit review. AFFIDAVIT OF INTEREST OWNERS MINERALS AND SUBSURFACE ESTATE Application No. USR 2 4 8 Subject Property A portion of Parcel # 120931000026 Weld County, Colorado located predomipantly in the EZSE*, Sec. 31, T3N, R67W, 6th P.M. THE UNDERSIGNED, being first duly sworn, states that to the best of his or her knowledge the attached list is a true and accurate list of the names and addresses of all mineral owners and lessees of mineral owners on or under the parcel of land under as their names appear upon the records in the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office or from an ownership update from a title or abstract company or an attorney. 3.�T Signature 13 ricy—TN-1a'? 1 =37 ()APRA [_IINPRNIES I NC:. EE P.R77, SAND & GRAVEL MINING LEASE 1. PARTIES. The parties to this Lease are HAROLD E. NELSON and LAVERNA J. NELSON ("Lessor") and VARRA COMPANIES, INC., a Colorado corporation ("Lessee"). 2. RECITALS AND PURPOSE. The Lessor is the owner of real property in Weld County, Colorado, described on Exhibit A. Lessee operates sand, gravel and associated activities and desires to lease the property described on Exhibit A from the Lessor for the purpose of mining sand, gravel, topsoil and their constituents, and conducting its associated activities. The Lessor desires to lease the property to the Lessee upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. Therefore, the purpose of this Lease is to set forth the terms and conditions of the Lease between the parties. 3. CONSIDERATION. This Lease is executed by the parties for and in consideration of the royalties, terms, covenants, conditions and agree- ments of the other party as herein set forth. Each party agrees that the consideration given is good, valuable and sufficient. 4. LEASED PREMISES. The property subject to this Lease consists of the real property described on Exhibit A, which is hereinafter referred to as the "premises." 5. TERM. The term of this Lease shall be for ten years, beginning on the date hereof and ending on the tenth anniversary. All obligations of the Lessee with respect to the reclamation of the leased premises shall be completed within the term of the Lease. 6. USE AND POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES. The Lessor hereby grants to the Lessee the exclusive right to prospect, mine and remove sand, gravel, topsoil and other minerals art, associated materials from the premises during the term of this Lease. Furthermore, the Lessee shall have the right to conduct related and incidental activities in association with its mining operation. The Lessee shall be entitled to possession of that portion of the leased premises necessary for conducting its mining operations and shall further be permitted to use a reasonable amount of the surface of the property for related activities, including, but not limited to the construction of scale houses and offices, the installation of scales, the maintenance of stockpiles, crushing facilities, screening facilities and washing plants, a concrete batch plant, an asphalt hotmix plant, and equipment parking, maintenance and storage facilities. The Lessee shall not make any use of the property which is contrary to applicable zoning regulations or contrary to the provisions of any permits issued. Lessee's possession of the leased premises is expressly subject to existing roads and ditches and existing oil and gas leases and rights and obligations relating thereto. Lessor agrees to consent to any reasonable rezoning not detrimental to the value of its property. The Lessor reserves the right to use all portions of the leased premises not necessary for the Lessee's activity and the Lessor shall at all times have the right of access to the areas being used by the Lessee for purposes of inspection. In the event the Lessor uses the surface for the 05/30/97 11:08 TX/RX NO.7442 P.003 • MAY -30-1997 12-. 8 VAPPA CCNFNNIES INC. !?E6 6743 P.04 grazing of livestock, the Lessor will be responsible for fencing live- stock out of the area where mining and related operations are taking place and the Lessee will not be responsible for injuries suffered by livestock in the area where mining operations are being conducted. The Lessor shall not engage in any activity, including the running of excessive irrigation water, through or near to Lessee's operations as to unreasonably interfere with Lessee's operations. Upon termination of the Lessee's right to possession of the premises, upon request by the Lessor, the Lessee shall give to the Lessor a quitclaim deed or other appropriate document relinquishing all interest in the leased premises. Any sand and gravel removed from its natural state and stockpiled shall be the property of Lessee, subject to the payment of royalty upon removal from the Property. All material shall be removed within the time for completing reclamation and any material not removed within that time shall be forfeited to the Lessor. Lessee expressly agrees to mine the premises in an orderly fashion, removing all commercially saleable sand and gravel from areas being mined before moving to another area. The Lessor's intent is that the Lessee remove all sand and gravel to its full depth on all property where mining is commenced and not to waste sand or to use it to backfill excavations, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Lessor. 7. ROYALTY. a. As consideration for this Lease, the Lessee agrees to pay to the Lessor a royalty for all sand and gravel (which may include as much topsoil as is necessary to market gravel products and/or to bring sand and gravel products to acceptable specifications) removed from the premises equal to 35 cents per ton. The royalty shall be adjusted upward annually, with the first adjustment to be made on the anniversary of this Lease in 198G, by a percentage which shall be the percentage increase in the Consumer Gravel Index over the previous year. b. The Lessee further agrees to pay to the Lessor a royalty of 25% of the proceeds of all gold or other precious metals, sold from the premises, provided, however, that the Lessee shall be under no obligation to conduct any special activities for the recovery of precious metals. c. Topsoil, other than that required to market gravel products and/or to bring sand and gravel to acceptable specifications, shall be sold only with Lessor's prior consent and the Lessor shall be paid a royalty of 10Z of the sales price. d. Royalties for sand and gravel shall be due and payable in arrears on or before the 10th day of the second month after the sand and gravel removed from the premiseshas been sold (for example, the royalty for sand and gravel removed from the premises sold in January shall be due and payable on or before March 10). The amount of material removed shall be based upon weight and Lessee shall weigh all material removed from the premises. In order to permit the Lessor to verify the amount of material removed, the Lessee's 2 05/30/97 11:08 TX/RX NO.7442 P.004 • T1AY-30-1997 12=3S UAP°P COMPANIES INC. 666 5743 P.O3 books and records relating to its activities under this Lease shall be open to inspection by the Lessor, or its representatives,at all reasonable times provided that the inspection shall be conducted at the Lessor's sole expense and shall not unreasonably interfere with the Lessee's ongoing business activities. If an inspection of the Lessee's books and records shows that prior royalty payments were inaccurate, adjustments and payments shallr, a made by the Lessor or the Lessee, as the case may be, within 6j0i ys after the review of the Lessee's books and records or afte' eceipt of such survey to correct royalty payments. e. Royalties for precious metals or other materials removed from the premises shall be paid as sales occur. f. The Lessee shall pay, as advance royalty, the sum of $10,000.00 simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement. The advance royalty shall be credited against royalties in excess of $17,500,00 due annually. In the event the mining permits are denied, the advance royalty previously paid shall be refunded to the Lessee. g. The Lessee further guarantees minimum royalties of $12,000.00 for each year during the term of this Lease (years will consist of 12 calendar months beginning on the date of this Lease issued and on each anniversary thereafter;. If, at the end of any year, royalties paid to the Lessor, including advance royalties credited, are less than the minimum royalty, Lessee shall pay the difference to the Lessor with the following month's royalty payment. h. Lessee shall be entitled to sell and remove from the premises all sand and gravel for which royalties have been paid without payment of additional royalties and without affecting royalty rates for subsequent years. For example, if in year one following issuance of permits, the Lessee sells and removes less gravel than he is entitled to remove based upon the $1.10700.00 minimum royalty, the Lessee shall be entitled to sell and remove thes remainder of the material to which it is entitled by virtue of having paid the minimum royalty, in subsequent years without additional royalties being due and the material previously paid for shall not be considered as production during the subsequent year. 8. PERMITS. The Lessee agrees to apply for all permits necessary to obtain legal permission to conduct its operations and shall submit applications for permits to Weld County and the State of Colorado within 120 days after the signing of this Lease. Thereafter, the Lessee agrees to pursue the approval of such applications with reasonable diligence. Lessor shall cooperate in all efforts to obtain permits. All costs relating to the application shall be paid by the Lessee. All information gathered and work product developed by the Lessee shall be available for review and inspection by the Lessor. 9. RECLAMATION OF AREA TO BE MINED. As part of the permit process described in the preceding paragraph, the Lessee will be required to prepare a plan of reclamation for the area to be mined. The Lessee agrees to consult with the Lessor in the preparation of the reclamation 3 05/30/97 11:08 TX/RX NO.7442 P.005 • MAY -30-1997 12:Z,9 t:!RRRA (_[MPRN I EE INC. Ged; x_=.743 P.05 plan and, to the extent economically practical, to incorporate features in the plan desired by the Lessor. The Lessor may not unreasonably reject the plan but may req. re reasonable alterations in the plan so long as the alterations t�f qt increase the cost to the Lessee of carrying out the plan. If th 'Lessor rejects the plan as submitted, the Lessee may promptly rescind this Agreement or submit further plans. If the rejection was unreasonable and, therefore, in violation of this Lease, the Lessee may also pursue such other remedies as may be available to it. The reclamation plan agreed upon by the parties, and as finally approved by the various regulatory agencies reviewing it during the permit process (and the Lessor agrees to consent to the reasonable alterations required by such agencies) shall be signed by the parties and shall thereafter be complied with by the Lessee and at the Lessee's expense. The reclamation of the property shall be completed in accor- dance with the reclamation plan within one year from the date of comple- tion of mining. 10. WATER RIGHTS. The Lessor will provide any ditch or water rights which are required to compensate other water users for the effect of the mining operation or reclamation plan upon water rights of others. The Lessee will not be responsible to the Lessor, or its tenants, successors or assigns, for any injury to land, livestock or crops resulting from a lowering of the water table during mining operations or thereafter. The Lessor further agrees to provide reasonable quantities of raw water, when available, as needed for Lessee's processing activities and for dust control. 11. INSURANCE. At all times that Lessee is in possession of the premises, it will maintain in force a public liability and property damage insurance policy naming the Lessor as an insured and having limits of not less than $1,000,000.00 per accident for personal injury and $500,000.00 property damage. 12. MERCHANTABLE TITLE. The Lessor agrees to furnish an abstract of title, certified to date, or a title insurance commitment showing that the Lessor has good and merchantable title to the sand and gravel in, on and under the premises, and the right to allow the Lessee to mine it. The Lessor further agrees to obtain the consent of lienholders, if such consent is determined by Lessee to be required. The abstract, if furnished by the Lessor, shall remain the property of the Lessor, but will be made available to the Lessee at any time and from time to time during the term of this Lease. 13. ACCESS TO THE PREMISES. The Lessee shall have the right to use all existing roads and railroad crossings for access to the premises. The Lessor agrees to obtain written approval of other persons entitled to use these roads or railroad crossings for the Lessee's use. 14. INDEMNITY AGAINST CLAIMS OF OTHERS. The Lessee shall fully indem- nify and hold the Lessor harmless from any demand, claim or cause of action for personal injury, death or property damage brought against the Lessor by a person or entity not a party hereto and not a successor, assignee, grantee, employee or tenant of the Lessor, arising out of or connected with any operations or activities conducted or performed 4 05/30/97 11:08 TX/RX NO.7442 P.006 • MAY-.7Ei-1997 12:,-.39 l!APP'A COMPANIES INC :. E5 x5743 P.07 hereunder by the Lessee or its successors, tenants, agents, employees, or assigns. As an aid to understanding the foregoing language, it is stated that the indemnity is not intended to protect the Lessor or the Lessor's successors, assigns, grantees, employees or tenants from the consequences of the mining operations contemplated herein, but rather is intended to protect the Lessor against litigation and claims brought by unrelated parties and arising out of those operations. The obligation to indemnify shall not include payment of the Lessor's attorneys' fees to long as the Lessee provides competent counsel to represent the Lessor in the action. The Lessee shall have full control of any litigation covered by the indemnity, with right to settle or compromise, and the Lessor shall cooperate fully in any such litigation, settlement or compromise. The Lessor shall give the Lessee written notice of the assertion against the Lessor of any matter covered by the indemnity, promptly after such assertion is first made. Nothing in this paragraph shall diminish the Lessor's express obligations contained under other paragraphs of this Lease. 15, TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS. The Lessor shall be responsible for the payment of all real property taxes and assessments levied during the term hereof and for all assessments on ditch and water rights associated with the premises. The Lessee shall pay, before they become delinquent, all taxes and assessments levied against personal property owned or leased by it, all sales or inventory taxes and all payroll taxes relating to its operations on the premises. 16. NOTICES. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given for all purposes if sent by certified or registered mail, postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the party to whom such notice is intended to be given at the address set forth below, or at such other address as has been previously furnished in writing, to the other party or parties. Such notice shall be deemed to have been given when deposited in the U.S. Mail. 17. INTEGRATION AND AMENDMENT. The parties agree that this Agreement represents the entire agreement between them and that there are no oral or collateral agreements or understandings of any kind or character whatsoever except those set forth herein. Neither this Agreement nor any term or provision hereof, may be changed, waived, discharged or termin- ated orally, or in any manner other than by instrument in writing signed by the parties. In the event that any term or provision of this Agree- ment shall be held invalid or unenforceable, no other provision of this Agreement shall be affected by such holding, and all of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. 18. BINDING EFFECT AND ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the parties, and their respective legal representatives, successors and assigns. The Lessee shall have the right to assign this Lease provided, however, that no assignment shall relieve the Lessee of its obligations hereunder. 5 05/30/97 11:08 TX/RX NO.7442 P.007 • MAY -30-1997 12:40 l?ARPA COMPANIES INC. 666 6?4C F'. O8 DATED: LESSEE: VARRA COMPANIES, INC., a Colorado corporation STATE OF COLORADO ) ) ss. COUNTY OF BOULDER ) LESSOR: Harold E. Nelso cl LaVerna J. Nelson • ' Subscribed and rn tobefore me this /3. day of 4 '. ' 19 ; as President Va by of aril. Com- pan s, Inc; 5� O1 � � 1��`f7'`'''r i Witness my hand end official seal. My commission expires:MMMY l.Giii^isslr1 Expsres Feb- No r uba. Tic ' ! _ STATE OF COLORADO ) ) ss. COUNTY OF BOULDER ) Subscribed and sworn to before me this Al day of 19 , by Harold E. Nelson and LaVerna J. Nelson. Witness my hand and official seal. My commission expires: t c;,v--1,111's Expires Fed. 1, 1989 WHG:mj 6 05/30/97 11:08 TX/RX NO.7442 P.008 • MAY -30-1997 12:40 I?APPA COMPANIES INC MINING LEASE EEE 5743 P.in NAME AND ADDRESS OF LESSOR HAROLD & LAVERNA J. NELSON 11955 WELD COUNTY ROAD #15 LONGMONT, COLORADO 80501 NAME AND ADDRESS OF LESSEE VARRA COMPANIES, INC. A COLORADO CORPORATION 2130 SOUTH 96TH STREET BROOMFIELD, COLORADO 80020 AMENDMENT TO ITEM #5 (TERM OF LEASE) This agreement for good and sufficient consideration by which the original Agreement of the parties is being amended to provide for an extension of term of original lease which is February 13, 1985 thru February 12, 1995 a period of ten years. Lessee requests an additional term of ten years extending from February 13, 1995 thru February 12, 2005. By signatures of Lessor & Lessee this extension is consummated. All other terms and conditions shall remain the same as set forth in the original Sand & Gravel Mining Lease. fYY DATED: p[��...f� �. f' , 1989 LESSEE VARRA COMPANIES, INC., a Colorado Corporation STATE OF COLORADO } )ss. COUNTY OF BOULDER Subscribed and sworn to before me this fks 1989, by C. VAR_R. ✓- as President of Witness my hand and official seal. My commission expires: / 2/cr7/9ID— STATE OF COLORADO COUNTY OF BOULDER ) )ss. LESSOR: HAROLD E. NELSON LAVERNA J. NELSON, day of L -G J6 < Varra Companies, Inc. Notary Publ Q9-] Subscribed and sworn to before me this .40 day of Abel 1989, by Harold E. Nelson and LaVerna J. Nelson. Witness my hand and official seal. My commission expires: ._ - /e7 XII Notary rubl i c JL a&r.C-L_ TOTAL P.1O 05/30/97 11:08 TX/RX NO.7442 P.010 • Hello