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Home My WebLink About20251298.tiffMEMORANDUM TO: Maxwell Nader, Planning Services FROM: Mike McRoberts, P.E., Development Review DATE: February 26, 2025 SUBJECT: USR25-0002 Sweet Valley Pit The proposal has been reviewed by Development Review on behalf of the Weld County Department of Public Works and the Department of Planning and Zoning. Staff comments made during this phase of the application process may not be all-inclusive, as other issues may arise during the remaining application process. COMMENTS GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION/LOCATION Project description: A Use by Special Review Permit for Open Mining and Processing of Minerals (Sand & Gravel Mining) in the A (Agricultural) Zoned District (Sweet Valley Pit). Parcel numbers: 105730100039 & 105730100042. ACCESS According to the application materials, access to the site will be on County Road 40 at a location approximately 1,300 feet east of County Road 25 %. The site currently has a temporary access permit (TAP 24-0016) that was approved by Weld County for the construction of a slurry wall. A temporary access road running along the Meining Cattle Company's east property line will be leased from the company for access the site from County Road 40. Per Section 8-14-30.B.3., an Access Permit is required for changing the use or type of traffic of any existing access location. Please refer to Chapter 8 of the Weld County Code for more information regarding access. ROADS AND RIGHTS -OF -WAY County Road 25 1/2 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code Ordinance 2017-01) as a local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way. The applicant shall delineate and label on the USR map the future and existing right-of-way (along with the documents creating the existing right-of-way) and the physical location of the road. If the right-of-way cannot be verified it shall be dedicated. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld County Code, Section 23-1- 90, the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line. Be aware that physical roadways may not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County. County Road 40 is a gravel road west of the project access point and a paved road east of the access point. It is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code Ordinance 2017-01) as a local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way. The applicant shall delineate and label on the USR map the existing right-of-way (along with its creating documents) and the physical location of the road. If the right- of-way cannot be verified it shall be dedicated. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld County Code, Section 23-1- 90, the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line. Be aware that physical roadways may not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County. County Road 42 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code Ordinance 2017-01) as a local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way. The applicant shall delineate and label on the USR map the future and existing right-of-way (along with the documents creating the existing right-of-way) and the physical location of the road. If the right-of-way cannot be verified it shall be dedicated. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld County Code, Section 23-1- 90, the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line. Be aware that physical roadways may not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has jurisdiction over all accesses to state highways. Please contact Rose Valdes at the Greeley office (970-939-2440) to verify the access permit or for any additional requirements that may be needed. (State Highway 60) Per Chapter 8, Article 13, Section 8-13-30.B, a Weld County Right -of -Way Use Permit is required for any project that will be occupying, constructing, or excavating facilities within, and or encroaching upon, any County rights -of -way or easement. Right -of -Way Use Permit instructions and application can be found at: https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Permits/Right-of-Way-Permits. Weld County will not replace overlapping easements located within existing right-of-way or pay to relocate existing utilities within the County right-of-way. TRAFFIC Latest ADT on County Road 40 west of the site access counted 243 vpd percentile speed of 51 mph. Latest ADT on County Road 40 east of the site access counted 363 vpd percentile speed of 41 mph. Table 2 below (taken from the applicant's April 24, 2024, Meining Farm Pit Impact Study) shows the expected trips generate by the project. Table 2. Trip Generation Estimate with 25% trucks and an 85th with 26% trucks and an 85th — Permanent Scenario Traffic quarry' Passenger Vehicles Dump Truck (Less than 40') Semi Truck and Trailer (Longer than 40') Total Daily Trips Total In Out 20 Daily Passenger Car Equivalents Inbound Passenger Trucks a40' Trucks 40' Total Car 20 20 Outbound Passenger' Trucks a 40' Trucks } 40' Car 20 Total 20 b0 30 30 60 60 60 60 2a0 120 120 360 360 60 340 170 170 20 60 40 20 60 360 According to Table 1 of the foregoing Traffic Impact Study, the project will impact the following roads as shown below: • State Highway 60 north of County Road 40 - 100 daily trips • State Highway 60 south of County Road 40 - 240 daily trips • County Road 40 west of State Highway 60 - 340 daily trips TRACKING CONTROL Tracking control is required to prevent tracking from the site onto public roadways. For access to paved roads, tracking control devices can be double cattle guards with 100 feet of asphalt or 300 feet of asphalt. Recycled concrete is not allowed in County right-of-way. IMPROVEMENTS AND ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH UPFRONT IMPROVEMENTS Development Review is requesting an Improvements and Road Maintenance Agreement for dust control, damage repairs to specified haul routes, and upfront off -site improvements. The off -site improvements are for the construction of a westbound right turn deceleration lane at the site's County Road 40 access. The applicant has submitted a variance request (to reduce the length of the turn lane from the required 435 feet to 349 feet) in compliance with Chapter 12 of the Weld County Engineering and Construction Criteria manual. The variance request has been approved by the County. An example Improvements and Road Maintenance Agreement is available at: https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Planning-and-Zoning/I mprovements-Agreements The agreement will detail the approved haul route(s), outline the required upfront off -site improvements, designate when other off -site improvements may be triggered, and include a maintenance agreement for the haul routes. DRAINAGE REQUIREMENTS This area is within a Non -urbanizing Drainage Area. Non -urbanizing Drainage Areas typically require detention of stormwater runoff from the 1 -hour, 100 -year storm event falling on the developed site and release of the detained water at the historic runoff rate of the 1 -hour, 10 -year storm event falling on the undeveloped site having a 2% impervious value. In compliance with Section 8-11-45.B.6., of the Weld County Code, the applicant has submitted a Drainage Narrative meeting the requirements for an exception to stormwater detention. The qualifying exception (Exception 6) reads, "Gravel pits if the stormwater drains into the gravel pit. Releases from the site shall comply with the Weld County Engineering and Construction Criteria, including dewatering. Topographical information shall be provided." The applicant has submitted the required topographic information along with other supporting documents. No additional drainage information is required. Historic Flows: The applicants will be required to maintain the historic drainage flows and run-off amounts that exist on the property. GRADING PERMIT If more than one (1) acre of land is to be disturbed for construction of non -gravel pit items such as structures, parking lots, laydown yards, etc., a Weld County grading permit will be required prior to the start of construction. Grading Permit applications are accepted after the planning process is complete (map recorded). An Early Release Request Form may be entertained only after the applicant, Public Works and Planning Department have reviewed the referral and surrounding property owner comments. The Early Release Request may or may not be granted depending on referral comments and surrounding property owner concerns. Contact Development Review for more information. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL A. An Improvements and Road Maintenance Agreement is required for upfront off -site improvements for this site. Road maintenance includes, but is not limited to, dust control and damage repair to specified haul routes. The Agreement shall include provisions addressing engineering requirements, submission of collateral, and testing and approval of completed improvements. Upfront off -site improvements for this project shall include the construction of a westbound right turn deceleration lane at the site's access point on County Road 40. (Development Review) B. The applicant shall submit a recorded copy of a lease agreement (for an access easement) with the Meining Cattle Company allowing the applicant to use a temporary access road running from County Road 40 north to the southern site's access point. The agreement/easement shall be referenced on the USR map by the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Reception number. (Development Review) C. The USR map shall be amended to delineate the following: 1. County Road 25 1/2 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map as a local road which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall delineate and label on the USR map the existing right-of-way (along with its creating documents) and the physical location of the road. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of right-of- way. This road is maintained by Weld County. (Development Review) 2. County Road 40 is a gravel road west of the County Road 40 access point and is a paved road east of the County Road 40 access point. This section of County Road 40 is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map as a local road which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall delineate and label on the USR map the existing right-of-way (along with its creating documents) and the physical location of the road. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County. (Development Review) 3. County Road 42 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map as a local road which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall delineate and label on the USR map the existing right-of-way (along with its creating documents) and the physical location of the road. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of right-of- way. This road is maintained by Weld County. (Development Review) 4. Show the approved Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) State Highway 60 access and label with the approved access permit number if applicable. (Development Review) 5. Show and label the approved access location, approved access width and the appropriate turning radii (65'). (Development Review) 6. Show and label the access easement and access road across the Meining Cattle Company's property. (Development Review) 7. Show and label the approved tracking control. (Development Review) 8. Show and label the entrance gate if applicable. An access approach that is gated shall be designed so that the longest vehicle (including trailers) using the access can completely clear the traveled way when the gate is closed. In no event, shall the distance from the gate to the edge of the traveled surface be less than 35 feet. (Development Review) 9. Show and label the drainage flow arrows. (Development Review) 10. Show and label the parking and traffic circulation flow arrows showing how the traffic moves around the property. (Development Review) Prior to Construction: A. A Right-of-way Use Permit shall be acquired. (Development Review) B. The applicant must obtain a permanent access permit in the approved temporary access permit location. (Development Review) C. The approved access and tracking control shall be constructed prior to on -site construction. (Development Review) D. If more than one (1) acre is to be disturbed for non -mining items such as structures, parking lots, Iaydown yards, etc., a Weld County Grading Permit will be required. (Development Review) E. Overweight and/or oversized special transport permits from the Department of Public Works shall be acquired for all applicable trucks. (Development Review) DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (NOTES ON THE USR MAP) 1. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for controlling noxious weeds on the site, pursuant to Chapter 15, Article I and II, of the Weld County Code. (Development Review) 2. The access to the site shall be maintained to mitigate any impacts to the public road, including damages and/or off -site tracking. (Development Review) 3. There shall be no parking or staging of vehicles on public roads. On -site parking shall be utilized. (Development Review) 4. Any work that may occupy and or encroach upon any County rights -of -way or easement shall acquire an approved Right -of -Way Use Permit prior to commencement. (Development Review) 5. The Property Owner shall comply with all requirements provided in the executed Improvements and Road Maintenance Agreement. (Development Review) 6. The Improvements and Road Maintenance Agreement for this site may be reviewed on an annual basis, including a site visit and possible updates. (Development Review) 7. The historical flow patterns and runoff amounts will be maintained on the site in such a manner that it will reasonably preserve the natural character of the area and prevent property damage of the type generally attributed to runoff rate and velocity increases, diversions, concentration and/or unplanned ponding of stormwater runoff. (Development Review) 8. Weld County is not responsible for the maintenance of on -site drainage related features. (Development Review) Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment Memorandum To: Max Nader, Planning Services From: Lauren Light, Environmental Health Services Date: February 14, 2025 Re: USR25-0002 Applicant: Central Colorado Water Conservancy District Environmental Health Services has reviewed this Site -Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review for Open Mining and Processing of Minerals (Sand & Gravel Mining) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. As open mining is considered a temporary use, portable toilets and bottled water are deemed acceptable for sanitary purposes at the mining operation. The existing residence is provided with water by Central Weld County Water District and has an on -site wastewater treatment system (SE - 0100074). Noise levels are restricted to those allowed in the industrial zone, with measurements taken 25 feet from the property line. The permissible industrial noise limit is 80 dBA during the day and 75 dBA at night. The application includes a noise modeling plan from Wave Engineering, which confirms that the noise levels at the property boundary can meet these limits. The report concludes: "As designed, the worst -case predicted sound levels adhere to the Weld County Industrial noise limit at the property boundary. However, the Residential and Commercial limit is not met at some points along the boundary, though it is within limits at all surrounding homes and commercial properties. As the pit is developed and mining equipment moves below the surface, sound levels will decrease further below the limit." Adherence to the noise modeling plan is required as part of the development standards. Dust control will be managed with a water truck, and an Air Emission Permit (APEN) from the State will be obtained to cover dust control for mining operations, haul roads, and processing equipment. Waste material will be stored in a dumpster, which will be emptied weekly. A 1,000 -gallon fuel storage tank with secondary containment will also be on -site. 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 Phone: (970) 304-6410 weldhealth.org Public Health Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment Environmental Health Services recommends that the following requirements be incorporated into the permit as development standards: 1. All liquid and solid wastes (as defined in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S.) shall be stored and removed for final disposal in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater contamination. 2. No permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site. This is not meant to include those wastes specifically excluded from the definition of a solid waste in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S 3. Waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed in a manner that controls fugitive dust, fugitive particulate emissions, blowing debris, and other potential nuisance conditions. The facility shall operate in accordance with Chapter 14, Article 1 of the Weld County Code. The facility shall be operated in accordance with the accepted "waste handling plan", at all times. 4. Fugitive dust should attempt to be confined on the property. Uses on the property shall comply with the Colorado Air Quality Commission's air quality regulations. The facility shall be operated in accordance with the accepted "dust abatement plan", at all times. 5. The operation shall submit an Air Pollution Emission Notice (A.P.E.N.) and Emissions Permit Application and obtain permits from the Air Pollution Control Division, Colorado Department of Public Health, and Environment, as applicable. 6. The facility shall adhere to the maximum permissible noise levels allowed in the Industrial Zone as delineated in 25-12-103 C.R.S. The facility shall operate in accordance with the accepted noise modeling plan. 7. The operation shall remove, handle, and stockpile overburden, sand, soil, and gravel from the facility area in a manner that prevents nuisance conditions. 8. Adequate drinking, handwashing and toilet facilities shall be provided for employees and patrons of the facility, at all times. Portable toilets and bottled water are acceptable. Records of maintenance and proper disposal for portable toilets shall be retained on a quarterly basis and available for review by the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. Portable toilets shall be serviced by a cleaner licensed in Weld County and shall contain hand sanitizers, 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 Phone: (970) 304-6410 weldhealth.org Public Health Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment contain hand sanitizers, and be screened from existing adjacent residential properties and public rights -of -way. 9. Any On -Site Wastewater Treatment System located on the property must comply with all provisions of the Weld County Code, pertaining to On -Site Wastewater Treatment Systems. 10.Any vehicle or equipment washing areas shall capture all effluent and prevent discharges in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Water Quality Control Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency. 12.A Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPH&E), Water Quality Control Division, shall be obtained as applicable. 13. The facility shall comply with all provisions of the State Underground and Above Ground Storage Tank Regulations, as applicable. 14. A current PE certified and signed copy Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan shall be available on site, as required. 15.All chemicals must be handled in a safe manner in accordance with product labeling. All chemicals must be stored secure, on an impervious surface, and in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. 16. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety. 17.The operation shall comply with the Mine Safety and Health Act (MSHA). 18. The facility shall notify the County of any revocation and/or suspension of any State issued permit. 19. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of State and Federal agencies and the Weld County Code. 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 Phone: (970) 304-6410 weldhealth.org Public Health Weld County Referral January 27, 2025 Submit by Email The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: Applicant: Central Colorado Water Conservancy District Case Number: USR25-0002 Please Reply By: February 24, 2025 Planner: Maxwell Nader Project: A Use by Special Review Permit for Open Mining and Processing of Minerals (Sand & Gravel Mining) in the A (Agricultural) Zoned District (Sweet Valley Pit). Parcel Number: 105730100039-R1751502 Legal: LOT A REC EXEMPT RE -3144; PART OF THE NE4 SECTION 30, T4N, R66W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Parcel Number: 105730100042-R8977674 Legal: PART OF THE NE4 SECTION 30, T4N, R66W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Location: West of and adjacent to State Highway 60; south of and adjacent to CR 42. The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with the request. Please note that new information may be added to applications under review during the review process. If you desire to examine or obtain this additional information, please call the Department of Planning Services. T We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan because: We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. See attached letter. Signature c5'd.414, Agency Weld County Oil & Gas Energy Dept. Date 2/3/2025 Weld County Planning Dept. PO Box 758, Greeley, CO 80632 Tel:(970)-400-6100 Fax:(970)-304-6498 Weld County Oil & Gas Energy Department Referral Comments Referring Agency: Weld County Planning Dept. Reference Number: USR25-0002 Associated Parcel: 105730100042; 105730100039 OGED Reviewer: Tyler Seno Review Date: 2/3/2025 The Staff of the Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department (OGED) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the captioned planning case. Staff has completed review of the proposal and have included additional comments and requested conditions below: 1. There are no active 1041 WOGLA Permit on the associated parcels. There are several oil and gas well sites and pipelines on and in the area surrounding the parcel. 2. The parcel(s) includes one (1) active oil and gas wells listed in Table 1 below. OGED requests that the Applicant coordinate operations in proximity to existing wells and production facilities with the operator(s) of this well. OGED further requests the Applicant identify any buried infrastructure associated with the oil and gas wells such as pipelines or flow lines. API Operator Well Title Well Status 05-123-24311 PDC Energy Inc Meining #1-30B SI 3. The parcel includes five (5) plugged and abandoned (PA) wells listed in Table 2 below. Additional information regarding the plugged and abandoned wells is available from the Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC). OGED recommends that the Applicant review this information and contact the responsible operator regarding well infrastructure that may have been abandoned in place prior to conducting operations in proximity to the wells. API Operator Well Title Well Status 05-123-12066 PDC Energy Inc Meining #1 PA 05-123-20297 PDC Energy Inc Lauren #1 PA 05-123-24393 PDC Energy Inc Meining #5 PA 05-123-12362 PDC Energy Inc Meining #2 PA 05-123-14356 PDC Energy Inc Meining #41-30 PA 4. Condition to Locate Subsurface Utilities. Mr. Cavanagh, the Director of the Oil and Gas Energy Department indicates that, for safety concerns, all the subsurface utilities, including but not limited to, all oil and gas pipelines, flowlines etc. should be located. The Condition asks for an ALTA survey map to be provided to Weld County prior to construction, for review and approval before construction proceeds. 5. Condition for Crossing Agreement: According to the Weld County Property Portal and Applicant's Draft USR Maps, there are three (3) gas pipelines traversing the subject property. Based on Applicant submitted maps, it appears that Applicant plans to place improvements over the pipelines. For safety purposes, OGED requests a condition for Applicant to obtain a crossing agreement with the owners of the respective pipelines. These comments and recommendations are based upon the review of the application materials submitted by the applicant and other relevant information available on the E -Permit site. From: Valdes - CDOT, Rose To: Maxwell Nader Cc: timothy.bilobran@state.co.us Subject: Re: Referral Agency Email Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 4:33:42 PM This Message Is From an External Sender This email was sent by someone outside Weld County Government. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good Afternoon Maxwell. Thank you for sending CDOT this referral. Please see CDOT comments below. Self-Governance/Regulation. It has been CDOT's experience that self -regulation of traffic volume is not a reliable method of traffic control, as it conflicts with business profitability where the incentive to limit traffic volumes is secondary to business needs. Self -governance is not a concept provided for within the State Highway Access Code or the ITE Manual or Handbook as a methodology for the adjustment of projected traffic. Self-governance/regulation should not be factored into TIS details. • If this was a factor in Peak Hour totals, please revise them. CDOT would like help understanding the variance between Table 5., Table 2. and the Figures. It appears that the turning movements which are part of the auxiliary lane evaluation are not in PCE. Table 5. Auxiliary Lane Evaluation at SH 40 / WCR 40 (6:00 AM to 7:00 PM) Total Daily Hwy turning movements = 484 (ingress and egress total) Table 2. Trip Generation Estimate Total Daily PCE = 1,128 (ingress and egress total) • Please increase the turning movements to include PCE conversion • Reevaluate Auxiliary Lane requirements Figures • Many of the figures have zeros for turning movements. • The highway turning numbers in the various "scenarios" do not align with Table 5. Numbers. Rose Valdes Assistant Access Manager 10601 West 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80634 Rose.Valdes@state.co.us I http://codot.gov/ Office Phone (970) 939-2440 www.cotrip.or On Mon, Jan 27, 2025 at 11:03 AM noreply@weld.gov <noreply@weld.gov> wrote: The Weld County Planning Department has received a Planning Use By Special Review application, case # USR25-0002, in which your agency may have an interest. Planning staff requests you review the application materials, and return the Referral Form to Maxwell Nader by the date specified on the Referral Form attached in the online permitting center. To view application materials, visit https://aca-prod.accela.com/WELD/Default.aspx or navigate to weldgov.com > departments > planning and zoning > online e -permitting. Then, * Click on "Planning" tab on the menu bar * Under General Search, type case# USR25-0002, into the Record Number box and search * Click on the "Record Info" arrow drop -down menu * Click on "Attachments" to review the application materials If you have any questions, please contact your assigned planner: Maxwell Nader at 970-400- 6100 Thank you, Maxwell Nader 1402 North 17th Ave Greeley, CO 80631 970-400-6100 mnader@weld.gov STATE OF COLORADO Referral comments M2024015 Hamous-Miller - DNR, Lexi <lexi.hamous-miller@state.co.us> Hamous-Miller - DNR, Lexi <lexi.hamous-miller@state.co.us> To: Brock Bowles - DNR <brock.bowles@state.co.us> Cc: Michael Grooms - DNR <michael.grooms@state.co.us> Hi Brock, I wanted to reach out about a referral request we received for M2024015. After review of the project, CPW has the following recommendations: RECOMMENDATIONS: Fri, May 3, 2024 at 10:52 AM Fencing CPW is concerned for the safety of Mule deer and White-tailed deer in the area for the proposed project. CPW recommends that if fencing (project perimeter or internal) is erected, either during or after the project, it should be the type that would allow the free passage of wildlife. Fencing plans should avoid the use of woven wire type fences that will trap or prevent the movement of wildlife. CPW recommends using three or four -strand smooth -wire fencing with a bottom strand height of 17 inches above ground level and a maximum top strand height of 42 inches above ground level, along with the installation of double stays between posts. CPW's "Fencing with Wildlife in Mind" brochure. Noxious Weeds and Native Re -seeding Also of importance to CPW is the revegetation of disturbed soils and the control of noxious weed species through the development of a noxious weed management plan prior to initiating construction activities. The revegetation of disturbed areas and control of invasive weed species are important components of the project and it is critically important that the site be restored back to the native plant community that currently exists on site. CPW prefers that native vegetation be retained on -site during the operational lifespan of the project, both as potential habitat for wildlife and to ensure successful reclamation of the project area, as noxious weeds could spread to adjacent habitats outside the project area. Wildlife Escape Ramps During open pit or open trench mining operations, CPW recommends backfilling escape ramps in areas where steep slopes occur. Escape ramps will allow wildlife to safely exit an open pit or trench if they become entrapped. Retention ponds Ponds created by reclamation efforts could potentially have significant value to wildlife. To maximize this benefit, CPW recommends that ponds be designed to include irregular shorelines and one or more islands to provide cover, shelter, and nesting areas for migratory birds. Islands should be at least 15' x 25' in size for every two surface acres of water in the pond. Shoreline and island slopes should be graded to a ratio of 4 horizontal feet to every 1 vertical foot of distance, with some areas having slopes no steeper than 8 horizontal feet to every 1 vertical foot of distance. Such shallow areas will allow for the establishment of a variety of aquatic vegetation and invertebrate prey for waterfowl and shorebirds. Shorelines should be re -vegetated with native aquatic vegetation. In the future, can you send all DRMS requests in the NE to me so I can make sure they are taken care of in a timely manner, we received this one later than expected because it was not sent to the correct person. I made a request last year to have all requests sent to me but this one must have slipped through the cracks. Please let me know if you have any questions and I would be happy to answer them. -Stay Wild, Lexi Hamous, MS (She/Her) Northeast Region Land Use Coordinator Colorado Parks and Wildlife LIVE LIFE OUTSIDE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 303-916-2987 Lexi.Hamous-Miller@state.co.us CPW's Energy Webpage ©©O You ez Hello