HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.27 Phasing narrative and graphics Appendix QWSA -BLUE PIT EXPANSION 2012
[Appendix Q]
PHASING NARRATIVE AND
GRAPHICS
DESCRIPTION /DETAILS: This section provides information
pertaining to the phasing of the Blue Pit with respect to the phasing
of the recently approved Cerise Mine next door.
THIS SECTION INCLUDES:
• This information is from the Technical Completion Process
Exhibit N: Phasing Graphic Narrative
Existing Conditions
The existing Blue Pit is located approximately 2.5 miles east of Carbondale, CO on Highway 82. The Blue
Pit is separated from the Roaring Fork River Valley by an 80' tall natural slope which remains after
removing the .gravel from an elevated alluvial terrace. The site has been mined since 1981 under the
state Reclamation Permit # M- 1981 -207. Western Slope Aggregate has operated the 82.70 acre site
since 1991. Approximately 21 acres remain to be mined of the existing site. Table N -1 illustrates the
relative tonnages of each phase. Over the 36 months after an approval is granted, 140 trees will be
planted in conjunction with a 5' tall berrn just inside the Northern permit boundary. This will provide a
visual buffer that will have ample time to grow and become even more affective as time goes on.
81.29
6,167, 000
15.4
25.58 5,570,000
13.9
3
20.74 3,978,000
9.9
4
8.62 2,654,000
6.6
The timeline stated is based on approximately 400,000 Tons a year in
sales. Market conditions will impact this estimate.
It is anticipated that over the next few years, Lafarge will commence the construction of the
improvements documented in their application such as: construction of the entry road, stripping of 20,
to 30 acres, construction of ISM systems and construction of the large . berms that border the North side
of the Mining permit. It is the opinion of the applicant that during these activities the greatest amount
of dust and disturbance is anticipated as the stripping operations cover a large surface area, a large
quantity of material will need to be handled, conditioned and moved, and the berms are to be
constructed relatively near the Southern most neighboring residences.
Phase 1
Phase 1 consists primarily of the existing 1981 permit with minimal additional expansion area. The
expansion area is required to provide additional overburden material for the continuous reclamation of
the Southern slope which commences when the pit face reaches the existing location of the Basin Ditch.
The existing location of the screening spread and the cone crusher will remain in this area in order shield
it from view as well as mitigate noise, dust and vibration.. The space requirement for keeping the
equipment .where it is precludes the applicant from performing reclamation activities any further East of
the Basin Ditch., During Phase 1 the Basin ditch will also be relocated to the Western border of the Blue
ranch in order to provide a future un- interrupted flow as required. As outlined in Table N -1, Phase 1
Exhibit 2 -N Phasing Study
Page 1
consists of approximately 6,176,000 tons of gravel and is anticipated to take +1 -15 years to complete
the mining as illustrated. During Phase 1, the progression of the mining face will begin to move North as
the Western moving face reaches the existing 1981 permit boundary. It is anticipated that sometime
during the mining of Phase 1, the Lafarge operations on the Cerise Property will be completed and
Reclamation will begin. This assumption is based on the relative size of the Cerise deposit as noted in
the Lafarge application, which appears to be approximately 6,000,000 Tons. Market conditions could
obviously affect this assumption.
Phase 2
Phase 2 is the first major entry into the expansion area and consists of approximately 5,570,000 tons of
material. Phase 2 illustrates how the mining plan has been designed to allow the overburden material
located on the North side to be used for reclamation of both the North and South sides as the pit moves
Westward. The mining sequentially moves West then North continuously in order to maintain the
"reclaim as you go" standard as well as provide the maximum visual mitigation. It is anticipated that
Phase 2 will take approximately 13.9 years to complete. It is likely that by the time the applicant begins
mining Phase 2, the Cerise mine will be fully reclaimed.
Phase 3
Phase 3 finishes the Westward movement of the mine face so that the South Face can be mostly
reclaimed with exception of the corner where the reclaimed West Slope will intersect it. This phase
consists of approximately 3,978,000 tons of material and will take approximately 9.9 years to complete.
Phase 4
Phase 4 consists of the final mining sequence that moves North to mine the final 2,654,000 tons of
material as well as the final reclamation of the expansion area back to irrigated pasture and rangeland
slopes. The portion of the "existing conditions" where the screen plant, cone crusher, the wash plant
and stockpiles are currently located will remain as is to allow for the processing of the final quantities of
material mined from the expansion area as well as for processing of materials for the readymix
operation.
Summary
The mining sequences were carefully designed to mitigate visual disturbance to the surrounding
neighbors through continuous reclamation of the slopes. The area that defines the expansion plan is
designed to allow for practical use of agricultural watering devices, such as water wheels, after
reclamation. The size of the floor is also important to create a space that is practical to grow in. This
plan also noise and vibration through the operation of the plants at a level that is nearly 80' to
100' below the surface. Dust is mitigated -through the operation of the plants below grade as well as
adherence to and documentation of.a strict watering schedule to water roads as well as stockpiles that
are within reach. The exhibit labeled "Visual Mitigation Study" also explores the different phases, the
Exhibit 2-N Phasing Study
Page 2
view plane as seen from the neighboring Wooden Deer subdivision as well as the relative distances from
the pit to some of the neighboring houses.
Exhibit 2 -N Phasing Study Page 3
Exhibit 2 -N: Phasing Graphic: Existing Conditions
WOODEN DEER
NEIGHBORHOOD
�`� I r •
• Q
C
N•
+�r
CONSERVATION CONSERVATION
EASEMENT EASEMENT
• Permitted
Cerise Mine
1 v � STOCKPILES'
co rn
N
E
> -1 I
en ?ric�
z1—
"t!
.7, s
}(trek" 71 r...
ew41 s� C. j Q}}: ..
it-T. . .. • RANCH.
' .. ��%r.+ .• AT
. mot +' 11i. ROARING FORK
Blue Pit • -
Existing Conditions
v /��,
_° /"*"..,.may. .. -- "
STATE NIGywAy g
r
1 � � .t "ilk,
•x"`+1 1."
.
F
Exhibit 2-N: Phasing Graphic: Phase 1
WOODEN DEER ROAD
•■■4
•
--' fit' • , a'
CO N SE RVATIO
EASEMENT
TREES PLANTED
CO NSERVATION EASEMENT PRIOR TO EXPANS1 lb
REAlln NED ROAD
Cerise Mine
Phase 3
014.
KIt'
01114` 00C1 --
,01.81
r-...
CD rn I
;11 1' 111
0 1 ACME MINE
LA c AREA RECLAIMED sLor;E •
z 1 IN I [RM SEED MR__
..0
- --
CON
PLANT
Blue Pit
Phase 1
Nub,
Ulf
• 441(A'Pf
, -
41,,i1 —i ,p..;,L •e 4r•
.nv,...„ .4141111'
-,,,,,, 4.•• AR
1: RANCH' -.. r..' - r 4::,.f '4,,,..., k •
AT . it. , r .. ' jr 1 .• .
.
- ;V .
ST4TE
riGH WA atz
Exhibit 2 -N: Phasing Graphic: Phase 2
111OOGEAL aE.ER.'
d ',t
• 7 CONSERVATION EASEMENT
CONSERVATION
EASEMENT
TREES PLANTED ":;_
° PRIDR TO EYPAN I�!
• '4
f
REALIGNED ROAD
r�[ — .PRIMIARY
,0,,- CR ISHLR
tt'°' 1
P.0
µ I SYOCI{PILES
Cerise Mine
Po Reclaimed
EXISTING SLOPE
SCRLLN
RECLAIMED SLOPE
RANGELAND SEED NIA
OFFICE
EXISItNG SLOPE PLAN
Blue Pit
Phase 2
�,
STATE pij
.��+ -4,v
' a RANCH �.° -r
AT
+ .t' f.
ROARING FORK.`
iyr
Exhibit 2 -N: Phasing Graphic: Phase 3
R ROAD
CONSERVATION EASEMENT
' PRIORT° EXPAN I
F Ir, ARY
CRUSHER
OFFICE
EXISTIlkG.SLWE
a.d
Blue Pit
Phase 3
Exhibit 2 -N: Phasing Graphic: Phase 4
CONSERVATION
EASEMENT
ERVATION EASEMENT
TREES PLANTED
PRIG R TO EX PA N S
REALIGNED;ROAD '4 -$
f. 1' s - RECLAIMED SLOPE:
1j NIELAN I SEED MIK r ,-.
CSC _
.3,
I v IRR MATED PASTURE.34.63ACRES
i
=1
Cerise Mine
Reclaimed
Blue Pit
Phase 4: Reclaimed
Exhibit N: Phasing Graphic Narrative
Existing Conditions
The existing Blue Pit is located approximately 2.5 miles east of Carbondale, CO on Highway 82. The Blue
Pit is separated from the Roaring Fork River Valley by an 80' tall natural slope which remains after
removing the gravel from an elevated alluvial terrace. The site has been mined since 1981 under the
state Reclamation Permit # M- 1981 -207. Western Slope Aggregate has operated the 82.70 acre site
since 1991. Approximately 21 acres remain to be mined of the existing site. Table N -1 illustrates the
relative tonnages of each phase. Over the 36 months after an approval is granted, 140 trees will be
planted in conjunction with a 5' tall berm just inside the Northern permit boundary. This will provide a
visual buffer that will have ample time to grow and become even more affective as time goes on.
Table N -1
Phase
Acreage
Tonnage
Timeline (years)
1
81.29
6,167,000
15.4
2
25.58
5,570,000
13.9
3
20.74
3,978,000
9.9
4
8.62
2,654,000
6.6
Totals
136.23
18,369,000
45.9
The timeline stated is based on approximately 400,000 Tons a year in
sales. Market conditions will impact this estimate.
It is anticipated that over the next few years, Lafarge will commence the construction of the
improvements documented in their application such as: construction of the entry road, stripping of 20
to 30 acres, construction of ISDS systems and construction of the large berms that border the North side
of the Mining permit. It is the opinion of the applicant that during these activities the greatest amount
of dust and disturbance is anticipated as the stripping operations cover a large surface area, a large
quantity of material will need to be handled, conditioned and moved, and the berms are to be
constructed relatively near the Southern most neighboring residences.
Phase 1
Phase 1 consists primarily of the existing 1981 permit with minimal additional expansion area. The
expansion area is required to provide additional overburden material for the continuous reclamation of
the Southern slope which commences when the pit face reaches the existing location of the Basin Ditch.
The existing location of the screening spread and the cone crusher will remain in this area in order shield
it from view as well as mitigate noise, dust and vibration. The space requirement for keeping the
equipment where it is precludes the applicant from performing reclamation activities any further East of
the Basin Ditch. During Phase 1 the Basin ditch will also be relocated to the Western border of the Blue
ranch in order to provide a future un- interrupted flow as required. As outlined in Table N -1, Phase 1
Exhibit 2 -N Phasing Study Page 1
consists of approximately 6,176,000 tons of gravel and is anticipated to take +/- 15 years to complete
the mining as illustrated. During Phase 1, the progression of the mining face will begin to move North as
the Western moving face reaches the existing 1981 permit boundary. It is anticipated that sometime
during the mining of Phase 1, the Lafarge operations on the Cerise Property will be completed and
Reclamation will begin. This assumption is based on the relative size of the Cerise deposit as noted in
the Lafarge application, which appears to be approximately 6,000,000 Tons. Market conditions could
obviously affect this assumption.
Phase 2
Phase 2 is the first major entry into the expansion area and consists of approximately 5,570,000 tons of
material. Phase 2 illustrates how the mining plan has been designed to allow the overburden material
located on the North side to be used for reclamation of both the North and South sides as the pit moves
Westward. The mining sequentially moves West then North continuously in order to maintain the
"reclaim as you go" standard as well as provide the maximum visual mitigation. It is anticipated that
Phase 2 will take approximately 13.9 years to complete. It is likely that by the time the applicant begins
mining Phase 2, the Cerise mine will be fully reclaimed.
Phase 3
Phase 3 finishes the Westward movement of the mine face so that the South Face can be mostly
reclaimed with exception of the corner where the reclaimed West Slope will intersect it. This phase
consists of approximately 3,978,000 tons of material and will take approximately 9.9 years to complete.
Phase 4
Phase 4 consists of the final mining sequence that moves North to mine the final 2,654,000 tons of
material as well as the final reclamation of the expansion area back to irrigated pasture and rangeland
slopes. The portion of the "existing conditions" where the screen plant, cone crusher, the wash plant
and stockpiles are currently located will remain as is to allow for the processing of the final quantities of
material mined from the expansion area as well as for processing of materials for the readymix
operation.
Summary
The mining sequences were carefully designed to mitigate visual disturbance to the surrounding
neighbors through continuous reclamation of the slopes. The area that defines the expansion plan is
designed to allow for practical use of agricultural watering devices, such as water wheels, after
reclamation. The size of the floor is also important to create a space that is practical to grow in. This
plan also mitigates noise and vibration through the operation of the plants at a level that is nearly 80' to
100' below the surface. Dust is mitigated through the operation of the plants below grade as well as
adherence to and documentation of a strict watering schedule to water roads as well as stockpiles that
are within reach. The exhibit labeled "Visual Mitigation Study" also explores the different phases, the
Exhibit 2 -N Phasing Study Page 2
view plane as seen from the neighboring Wooden Deer subdivision as well as the relative distances from
the pit to some of the neighboring houses.
Exhibit 2 -N Phasing Study Page 3
Exhibit 2-N: Phasing Graphic: Existing Conditions
WOODEN DEER
NEIGHBORHOOD
•
•
•
f ‘:‘
1
4142:4
CONSERVATION
EASEMENT
6v AO
Ma-34
JA;
CONSERVATION
EASEMENT
pPermitted
Cerise Mine
STOCKPILES
.:\
■ ■illi 'lab dm. ider'lair aill...1 ,_,1■.il- -'.'
1,-. ,•...,,,... ::,;:t.., ---:... , ._ __. .
,.....„., ...:‘ . .
--- - - EXISTING SLOPE
SCREEN'
PLANT
----',,PRITVIARY
CRUSHER
--- —CC-TV—JCR
STING SLOPE
PLANT
,,
t'4
FFIC
ft a.
Blue Pit
Existing Conditions
•
arm •• vivr TA
N. TE HiGHWAY 82
RANCH "•■'' ta.
AT A.g.•
,
k. VI: Sr,. 4' '4441.
• . ROARING FORK ar's T
Ir a • •
rts.
Exhibit 2 -N: Phasing Graphic: Phase 1
WOODEN DEER ROAD
•i
ltd
CONSERVATION
EASEMENT
' CONSERVATION EASEMENT
REALIGNED ROAD
■•
oo I
r
0o I ,> >�
No Po
31
I STOCKPILES
O ACTIVE MINE
w G AREA RECLAIMED SLOPE:
21 INTERIM SEED MIX _ _
OFFICE _ EXISTING SLOPE
'-ter .at •
PRIMARY
CRUSHER
SCREEN
PLANT
+rt
.i�
� P
•
Blue Pit
Phase 1
Y .
RANCH'' ■• t ,
AT �a
ROARING FORK
•
AY 82
• _. i
Exhibit 2-N: Phasing Graphic: Phase 2
•
. • .
• ;
WOODEN DEER:Ft0AD
•••
o 4 •
4Z. 4
• ttitki.0.1"
, t
41+ ,• • "
••• f+1!*
e •
CONSERVATION EASEMENT
REALIGNED ROAD
CONSERVATION
EASEMENT
TREES PLANTED \
PRIOR TO EXPANSI
r ,—PRIMARY
Lc. 1 STOCKPILES
4t.„
Cerise Mine
Reclaimed
co ;12 I Jfr
SCREEN'.
V. rt 1 ,,..
ii. 4 *--2±... ?,.. iefli PLANT
grn zs I
RECLAIMED SLOPE: - -c-- •„...., 1
RANGELAND SEED MIX ' ■ 1
2-r
. ,
•••
•■•••
•
EXISTING SLOPE 1•1
4, ...A..,
•
411k-
•
, ---
. . t ... .., .
I '', ' V . lk -A—.•_,.._ "r•-• ., _
- -,
.4,,,. '.• -,4-',',:ltit-,ti, , ...,-,-1
. ' ; - ..',.4f, .4i°-. - . .. li•
••• ' •••41 . • " . 4 - .. J I ' . 1 • •••• .
- - / ' 1. 1 • .
y;
Blue Pit
Phase 2 411
40-#0
• ••••
',it •
ck„ -
. ,
STATE „
iGt-ii4„Ay
•
s. ROARING FORK
RANO4 .
(**
ttf..):71"Pt
‘' 4'1^ vtimi0
1ft,-
460 •ti
Zitt‘
Exhibit 2 -N: Phasing Graphic: Phase3
WOODEN D€ €R ROAD
CONSERVATION
EASEMENT
_0SFfp AF' r:`'••
p„
,z�
k
STOCKPILES '
Cerise Mine
1' Reclaimed
EXISTING SLOPE
s SCREEN
' S"'w t PLANT
RECLAIMED SLOP €. L -`
z , . I UyGEL#ND SLED MI*'. -{.g
1 OFFICE _ 'PASTING SLOPE
r
r
Blue Pit
Phase 3
• F. —Ts..
RANCH a- •
AT •��
ROARING FORK i'9
Aer
1
/ • -
NIGWgy 82
!
1
Exhibit 2-N: Phasing Graphic: Phase 4
1:111rit
a • ,
•
ott•,,
•
$
WOODEN DEER ROAD 2 • _..,.
11111011 ,
■ i 1
CONSERVATION ‘.
EASEMENT
CONSERVATION EASEMENT
IRRIGATED PASTURE: 34.63 AC
Blue Pit
Phase 4: Reclaimed
• t * •
; r16.7-1.4!...fr r•••."Si_
01. ,
•
. •11.6,
•
'y •2Ze f• .4 v'29,44; 40' •, -40t.
. ..
- RAN CH
1111 40', . 41,
.4• T.,t,:' y.:.r.zi", („1,..:.&* -
ROARING FORK
qii . ...de . V .1.11111W
AT
kor
• . firv.
•
s TATE HIGH wAy 8,