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Home My WebLink AboutRESOURCE RECOVERY FARM, SAND & GRAVEL MINE - PDP/FDP - 17-99 - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTSo dXX o\� a \\• EAST PROSPECT ROAD G�� FG—j SEED SCHEDULES Welland Seed Schedule -'table E-t o<eow<m Im,Kwoa«m NN: $Ptfffn AI( A -Lta. 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L L O Z 0 100' 200' 400'. . SCALE 1' - 200' r 1 .., s RECLAMATION NOTES 1. THIS RECLAMATION PLAN IS INTENDED TO CONVEY THE POST -MINING LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND IS CONCEPTUAL IN NATURE. FIELD ADJUSTMENTS WILL 1 BE MADE AS NECESSARY & AS OPPORTUNITIES ARISE. ' 2. COMPACTED BACKFILL WILL BE PLACED ON ALL PERIMETER SIDESLOPES TO MINIMIZE POST -MINING 1 GROUND WATER SEEP AND LAKE SURFACE AREA. '\ END LAND USE NATURAL AREA 174 ACRES7777 1 I \ 7 ^ I\ LANDSCAPE BUFFER (SEE PLAN VIEW, SHEET 4) ,/i Ir 0 I 406 II 11 it 10:1 I I I �I ,N , \ 1 CENTER SECTION 21 T7N, R68W� r - / , I•,,1, \ 11: <: --- _ 5'- S__SS---egg ` 1• -4 A 1 6 DRAINAGE CONDUIT 4:1 I ; I I, 10:1 I I 11 r \•\ III I I" d Jo64 O O I IIj — 0 LEGEND \ I FINISHED CONTOUR (2' INTERVAL) TOP OF SLOPE SLOPE GRADIENT (i TOE OF SLOPE jWATERCOURSE/WATERBODY _ ===2===' NEW DRAINAGE CONDUIT PERMIT BOUNDARY o \\ fifr. e. \'.'`_._ \_•�•`l.-,�`.. y- - 5\ . ❑� L.O.D. LIMIT OF DEVELOPMENT '--Cache�,ct�'�ai s\�- EXISTING PIPELINE 4` ' —SS—Ss— p EXISTING OVERHEAD POWERLINE w"5 NN \ ll EXISTING FENCE`,,\'\ - _ _ ---__, ----- EXISTING UNIMPROVED ROAD ' �(---%--k—x— BUCK & RAIL FENCE Sheet 9ca'e: As NO[en PROJECT: RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM Appllrant- Prepared by: - 5 Prepaetlm Dle: Sand and Gravel Mine NATURAL RESOURCES DEPT. Anderson & Company Hart Environmental Z 16, 1999 .� City of Fort Collins ecoplanning P.O. Box 1303 Of ore by: SHEET TITLE: a' 'Pv'y 281 North College 420 Sunset Street Boulder, Colorado 5 Mary Rushing 1 11/149 mbr Gty Ft. CrAlv,sa sore Preliminary Development Plan. V 80306 PA, 60X360 (303)776-46Longmont, Co. 80306 (303) .File: 773- NO DATE i CHIC DESCRI<'iIDV RECLAMATION PLAN MAP a'+'°'�^Go1�s Fort T°18052Z-058� (303)776-4636 (303)4446602 REVISIONS I � > O NEW IRRIGATION LATERAL, NORTHEAST L O.D. 5 -PC 0 -RR 1 EAST PROSPECT 12-WS �_� .�`{']��{-y�,�4-y�'}•n- Or— -ENon ✓ �...`. T ALTERNATE MIRROR -IMAGE PATTERN �... 5D40 TYP. TO LANDSCAPE LENGTH OF �... TEMPORARY BERM -�-TOE OF BERM SLOPE __�_� (APPROX. 1100 L.F.) LANDSCAPE BUFFER - LANDSCAPE BUFFER PLANT SCHEDULE ANE sQENTlFCH Plan View �I:?.'lZrA1R•'.^C.^,�rf.^.,rTf'.�".T.Tr+91�1��'��' �',� �;�rnz:•a:mamm�(t�rr,.�nm, +crnr.�C:•i7�� •Aaeptile subVilae Mnntvl Mmopay, Certnvpn mmlaua /LANDSCAPE EQS GIRRGATION / BUFFER DITCH 1/ BUCK 6 FAIL EXISTING ROAD/ FENCE TRAIL LINKAGE TEMPORARY SCREFNNG SEW \ TEMPORARY 5'-0• THREE STRAND SMOOTH WIRE FENCE T�'—J ROBERT I ROGER II LOY 0. BEHNKE HAGEMAN 1I BANK `I 1 bB 9D ` CRY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL AREA i s COMMERCIAL S K&MCO. Z 1Ti 0 100' 200' 400 / I SCALE PUBLN: TRAIL �.1%` LINKAGE\,:. COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY STAGE I ------- 4894-- ( j LANDSCAPE Bl6FER r i1 (SEE PLAN VIEW, ny \d� LATERAL STAGE 3 Al / kREENING� _ ' BERM ./•� / .1 ba s o i STAGE o� t'` ; I„ ,I I , 1 � O � I. Ir /`/ 1 i 111 jt` IO 1 T law CENTER SECTION 21 A LANDSCAPE BUFFER - CCOSS SCCCIOn PLATTE RIVER ; ; /I T7N, RE8W it -POWER AUTHORITY;;: -- ---- P_ta -�\. YBeo..-. -;. `.----4886-' :� L.o.D. it o•.. •�.� .. ___-__ 5 MINING AND RECLAMATION SEQUENCE .. ' I v 4. COLORADO STATE . \ II,,y ..............u.,.,..,,.,..,.,I UNIVERSITY NEW Cond't ton Mine An 12ble Gravel 1 GATE v N EXiStiD9 ( ENVIRONMENTAL r>� I Rant LEARNING CENTER 5. 2. AFIIFI _ I STAGE 2 ' 1 Str'D Overburden ` / Move Dewdter'na Trench N o � � I, , wan Su:ace •, _. o ♦ Hass Small II It Evacuate Dewaterina Trench After Operatbre j , , _ 11,190 MINING SCHEDULE At STAGE APIt YEARS AND DATOPERATION ( '!'_ _xR�_____%t \ \ 1 N; - STAGE 1 3 YEARS2ER TION 000-2 I ' I --- 5 � erg, a STAGE 2 3 YEARS 2003-2006 STAGE 3 2 YEARS 2006-2008 MINE PERMIT AREA _ ,+ TOTAL PERMIT AREA - 174 ACRES STAGE 1 I � � ° TOTAL DISTURBANCE- 106 ACRES, APPROX \ I' t COLORADO. STATE 4 <87s MAINTAIN MIN. 100' SETBACK TRW o UNIVERSITY ............. ... BOXELo eCREEEEK TYP. �j ENVIRONMENTAL T ' _ NK OF :? LEARNING CENTER74 ' , III ' O LEGEND MJNKIPAL BOUNDARY PERMIT BOUNDARY LIMIT OF DEVELOPMENT OVERBURDEN & TOPSOIL STOCKPILE AREA (Locations approximate, to vary during mining) —SS —SS— EXISTING PIPELINE O p EXISTING OVERHEAD POWERLINE EXISTING FENCE o o a 3-STRAND SMOOTH -WIRE FENCE —><-->t---ft---k— BIKK 3 RAIL FENCE ..,..,............. CONVEYOR T.O.B. 'r \'•� i, APPROX. — CONVEYOR ALIGNMENT I FLATIRON COMPANIES EAST RIGDEN � 50 EASEWNT CONVEYOR TO EAST RIGDEN PROCESSING PLANT AGRICULTURAL - CITY OF FORT COLLINS RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM' BOXELDER SANITATION DISTRICT WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT / 0 Eaee[ Scale: As Noted PROJECT: RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM Applicant: Prepared by: NATURAL RESOURCES DEPT_ 4 Preparation Car. Sand and Gravel Mine Anderson a Company Hart Environmental July16, 1999coplannirlg City of CollinsCIII P.O. Box 1303 Of Dreier, oi: r"'.17 SHEET TITLE:' Preliminary Development Plan 261 Norm College 281 P.O Go. 580 420 Sunset Street LongD,ont, Co. 0306 0306r, Colorado 5 �F�� vile: 773 ma OtyofI'LCcfmsreNaans MINING PLAN MAP g1Yof onCollLn ort Collier 2oi 5'ao 60522-0580 303)776-4636 (303)4446602 B. CHK' DESCRIPTION REVISIONS EAST .PROSPECT LEGEND MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY PERMIT BOUNDARY L.O.O. LIMITS OF DEVELOPMENT -------- PROPERTY BOUNDARY EXISTING STREAMS & WATERBODIES 0 tJ I COLORADO ' TATE I�I1 OB .III IN VERSITYRRT NOBEHNKE HAGEMAN AKS K & M CO. coNCRET Z LATERAL 100 SCALE 1' = 200' /� x" ,dr NATURAL HABITATS & FEATURES* r< I GRASSLANDS PUBLIC TRAIL n LINKAGE OMARSH &WET MEADOW ORIPARIAN FOREST - AA.. r. CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL AREA t AQUATIC SS —SS— IXIS7ING PIPELINE - - I' �y _ 1 P EXISTING OVERHEAD POWERLINE I; X Q�0. s EXISTING FENCE% �� mil= II �� y8� A888--- - EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY (2' CONTOUR INTERVAL) . /-m'CB` EXISTING TREES A ^ $ II EXISTING STRUCTURES DEPTH OF OVERBURDEN (IN FEET) ~ DEPTH OF ALLUVIUM (IN FEET) .,,'i ON SITE WETLAND � 1 Ste_\ pp i i 1 iil 1' it Q I / 0 .m 1 li li o <S E mi i I� is I II , .a it I CENTER SECTION 21 T7N' R68W 1 1 i I� I G IJ-------------- ,`4B8p POPLARS ha AGRICULTURAL - CITY OF FORT COLLINS RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM r' O 0 IIiETLA ::::'�'l• r _ 'si/ ' • Y' SIB,(UNDISTURBED) :ING. ° ;FLATIRON COMPANIES :'', ; • :y . • , : , . , ... ..:. BOXELDER SANITATION DISTRICT EAST RIGDEN:: , WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Topography compiled by photogrammetria methods Rom 6' F.L. vertical aerial photography exposed on May B, 1984 far the City of Fort Collins by ARX corporation. . ' .Lc✓. ' . ' 1 ' . ' �.: . sheet PROJECT: RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM Applicant: prepared by: Stele is Noted 3 Preparation Sand and Gravel Mine NATURAL RESOURCES DEPT. Anderson & Company Hart Environmental Hwy 16,1999 City Of Fort Collins 420 Sunset P.O. Box 1303 Of Dram 201 North College Sunset Street 803Boul0er, Colorado Iry: - SHEET TITLE:. S Mary sning 1 t1,,yg-mr �1Y°fTt. °al°=re„sons Preliminary Development Plan litl P0.6°x56d (303)Longmont,764680306 (303) PRE -MINING - Natural Habitat & Features °"`°""' Fort C°Ilins.COlorae° 303)776-4636 (303)4446602 He: ]]3 N0.'DATE BY CHK' DESCRIPTION 80522-0580 REVISIONS No Text RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM Sand and Gravel Mine Natural Resources Department City of Ft. Collins LEGEND CO. MWY #14 River Conservation C PROJECT LOCATION Commercial F • F PO \ \ • RC• qP • F T :, Employment UE POL Industrial Public Open Lands ...Eavi a POL T .. N r •\• Transition I FGT.C`L'lw QTYUMTS F\F \. RCI ♦ ♦F ,^CSU F\F ..•.•E.•.• •'RC• '• .;. 1 - uE Urban Estate IY. F P F\•\F \ DRW(E RD __ MIRAD, FT. COuws T _ an L0.4T5 g $ RC 0 0 � HORSETDOTH fA REF: GTY OF ICU COLLINS ZONNG G.LS., MARCH, 1997 . VICINITY MAP N.T.S PLANNING & ZONING APPROVAL APPROVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO. THIS DAY OF .1999. SECRETARY OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD OWNER'S CERTIFICATION THE UNDERSIGNED DOES/DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT V WE ARE THE LAWFUL OWNERS OF REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED ON THIS PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT VWE ACCEPT THE CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH ON SAID PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PLAN. CITY OF FT. COLLINS SIGNED BY : __ _ DATE: CITY MANAGER NOTARY PUBLIC STATE OF COLORADO, LARIMER COUNTY THE FOREGOING INSTRUMENT WAS ACKNOWLEDGED BEFORE ME THIS DAY___ OF _ 1999. BY WITNESS MY HAND AND OFFICIAL SEAL MY COMMISSION EXPIRES: __________ ADDRESS FOR NOTARY INDEX OF DRAWINGS 1 TITLE SHEET 2 PRE -MINING CONDITIONS WATER BODIES, FLOODPLAINS, 3 PRE -MINING CONDITIONS NATURAL HABITATS & FEATURES 4 MINING PLAN 5 RECLAMATION PLAN Sheet Scde: As Noteu PROJECT: RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM Applicant: Prepared by: NATURAL RESOURCES DEPT' Rq,a Dae: Sand and Grave Mine Anderson 6 Company Hart Environmental ary16, ,6.,ssa City of Fort Collins ecoplanning P.O. Box 1303 or Or. n/. 30-TF� SHEET TITLE: Preliminary Development Plan �'` � _ 2a1 North Coile a v P.O. 6oxa6o 420 Sunset Street Longmont, 80306 Boulder, CobTatlO 5 �v^ 9 QLyO FL CMPS eN9M5 atyC+an4olnm Fart Col tins. [otoraEo (303)776-4636 776-46 (80306 (303)4446602 303) Fae: 773 NQ� OESOWTION TITLE SHEET eosn-asao REVISIONS Resource Recovery Farm Sand am ✓el Mine PDP Application — Response to Review Comments Page 8 21. I have conducted a field reconnaissance of the site and found no evidence of raptor nests within the vicinity of the site. The impetus for the project has been to provide an alternative to the existing approved mining plan that would result in mining significant portions of the riparian woodland along the south bank of the Poudre River in the vicinity of the Environmental Learning Center. This project will therefore protect highly significant areas of habitat for raptors including the most likely nesting sites in the vicinity. Post -mining, the reclaimed mine site will provide excellent habitat for hawks, owls, and other wildlife. 22. None of the area within the mine permit boundary occurs in the floodway (see Pre - Mining Conditions - Floodway, Floodplain). A small portion of the southeast corner of the permit area occurs in the 100-year floodplain. No stockpiling will occur in the floodplain. Approximate stockpile locations are depicted on the Mining Plan, sht. 3, and will vary as mining progresses. 23. The question of mining proximity to Boxelder Creek is addressed in item 7. 24. A drainage pipe, depicted on the Reclamation Plan, sht. 5, will facilitate drainage from the Stage 3 area to the lower portion of the mine pit. Further information on stormwater drainage is provided in item 7. 25. During mining, a settling pond, approximately '/z acre in size, is established at the low end of the pit to collect groundwater and surface runoff. Here, suspended solids settle out prior to pumping and discharging the water. All discharges will conform with the NPDES permit requirements. 26. The City Stormwater Utility Department is currently undertaking a study of the Boxelder Creek floodplain. As recommended by the Stormwater Utility Department staff, once the floodplain study is complete, revisions to the mine and reclamation plans necessary to accommodate flood conveyance will be addressed. 27. The conveyor is both within the city limits and in Larimer County. A floodplain use permit application is included in the PDP application. 28. This item addresses the PDP application process. No response is required. We appreciate staffs comments and recommendations. Please do not hesitate to contact me if further clarification is required. PA:pa attachments cc: P. Kaia Anderson, Anderson & Company Mike Hart, Hart Environmental file- a&c: projects: 1998: FC802 Resource Recovery Farm Sand an_.ravel Mine PDPApplication —Response toRewew Comments Page % Soil Conservation Service offices, City staff, adjacent property owners, and affected utility companies. The mine and reclamation plans were also submitted to the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Board of County Commissioners. The state 112 permit application is also filed with the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder. The State of Colorado, Division of Minerals and Geology, has approved the proposed mining and reclamation plan. • Because the project site is primarily cultivated land and has few natural habitats and features on it, the information included in the project application was taken primarily from existing information in the files of the Natural Resources Department. This information was supplemented by field reconnaissance conducted by myself and other department staff and by field stuides to determine the presence or absence of the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse and the Ute's Ladies Tress. 13. The question of employee parking raised by the Transportation Planning Department is addressed in item 8. 14. The project proposal has been reviewed and endorsed by the Natural Resources Advisory Board and by the Water Board. The project will be presented to the City Council for approval on December 7, 1999. . 15. A State Highway Access Permit is not required for this project. Transportation Engineer Bob Felsburg, of Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig, has assessed the project proposal and found no net increase in traffic volumes and no change in access (ref: PDP application, Appendix D). 16. The question of employee access is addressed in item 8. 17. Setbacks from Boxelder Creek are delineated on the revised plans. 18. The Preble's Mouse survey is addressed in item 12. A survey for the federally listed Ute Ladies' Tresses Orchid, Spiranthes diluvialis, was also performed in potential habitat areas subject to disturbance during the accepted blooming season, 1999. No Spiranthes d plants were observed. The survey report has been submitted .to the FWS, and the letter of survey acceptance will be submitted to the City when received. 19. The natural areas buffer is addressed in item 12. 20. The Limits of Development (LOD) are depicted on the revised plan and labeled as such. Resource Recovery Farm Sand and `..vel Mine PDP Application —Response to Review Comments Page 6 9. Regarding comments received from Jim Slagle of the Public Service Company, no re-routing of PSC facilities will be required. 10. Regarding the comments received from Tom McCormick of the Platte River Power Authority: • No stockpiling will occur within the overhead double circuit 230.000 volt powerline easement. • The operator will conform with the 15 foot maximum height limitation for equipment beneath and near the overhead powerline. • The overhead powerline easement will not be disturbed, and maintenance and operation access will be maintained at all times. 11. Regarding comments received from the Mapping and Drafting Department, the subdivision plat has been deleted. 12. Regarding comments received from the Natural Resources Department: • The revisions to the Land Use Code adopted in March 1999 clarified the distinction between the "Limits of Development" and the "Natural Area Buffer". The former defines all areas that will be disturbed, either on a temporary or permanent basis, during the construction or development process. The latter defines areas that will be set aside from development on a permanent basis in order to protect natural habitats or features. Because the entire site will become a city -owned natural area after mining, the entire site will be a natural area buffer. The Limits of Development are shown on the revised drawings. • The Limits of Development (LOD) are depicted on the revised plan and labeled as such. This line generally represents the limit of disturbance due to excavation or construction (i.e. conveyor placement on ELC lake). Access will occur outside these limits on the existing perimeter roads, within the permit boundary. • The Natural Resources Department staff contracted for a survey of the area for Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse during the 1999 survey season. No Preble's meadow jumping mice were found. The letter of survey acceptance by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is attached. • The mining and reclamation plan was designed by the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department, through its consultants, and in consultation with LaFarge. The plan was designed to enhance wildlife habitat diversity following mining_ nd follows the general guidelines established by the City's Strategy for Gravel Mines Along the Poudre River. The mining and reclamation plans were reviewed by the Colorado State Department of Minerals and Geology, two local Resource Recovery Farm Sand ana umvel Mine PDP Application—Respome to Review Comments Page S Mine Phasing Schedule Mine Last Biosolids Application Last Crop —Stage 1 Fall, 1998 Summer, 1999 2 Fall, 1999 Summer, 2000 3 Fall, 2000 Summer, 2001 • The Boxelder Sanitation District has been contacted and will locate the District's sanitary sewer lines in the field. The setbacks will be field -staked prior to any disturbance near these lines. 7. In response to comments received from the Stormwater Utility Department: • The setback at Boxelder Creek has been revised to provide a minimum 100-foot setback between the LOD and the top of bank throughout the mine area. • During mining, runoff will collect at the low point of the mine pit and be pumped to a discharge point in accordance with the NPDES permit. Post -reclamation, runoff will collect at the south end of the pit, where it will evaporate. Because the estimated bottom of the pit is approximately 8-10 feet lower than the streams in this reach, a direct outfall to the Poudre or Boxelder Creek is not feasible. The pits will be sealed with compacted backfill to minimize groundwater seep, and seep into the pits from Boxelder Creek or the Poudre. In the future, the feasibility of constructing a drainage pipe or tile at the low, south end of the pit which outfalls into Boxelder Creek or the Poudre River some distance downstream may be studied. This will require an easement through Boxelder Sanitation District property. 8. In response to comments received from the Engineering Department: • Employees working at the Resource Recovery Farm site will access the site from the East Rigden plant via an existing bridge crossing or from the existing Resource Recovery Farm access drive at Prospect Road. No more than 5 or 6 employees will access the mine site each day. Therefore a maximum of 6 vehicles per day will park at the mine site, and in most instances, the number will be 2 or 3 per day. 9 The subdivision plat has been deleted. Resource Recovery Farm Sand an. .vel Mine PDP Application —Response to Review Comments Page 4 and the berm are temporary features, to be removed upon completion of reclamation in Phase 3. Between mine Phases 1 and 2, and the ELC, an effective tree screen currently exists at the west access road. No additional landscaping is planned. To further buffer the ELC, temporary stockpiles will be placed between mining and the ELC as shown during a portion of the mining. The conveyor location, originally shown on this western road, has been revised. The conveyor will extend across the ELC lake south of the mine permit area. As a result, the conveyor will not be visible to areas open to the public during mining. The conveyor will be floated on the water surface. A pan will be constructed beneath the conveyor to prevent materials from spilling into the lake. • I have discussed the requirement that development be limited to 30 percent of the project site with Greg Byrne, CPES Director and other members of the Growth Management Lead Team. It is our interpretation that this limitation was meant to apply only to areas of permanent development and not to resource extraction activities. To limit the area of gravel mining in this way would be contrary to the intent of the River Conservation District which was designed, in part, to allow resource extraction and processing activities to occur. It also would be contrary to state law. A formal administrative interpretation is being prepared to document the Management Team's finding. 5. The Codes and Standards submitted by the Building Inspection Department will be adhered to if electricity is extended to the site. 6. Regarding the comments received from the Water & Wastewater Department: • Dennis Bode and Mike Smith have been contacted regarding the potential use of water rights associated with the mine portion of the Resource Recovery Farm parcel for augmentation post -reclamation, if needed. The Natural Resources Department will acquire the water rights with the mine parcel, although the water rights will continue to be administered by the Water Utility. The Water Board has approved the internal transfer of the land and the water from the Water Utility to the Natural Resources Department. The City Council will consider this action on December 7, 1999. • Biosolids will not be applied this fall in the Phase 1 mine area, and cropping will not be required next year. The following schedule is offered to clarify the proposed schedule for phasing in mining. The life of the mine has been reduced from ten (10) years to eight (8) years in the revised PDP. The mine schedule is dependent on the market economy, however. To ensure that biosolids application and cropping do not conflict with mining, the following schedule should be adhered to. Resource Recovery Farm Sand ana -imvel Mine PDP Application —Response to Review Comments Page 3 south of the exisiting ELC parking area (south of the river) will be mined. The Natural Resources Department is collaborating with CSU on the design and location of trails and interpretive features here, elsewhere on the ELC, and on City -owned natural areas in the vicinity. As part of our ongoing collaboration on the ELC, we will continue to work with CSU to explain and interpret the mining and reclamation process. This will occur independently of the land -use approval process for the mine. • We have changed the conveyor location so that it is within the mine pit. As a result, the conveyor will be below the existing ground level and will not be visible from the ELC itself. The conveyor design is low to the ground and operates very quietly because it is powered by electricity. • Access to ELC staff will not be restricted. • Rules related to hunting, litter and public use will be strictly enforced for the public and for LaFarge employees. These rules will be part of the mining lease with LaFarge. • Natural Resources staff have worked with Dr. Haas to define the initial trail location referenced in the letter. We have modified the mine plan to reflect this, and added additional landscaping and fencing to address the concerns. 4. The following addresses the comments received from the Zoning Department: • No formal parking lot or storage area for heavy equipment is proposed. Anticipated equipment at the Resource Recovery Farm parcel includes 2 loaders, a feeder, and a conveyor. The feeder and conveyor are semi -portable structures, and are located on the pit floor in the current mine phase. During periods of the year when the pit is in operation, the loaders will be parked on the pit floor. When the pit is not actively operating, equipment will be moved to the East Rigden plant. • To protect the safety and welfare of the public, the mine parcel will not be open to the public prior to reclamation. • Most access to the site will be from the existing east Rigden mine and plant site. Occasional access will occur from the existing access roads around the perimeter of the site and between phases on the site. Except for access, heavy equipment operation will be entirely within the mine pit itself. • At the north end of the mine site, a landscaped screen is proposed to buffer the inter -agency visitor center planned at the adjacent CSU Environmental Learning Center (ELC) property. A public trail linkage is planned between the visitor center and the publicly owned properties west of the mine permit area. The trail will be located on a portion of the unimproved road that lies between the mine area and the visitor center. Landscaping and a buck and rail fence will be constructed at the commencement of Phase 1 mining (see revised Mine Plan, sheet. 4, Landscape Buffer detail, and Cross -Section). These will be permanent features. Upon commencement of mining in Phase 3, a three -strand smooth wire fence will be constructed adjacent to the landscaping near the public trail, and a berm, or overburden stockpile will be constructed. Both the smooth wire fence Resource Recovery Farm Sand an. avel Mine PDP Application —Response to Review Comments Page i Phase 3 mining and to accommodate CSU's request for a trail location along the existing access road. 4. The Limit of Development have been remapped to include all areas where new development activities will occur. 5. The.drawings have been revised to make them more readable. 6. The Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology has approved the mining and reclamation permit application. Responses to Comments 1. This item refers to the PDP process for this application. No response is required. 2. Both Mike Hart, project consultant, and I have spoken with Dr. Ravi Srivastava of Boxelder Sanitation District regarding the District's concerns. A letter addressing. his comments is attached. Briefly: • The mining operation will be setback from Boxelder's sewer lines and will not in any way change the conditions within the existing easement.. The actual location of the sewer lines and the setbacks will be staked in the field, with Boxelder's participation, prior to beginning mining. • Seepage from the mine pit will be pumped into Boxelder Creek, not the Poudre River, so no changes to streamflow in the creek will occur. • No changes in ground elevations will occur on the existing easements as a result of mining or reclamation activities. Dr. Srivastava has also raised additional concerns (letter attached) regarding the potential for increased erosion to occur adjacent to the Boxelder sewer lines during flood events as a result of the mining operation. We have reviewed this concern and do not believe the mining will result in any increased risk from what currently exists. Independently of this proposed mining project, we are collaborating now with Boxelder on a stream stability analysis of this reach of the Poudre River and will further evaluate this concern as part of this study. The study will be completed within the next six months. 3. I have met with Dr. Haas of the Colorado State Environmental Learning Center and with Joe Maurier, Regional Director of Colorado Department of Parks and Outdoor Recreation regarding this project. Both agencies support the proposed mining project. With regard to the specific issues raised in Dr. Haas' letter: • The impetus for this project is to avoid the mining of property that is currently part of the Environmental Learning Center. If this project does not go forward, the riparian corridor adjacent to the existing ELC, and the area immediately City of Fort Collins Comm_ Aty Planning and Environmenta_ Jervices ,, recycled paper Natural Resources Department NOV 3 0 1999 DATE: lhiT�iSI•I;7• ` � �� November 23, 1999 TO: Steve Olt, Project Planner FROM: Tom Shoemaker, Natural Resources Director/I RE: FC802 - Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan (PDP) - Review Comments This memorandum responds to the review comments in your letter dated August 24, 1999 regarding the Resource Recovery Farm mine project. The memorandum summarizes changes to the plan since the original submittal and provides a specific response to each comment contained in your letter. Changes to the Plan. This plan has not changed significantly from the original submittal. However, the following changes are highlighted for ease of reviewing the plan. 1. The duration of the proposed sand and gravel operations has been reduced from a maximum of 10 years to 8 years, beginning in the year 2000. It is probable that the actual mining will occur over a shorter period of 4 to 5 years, however, we have allowed the extra period of time to account for uncertainties in the sand and gravel market and for completion of all reclamation activities. 2. The location of the conveyor system has been changed from the original proposal. The conveyor will still begin at the existing mining operation south of the Poudre River and extend across the river on the existing bridge. From there, it will directly cross the pond on the Environmental Learning Center and proceed directly into the mine pit. The conveyor will be placed on floats across the pond, so there will be no fill or other alteration to the pond or its banks. CSU has given their permission for this change. This change is made to reduce costs and also to place the conveyor within the mine pit, instead of on the existing access road. This will reduce its visibility and any concerns regarding noise from the adjacent property. 3. We have added additional berming and landscaping at the north end of the project adjacent to the CSU Environmental Learning Center to further reduce visibility of the 281 N. College Ave. e P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6600 • FAX (970) 224-6177 No Text Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 13 D. The RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM SAND AND GRAVEL MINE PDP is compatible with the surrounding land uses. E. The RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM SAND AND GRAVEL MINE PDP has been reviewed and endorsed by the Natural Resources Advisory Board, the Water Board, the Colorado State University Environmental Learning Center and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. F. Mining operations within the RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM SAND AND GRAVEL -MINE PDP will comply wilth all other regulatory requirements including those contained in the municipal code of the City Of Fort Collins, the requirements of the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology regarding mining and reclamation, and the requirements of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regarding air and water quality. G. The mining and reclamation plan proposed in the RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM SAND AND GRAVEL MINE PDP has been approved by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM SAND AND GRAVEL MINE Project Development Plan #17-99. Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 12 Section 4.11(E) Development Standards The proposal meets these standards. It does not include the construction of any new streets, buildings, walkways, trails, or paths. The site design accomodates a trail that is proposed by the Environmental Learning Center to connect the new visitor sites to existing public natural area to the west. The plan provides space for the trail and includes fencing, landscape treatment, and berming to provide visual and physical separation between the trail and the mining operation. The fencing will be a wooden buck and rail fence used by the City on all of its public natural areas. Perimeter fencing around the mine site will be three -strand smooth wire fencing that will not exceed five (5) feet in height. The design of the reclamation plan will enhance the River landscape. The final landform shown on the Reclamation Plan depicts the landscape character to be created upon reclamation. The pit sideslopes vary from 4:1 (max) to 12:1 in order to create a more naturalistic appearance and the final topography of the pit floor is designed to create a landform representative of the natural River corridor. Revegetation will use only plant species native to the River corridor and listed in the City's list of native plant species for use in planting in natural areas. The seeding schedules were designed to reestablish the native short grass prairie community in upland areas, and native riparian and wetland grasses, forbs, and woody vegetation at seeps, depressions, and shorelines. 5. Findings of Fact/Conclusion: A. The RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM SAND AND GRAVEL MINE PDP contains uses permitted in the RC — River Conservation Zoning District, subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Board. B. The RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM SAND AND GRAVEL MINE PDP meets all applicable standards as put forth in the LUC, including Division 3.2 — Site Planning and Design Standards, Division 3.3 - Engineering Standards, Division 3.4 - ...Natural Areas... Standards, and Division 3.5 - Building Standards. C. The RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM SAND AND GRAVEL MINE PDP meets the applicable district standards located in ARTICLE 4 - DISTRICT STANDARDS of the LUC (Division 4.11 River Conservation Zoning District). Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 11 emergency access. An additional access point from East Prospect Road currently exists through the City -owned property immediately west of the project site. 4. ARTICLE 4 - DISTRICTS A. Division 4.11 — River Conservation District The proposed sand and gravel mine is permitted in the RC — River ConservationZoning District, subject to Planning and Zoning Board (Type II) review. The purpose of the RC District is: The conservation and protection of predominately undeveloped land in the Cache La Poudre River (the "River") corridor. The main purpose of this district is to accommodate land use functions such as stormwater management, native wildlife habitat and sand and gravel operations, all of which depend primarily on the continued functioning of natural river systems or are incompatible with singificant urban land development. Urban development, if any, will be limited and will be located and designed in a way to avoid or minimize impacts upon the scenic, cultural, natural and historical values of the river landscape. This proposal complies with the purpose of the RC District as it proposes a land use that is specifically mentioned in the purpose statement, facilitates the protection of other lands within the river corridor with significant natural and scenic values, provides for the long-term enhancement of natural habitats and features on the property, and achieves the permanent protection of the site with no urban development. Reclamation of the RRF mined lands will significantly expand the size, connectivity, and ecosystem value and function of the public natural areas owned by the City Of Fort Collins and Colorado State University on the Poudre River in this vicinity. Section 4.11(D) Land Use Standards The proposal meets these standards. The proposed sand and gravel mine does not include any buildings. No land disturbances will occur within three hundred (300) feet of the bank of the Poudre River. The entire site will be maintained as a large, contiguous tract of open land following mining. Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 10 Section 3.4.8 Parks and Trails The project will, following reclamation, expand and enhance the natural area complex being developed by the City Of Fort Collins and Colorado State University in this area. The project, during and after mining, will provide unique opportunities for environmental interpretation, scientific research, and environmental learning. All of these goals are consistent with the direction provided in the Parks and Recreation Policy Plan Master Plan for this area. No parks are shown in the Parks and Recreation Policy Plan Master Plan in this vicinity. The Cooper Slough Trail is projected to extend into this area in the future, however, the timing and location for the trail are not known at present. In all likelihood the Cooper Slough Trail would, however, connect to the Environmental Learning Center and then extend south through the complex of public lands west of the site. City and ELC staff have located a probable trail extension on the north side of the project area that accomodates any trail that is contemplated during the mining period. Provisions have been included to separate trail users from the mining activity and to provide visual screening of the mining operation from the trail. Following mining, the reclaimed mine site may accommodate additional trails and will provide an attractive environment for future trail users. Decisions on future trails in the area will not be made until mining and reclamation are completed. C. Division 3.5 - Building Standards No buildings will be constructed as part of the project. Therefore, these standards are not applicable. D. Division 3.6 -- Transportation and Circulation This project does not include the construction of any streets or other transportation improvements, therefore Sections 3.6.1 through 3.6.5 are not applicable. Section 3.6.6 Emergency Access Primary access to the site will be from the existing East Rigden mine and plant located south of the Poudre River, using an existing bridge and existing gravel roads. The existing access road to the RRF from East Prospect road will continue to provide for Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 9 Section 3.4.2 Air Quality The mining and reclamation operation will comply with state and local air quality regulations. The existing Air Pollution Emissions Notice (APEN)/Fugitive Dust Permit in effect for the East Rigden mine will apply to this mine as well and demonstrate conformance with all applicable air quality regulations and standards. Section 3.4.3 Water Quality The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in effect for the East Rigden mine site will apply to the RRF mine area. The quality of water discharged from the pit will comply with the NPDES permit for East Rigden. In conformance with the criteria set forth in the City's Storm Drainage Design Criteria and Construction Standards, the reclaimed pit will provide extended detention, and constructed wetlands on the pit floor will capture and filter stormwater runoff prior to evaporation. Section 3.4.4 Noise and Vibration In accordance with this criterion, the mining activity shall be conducted so that noise generated on the property will not exceed the maximum noise levels as specified in the City's Noise Control Ordinance. The primary crusher used to prepare raw materials for conveyance to the processing facility at East Rigden will be on the pit floor, minimizing noise impacts. Use of the electrically -powered conveyor will also minimize any impacts associated with large vehicles at the RRf mine area. Section 3.4.5 Hazardous Materials The proposal has no potential on site or offsite hazardous materials impacts. No fuel storage or other hazardous materials storage will occur onsite. Section 3.4.6 Glare or Heat No activities or operations that produce glare or heat are part of the proposed project. Section 3.4.7 Historic and Cultural Resources The project will not affect any designated or eligible historic structures, structures in designated historic districts, or structures adjacent to designated landmarks. Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 8 two aspects make a unique natural area conservation project that involves the cooperation of the City Of Fort Collins, LaFarge Corporation, Flatiron Companies, and Colorado State University. The proposed sand and gravel mine meets all of the requirements and standards of this section of the land use code. The mining and reclamation plan was designed by the City Of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department in consultation with LaFarge. The plan was designed to enhance wildlife habitat diversity following mining and follows the general guidelines established by the City's Strategy for Gravel Mines Along the Poudre River, Mining and reclamation on the RRF will enhance the overall value of the natural areas along this reach of the Cache la Poudre River. As a result of the project, not only will existing key habitats be protected, but new natural habitats and features will be created. Within the RRF project boundary, most of the land is agricultural land that has been disturbed on a regular basis for biosolids disposal and crop production. Natural habitats on the property include Boxelder Creek and some adjacent grassland areas and a small alkaline wetland at the south end of the property. The Limit of Development (LOD) for the project has been defined so that none of these areas will be disturbed. Many natural habitats and features do exist off the project site in nearby Natural Areas. The proposed mining activity is setback sufficiently from property boundaries so that these areas will not be affected and so that wildlife species using the areas will not be adversely impacted. Based on field studies at the site and existing data available from the Natural Resources Department, no sensitive or specially valued species are known to occur on the mine site. A colonial nesting site (heronry) for the great blue heron does occur within the existing East Rigden mine permit area, immediately south of the RRF mine site. One of the project's primary purposes is to protect the heronry from being mined. The conveyor from RRF to East Rigden passes beneath the trees in the heronry, however, no adverse impact is anticipated because the birds have used this site for many years, at the same time that mining operations have occurred in close proximity. The proposed project has been reviewed and endorsed by Natural Resources staff, by the Natural Resources Advisory Board, by staff from the CSU Environmental Learning Center, and by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 7 elevation of the sewer easements or alter the potential for flooding to occur. Mining activities will be setback from the sewer lines to ensure slope stability. There is some potential for higher risk of erosion or piping in the vicinity of the sewer lines to occur when the mine pit is excavated. This risk will be mitigated by the setbacks from the sewer line, by stockpiling topsoil on the west side of the pit to increase the setback along the lines, and by monitoring conditions adjacent to the sewer lines. In addition, the City Of Fort Collins will complete additional studies to quantitatively assess the risk and ensure the adequacy of these mitigation measures in conjunction with a flood protection study being undertaken in the area in collaboration with Boxelder. This study will be completed by June 2000. Section 3.3.4 Hazards No hazard areas occur within the project site and no permanent development is proposed. Therefore this subsection is not applicable. Section 3.3.5 Engineering Design Standards The design standards, requirements, and specifications for services listen in subsection 3.3.5 do not apply to this project. No stormwater from this site will enter any City stormwater drainage system. Stormwater will drain into the pit or dewatering trench where it will be pumped directly to Boxelder Creek. All mining and reclamation will be conducted in conformance with the Stormwater Management Plan for LaFarge's existing East Rigden operation. Discharges from the pit will comply with existing NPDES requirements and the existing permit issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment for the East Rigden site. C. Division 3.4 — Environmental, Natural Area, Recreational and Cultural Resource Protection Standards Section 3.4.1 Natural Habitats and Features As previously noted, the proposal to mine sand and gravel on the RRF emerged as a strategy for protecting 40 acres of meadow and mature riparian forest along the south side of the Cache la Poudre River that represents some of the most unique and valuable wildlife habitat in the Fort Collins area. This land is within the existing mine permit area for LaFarge's East Rigden pit. In exchange for not mining these sensitive natural habitats, LaFarge would instead mine the 106 acres of much less sensitive agricultural land on the RRF that is the subject of this PDP application. Together, these Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 6 Section 3.2.2 Access, Circulation and Parking Access to the proposed mine site will be from the existing sand and gravel mine and processing operation located south of the Poudre River. Access will be from the mine site across an existing bridge, and then on existing roads on the RRF property. Access will also be gained on occasion from East Prospect Road using the existing road system on the RRF property. No new roads or parking areas are needed for the project, therefore these requirements do not apply. Section 3.2.3 Solar Access, Orientation, Shading No building construction is proposed, therefore this subsection does not apply. Section 3.2.4 Site Lighting No lighting is proposed, therefore this subsection does not apply. B. Division 3.3 — Engineering Standards Section 3.3.1 Plat Standards No subdivision development is proposed, therefore this subsection does not apply. Section 3.3.2 Development Improvements This subsection does not apply because no development is proposed, the project will not generate any new vehicle trips, and no offsite public access improvements are proposed. Section 3.3.3 Water Hazards The large majority of the RRF mine permit area occurs outside of the regulatory 100- year floodplain. None of the site is in a floodway. No development is proposed for the property, so no adverse impacts to the flood plain will be incurred. Upon reclamation,the subject property will provide for flood detention. The Boxelder Sanitation District has expressed concerns about the potential for the mining activity to increase the risk of flood damage to existing sanitary sewers located within the project boundaries. The mining activity will not in anyway change the existing Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 5 Poudre River, and the permit requirements of the State Division of Minerals and Geology, which has approved the proposed sand and gravel mine. All of the proposed mining operation occurs on lands that are currently used for agriculture and have, therefore, been disturbed on a periodic basis. Mining will therefore replace one type of disturbance with another. Following, mining the RRF reclamation plan is designed to minimize evaporative loss of ground water, enhance biodiversity, and expand native wildlife habitat in the Poudre River corridor. As described in the attached "Introduction and Overview" of the project, the Reclamation Plan will create several "oxbow slough" features that are representative of natural topographic and vegetative features of the Poudre River corridor. The reclamation plan will result in a diverse environment that includes native prairie landscape, interspersed with wetlands and riparian habitats. The reclamation plan will utilize only native plant materials found in the Poudre River corridor and included on the list of native plant species for use in Natural Areas, prepared by the Natural Resources Department. The plan also addresses buffering between incompatible uses and activities. Although the project would occur in an area in which gravel mining has occurred for more than 30 years, the plan does include both berm and landscape buffers on the north side to minimize any potential impacts to the Environmental Learning Center, commercial properties along East Prospect Road, and residential properties north of Prospect. No significant trees, wetlands, or native vegetative communities occur within the established Limits of Development (LOD) for the project. A grove of non-native deciduous trees (Poplars), planted by the RRF staff to generate mulch for use on site, is the only woody vegetation that occurs within the LOD. Because this introduced tree species is not desirable in the riparian corridor, the trees will be removed upon commencement of mining. A small alkaline wetland and the Boxelder Creek floodplain also occur within the property, but they are outside the LOD for the project and will not be disturbed by mining. No new utilities are proposed. Existing utility lines include sanitary sewer pipelines and an overhead powerline. Both of these will be preserved and a minimum setback will be maintained between the utility structures and the mining limits in accordance with the recommendations by Scott, Cox, and Associates, a qualified consulting engineer. Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 4 natural area purposes. This interdepartmental transfer of property has been endorsed by the Natural Resources Advisory Board and the Water Board and will be considered by the City Council on December 7, 1999. 2. ARTICLE 2 - ADMINISTRATION Section 2.2.2. Step 2: Neighborhood Meetings The RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM SAND AND GRAVEL MINE PDP proposes a land use that is a Type II use, subject to a Planning and Zoning Board review. A neighborhood meeting is required on a development proposal that is subject to Planning and Zoning Board review unless the Director of Community Planning and Environmental Services (or his assign) determines that the development proposal would not have significant neighborhood impacts. This development is not in close proximity to any residential neighborhoods and is located in a predominantly undeveloped area. All neighboring property owners were notified of the proposal through both the City development process and the public notification process associated with the permit review process of the State of Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. Individual meetings were held with all neighboring property owners who expressed interest in the project. Therefore, a general neighborhood meeting was not required to be held. 3. ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS This RESOURCE RECOVERY FARM SAND AND GRAVEL MINE PDP proposal meets all of the applicable standards in ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS of the LUC. Further discussion of the specific standards pertinent to the project follow. A. Division 3.2 -- Site Planning and Design Standards Section 3.2.1 Landscaping and Tree Protection The proposed sand and gravel mine is a temporary land use, with the final land use for the project area to be public natural area. Due to the unusual nature of mining and reclamation compared to urban development, reclamation planting is distinctly different from a typical urban landscape plan addressed in this section. Nevertheless, the mining and reclamation plan was designed to achieve the intent of these standards, in addition to the intent of the City of Fort Collins Strategies for Gravel Mining Along the Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 3 and reclamation process, the project area will be permanently protected as a public natural area, which precludes any future development of the site. Mining and reclamation has been ongoing in this reach of the Poudre River for over thirty (30) years. Most adjacent lands are either currently mined or reclaimed public lands managed for wildlife habitat and environmental education. Both the temporary mining land use and the end land use as a public natural area are consistent with this land use context. Surrounding land uses include RRF operations (biosolids management and agriculture), sewage treatment, commercial composting, environmental learning, and public natural area. The closest residential property (single-family dwelling) is approximately 800 feet away adjacent to East Prospect Street. To buffer mining from nearby commercial facilities, the Environmental Learning Center, East Prospect Road, and residences, overburden and topsoil stockpiles will be placed near the west and north boundaries during the Stage 3 mining. Upon reclamation, these will be removed, and views into the reclaimed lands will be restored. A permanent landscape buffer will also be planted at the north end of the site. COMMENTS: 1. Background: The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: CSU; Environmental Learning Center; S: Larimer County I- Industrial zoning; existing sand and gravel mine and processing facility; W: T and CSU; City -owned natural area and CSU Environmental Learning Center; E: Employment; existing City Resource Recovery Farm. This property was annexed into the City on June 7, 1988 as the Sludge Frm Annexation. The property has been used by the City Of Fort Collins Wastewater Utility for the land application of biosolids and for agricultural production. As the City's Wastewater Utility transitions its operations from the RRF to the Meadow Springs Ranch located in northern Larimer County, the RRF property is transitioning to other uses. The proposed sand and gravel operation is consistent with the Utility's transition plan and with conceptual land use plans developed for the property. The City's Natural Resources Department plans to purchase a 174-acre portion of the 324-acre RRF for Resource Recovery Farm Sand and Gravel Mine Project Development Plan — #17-99 December 16, 1999 P & Z Meeting Page 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This Project Development Plan complies with the following applicable requirements of the Land Use Code LUC , more specifically: " the process located in Division 2.2 - Common Development Review Procedures for Development Applications of ARTICLE 2 ADMINISTRATION; standards located in Division 3.2 - Site Planning and Design Standards, Division 3.3 - Engineering Standards, Division 3.4 —...Natural Area... Standards, and Division 3.5 - Building Standards of ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; and the applicable district standards located in ARTICLE 4 - DISTRICT STANDARDS of the LUC (Division 4.11 RC — River Conservation District). The sand and gravel mining land use is permitted in the RC — River Conservation District subject to Planning and Zoning Board (Type 2) review. The RC District was designed for: The conservation and protection of predominately undeveloped land in the Cache La Poudre River (the `River") corridor. The main purpose of this district is to accommodate land use functions such as stormwater management, native wildlife habitat and sand and gravel operations, all of which depend primarily on the continued functioning of natural river systems or are incompatible with singificant urban land development. Urban development, if any, will be limited and will be located and designed in a way to avoid or minimize impacts upon the scenic, cultural, natural and historical values of the river landscape. This proposal complies with the purpose of the RC District as it provides for resource extraction, as specifically mentioned in the purpose statement, and accomplishes the protection of significant natural features located to the south of the project. The mining and reclamation plan were designed in cooperation with the current operators of the RRF and with the Colorado State University Environmental Learning Center to be compatible with current operations and to enhance future programs. The reclamation plan will provide a diverse complex of upland and wetland habitats that enhances the overall habitat diversity of the natural area complex that is being protected by the City Of Fort Collins and Colorado State University in the vicinity. After the 5 to 8 year mining ITEM NO. 7 F MEETING DATE 12/16/99 STAFF Tom Shoemaker/Steve Olt Citv of Fort Collins PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD STAFF REPORT PROJECT: Resource Recovery Farm, Sand and Gravel Mine, Project Development Plan — #17-99 APPLICANT: Natural Resources Department City Of Fort Collins C/O Tom Shoemaker, Director P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 OWNERS: Natural Resources Department City Of Fort Collins C/O Tom Shoemaker, Director P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request for a Project Development Plan (PDP) for a sand and gravel mine located on a portion of the City of Fort Collins' Resource Recovery Farm (RRF) west of Boxelder Creek, near East Prospect Street and 1-25. The proposal has already received approval by the State of Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. The proposal would involve mining of 106 acres of land that is currently used by the City Of Fort Collins Wastewater Utility for biosolid disposal and agricultural production. The post -mining land use would be as a public Natural Area. Reclamation of the mined area would involve regrading to create a topography that is representative of the natural corridor of the Poudre River and seeding with native plant materials. The design minimizes evaporative loss of ground water, enhances biodiversity, and expands native wildlife habitat in the Poudre River Corridor. The impetus for the project is to avoid mining of significant natural habitats which are located south of the Poudre River from the RRF site within an existing mine permit area. See the attached "Introduction and Overview" for a more complete description of the mining and reclamation process. RECOMMENDATION: Approval COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 281 N. College Ave. P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 (970) 221-6750 PLANNING DEPARTMENT //