Plans for water quality protection in Fremont County in connection with proposed uranium mining were presented Thursday to Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District board members during their regular meeting.
Officials from Black Range Minerals of Australia responded to a letter from the district expressing worry about water monitoring at the proposed exploration site in the Tallahassee Creek area north of Parkdale.
Ben Vallerine, U.S. exploration manager for Black Range, reviewed company past activities and future plans. Subject to approval by Fremont County Commissioners, he said plans call for drilling about 800 exploration holes in Taylor Ranch and surrounding areas.
Susan Wyman, consultant with Whetstone Associates of La Veta, discussed plans for drilling in the area in addition to water management and quality monitoring for the project.
"On average, it might take between 6,000 and 10,000 gallons to drill a single hole," Wyman said.
The company leased 15 acre feet of water from Pueblo Board of Water, she said.
For groundwater quality monitoring, Wyman said, "We have identified eight different locations. "
For subsurface water, Wyman explained, "We will drill two to three monitoring wells per site."
On another topic, ranchers Dean Roberts and Sam Scanga voiced worry about possible reduction in seep water on their property near the Friend Ranch project west of Poncha Springs.
In other business, directors:
• Discussed an integrated water management plan with the town of Buena Vista.
• Approved an amended stipulation for a pond that was increased from 20 to 24 acre feet.
• Approved filing a statement of opposition for a spring application in the Garfield area.
BLR Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
