5.2. SR 05-16-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e e e Stephen Rohlf April 4, 1994 Page 4 appropriate, especially considering the projected growth of the Elk River area over the next 75 years. Section 3.2 Surface Water Page 3-9 states that no DNR protected waters are located within the mining district boundaries. However, Wetland 71-0004W is very close, if not located within the boundaries. Other close wetlands or waters which are close include 71-0015P, 170W, 171W, 265W, and 9W. We strongly recommend the consideration of setback establishment for these basins. Furthermore, runoff water from the mining operations must be treated prior to entering the lake. Treatment should include settling basins, or other methods which limit erosion, sedimentation, or discoloration of the waterbodies. It may be feasible to establish permanent settling basins for protected basins, with multiple mining operations contributing runoff to the settling basin. Settling basins should be designed to hold at least a 50-year flood event, with overflow to the wetlands. Ditches, streams, and other waterways should have similar established setbacks, and protection from erosion/sedimentation since they empty into wetland basins and/or rivers and streams. As wetlands are restored, wetland areas should be established. The current landscape likely provides substantial aquifer recharge. Long term, major changes from mining, as well as other subsequent changes in land use, could affect aquifer recharge. Other concerns relating to de-watering may be expressed through DNR water appropriation permits. Since the mining district is divided by a watershed boundary, and minin~ is expected to reach a depth of approximately 100 feet, local water table flow directIOns could be impacted or changed. Such issues will be handled on a case by case manner. Appropriation permits are required for appropriation of water in excess of 10,000 gallons per day, or 1,000,000 gallons per year. Visual inspection of the area by Section of Fisheries personnel leads to concerns about what effect this project will have on the various fisheries related interests in the area. Wetland impacts, both direct and indirect, along with changes in land use, can lead to fishery impacts. We are concerned that the increase in mining activity will alter future land use patterns in way which may ultimately increase erosion and decrease water quality leaVing the project site. Our specific concerns include: 1. Reduced water quality from this I;>roject expansion can negatively impact two river systems because the project site SItS at the boundary of the Rum and Mississippi River watersheds. The onsite treatment of storm- and waste- waters will significantly reduce concerns in this regard. 2. Wetlands found both within and outside the mining district require protective measures designed to control erosional impacts. 3. Northern pike from the Elk River and Orono Lake run up a small stream to a series of small wetlands that are adjacent to the project site. Additionally, Northern pike run from Fremont Lake (71-16) to the marshy area in and around Rice Lake (71- 78). Efforts should be taken to avoid impacts to these locally important fishery resources. We have provided a map that generically details the areas in questIOn.