Understanding the DRMS Process Before the Peak Ranch Resource Public Hearing
This message from Friends of the Lower Blue River is to clearly explain what is ahead with the Peak Materials proposed gravel mine at Peak Ranch Resource and meetings with the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS)
I had a very productive conversation with Eric Scott, Environmental Protection Specialist for the DRMS. The course of action in the weeks ahead is very specific. And it is important for all of us to understand the process.
The upcoming meeting on March 3rd is not a normal required part of the DRMS process. It is an additional meeting that has been organized to actually explain and present the process of the DRMS regarding this proposal. The March 3rd meeting from 3:00 to 4:30pm is more informal. Officials with DRMS will be on hand to explain how the hearing process will proceed. The March 3rd meeting is not, repeat not the time when the DRMS will hear and deal with people’s issues surrounding the proposed project.
The Informal Public Meeting will be held by a virtual ZOOM meeting.
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Event: |
Informal Public Meeting |
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Date: |
Wednesday, March 3, 2021 |
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Time: |
3:00pm – 4:30pm |
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Zoom Link: |
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83133671234?pwd=WXNOM0FNbjNCTEhINk9pSVo3TU0wUT09 |
Another important point is understanding what the DRMS will deal with and what it will not. A lot of concerns and issues submitted by interested parties are not in the purview of the DRMS. For example, the following are non-jurisdictional issues of the DRMS:
- Traffic Impact
- Hours of Operation
- Noise Impact
- Dust Created by the project
- Is the proposed location appropriate for a mining operation?
These are classified as local County jurisdictional concerns and issues, that if necessary, will be best brought up with the Lower Blue Planning Commission and the Summit Board of County Commissioners. Their consideration would occur if the permit for Peak Ranch Resource was approved by the DRMS. Peak Materials would still need the conditional use permits from the County for the gravel project to proceed.
Here are a few examples of the issues that are within the DRMS’ jurisdictional purview:
- Wildlife Impact
- Ground and Surface water quality and quantity
- Property Ownership Issues
- Water rights issues
You can expect more clarification at the March 3rd meeting. The DRMS will explain more about what concerns will be heard during the formal public hearing. That hearing will occur at the DRMS Board Meeting scheduled for April 21st and 22nd.
So, to sum things up…It is in all of our best interest to attend the March 3rd meeting to be further educated about the DRMS process. Plus, your attendance will also show strength. Once the Pre-Hearing Conference date is determined, it is in all our best interest to attend that meeting too. If you don’t, you will be disqualified from being heard at the April 21st and 22nd DRMS Board Meeting.
If you have any specific questions, please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Jonathan Knopf
FOLBR Executive Director
