In an effort to address the seemingly constant barrage of letters to the Herald that accuse GCC Energy of “mining without a permit” in Hay Gulch, it might be useful to point out that GCC holds these permits and clearances: A Mining Permit from Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining & Safety; a Mining Permit from U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation & Enforcement; an Air Emission Permit; General Stormwater Permit; Stormwater Management Plan; Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan through the Colorado Division of Public Health & Environment; two septic system permits from San Juan Basin Health Department; a Building Permit from La Plata County; cultural and historic studies and clearances from the State Historical Preservation Office and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Historical Preservation Office; Threatened and Endangered Species studies and clearances from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Colorado Division of Wildlife; Waters of the United States clearance from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers; Resource Recovery Protection Plan, Geologic & Engineering Report & Maximum Economic Recovery plans from the Bureau of Land Management; a Raptor Protection Plan with CDRMS; Mexican Spotted Owl surveys for the BLM; a water rights and augmentation plan and decree approved by the 7th Judicial District Court, Water Division; a $884,249.71 Reclamation Bond held by CDRMS; and at least 15 approved plans with the Mine Safety & Health Administration.
The list actually goes on, but you get the idea.
When La Plata County reversed its position and decided a Special Land Use Permit was required, GCC Energy immediately began the process to obtain the permit. That process continues in good faith with the Planning Department.
Tom Bird
Hay Gulch
