h_agr_2018a_2018-04-02t13:32:06z0 Hearing Summary

Representatives Roberts and McLachlan, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1301, concerning the protection of water quality from adverse impacts caused by mineral mining. Representatives McLachlan and Roberts distributed a letter in support of the bill from the San Juan Board of County Commissioners [Attachment A], a list of organizations supporting the bill [Attachment B], a letter in support of the bill from the Gunnison County Board of Commissioners [Attachment C], and a letter in support of the bill from the La Plata County Board of Commissioners [Attachment D]. Additionally, a resolution in support of the bill from the San Miguel County Board of Commissioners was emailed to committee members prior to the meeting [Attachment E].

Under current law, mining operators must adopt and execute a reclamation plan for the land affected by mining operations. The bill requires that mining operators include additional information in annual reclamation plans submitted to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and that all reclamation bonds contain financial assurances sufficient to ensure water quality protection, treatment, and monitoring. Representatives Roberts and McLachlan responded to questions from the committee.

The following persons testified remotely on the bill:

Cindy Medina, Alamosa Riverkeeper, testified in support of the bill.

Bennet Boeschenstein, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and discussed his experience as the former planning director for the City of Grand Junction.

Erin Riccio, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Mueller, Yurstead Farm, testified in support of the bill.

Joe Heflin, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Luke Danielson, Sustainable Development Strategies Group, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Danielson responded to questions from the committee regarding the Summit Mill mining spill and the use of bonds to remediate capped mines.

Ben Bloodworth, representing himself, read a letter in support of the bill from Ned Meyers.

Dick White, City of Durango, testified in support of the bill.

James Wilkes, Mountain Waters Rafting and Adventure Company, testified in support of the bill.

Julie Westendorff, La Plata County, testified in support of the bill.

Liane Jollon, San Juan Basin Public Health, testified in support of the bill.

Peter McKay, San Juan County, testified in support of the bill.

Travis Stills, Energy and Conservation Law, testified in support of the bill.

Scott Fetchenhier, San Juan County, testified in support of the bill.

Dean Brookie, City of Durango, testified in support of the bill.

The following persons testified at the committee hearing:

Tony Waldron, Division of Mine Reclamation and Safety, stated that DRMS has not taken a position on the bill and responded to questions regarding reclamation bonds.

Bill Skewes, Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dianna Orf, Colorado Mining Assocation and Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Stan Dempsey, Colorado Mining Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Skewes responded to questions from the committee regarding how many mining companies are represented by CACI. Mr. Dempsey also responded to questions from the committee regarding the bill.

Chris Treese, Colorado River District, testified on the bill.

Rebecca Meyers, Earthworks, testified in support of the bill.

Jeff Parsons, Western Mining Action Project, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Parsons responded to questions from the committee regarding the bonding requirements for reclamation and water treatment.

Representatives Roberts and McLachlan made concluding comments regarding the bill.