[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6271579,"mediaKeyId","3028868-bb5424c753669445da2afcd12562888e","parentId",3028868,"title","Construction-aggregates industry urges clearer permitting and planning as resources dwindle near markets","audioSeconds",3789,"startMs",3340000,"endMs",7129000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028868-bb5424c753669445da2afcd12562888e&start=3340&end=7129","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028868-bb5424c753669445da2afcd12562888e/thumbnail_3340000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6271579/Colorado/Construction-aggregates-industry-urges-clearer-permitting-and-planning-as-resources-dwindle-near-markets","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271579-7e1ddc55014a05c1e9438cad1c432ec1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770992481&Signature=EtN3fCgm8N99u6Gnk0f7uCyHHwULZstzYTmLAzHHQaQRgfO7Mg45X3gQF3ArNSRYIlwsd~2ke0YMGIzFJJ7SAjWRbvrfraU7OvR8GqPlSWs7cNtDRuxVROeQlm-a3oconjZ0C3abH-ooAPTGboE9N3hL5mYH2Y1SKLhhzOH~VnnqFALu6Dyf95faP1eG2BN~FIODn-GRQTCQggRL5yf6VVMHAflkuBzgH73ywCMa5MkiloOLxbPkm9IY~vuRGNFGmlaExODZn1sUsEz3EijdcaTVVzLGXxVqGxuSrULU2251355Qvzlcfhq1~EakiGxVFl8AWp5W9HGGfDp7sYnVKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-17T00:46:56.983Z","article","The Colorado Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (CSSGA) presented to the Mine Land Reclamation Board on April 16, describing industry economics, permitting challenges and typical reclamation practices in Colorado.

Todd Ohlheiser, executive director of CSSGA, said aggregates are a place-based commodity; most material is sold by the ton close to where it will be used. David Beaver (adjunct professor, Colorado School of Mines) explained Colorado's geology and markets: the east plains are sand-rich, the mountains provide hard-rock coarse aggregate, and distribution must account for transportation costs and local demand. Beaver said typical trucking economics constrain a truck-served quarry's practical market to roughly a 50-mile radius.

CSSGA's presenters stressed permitting complexity. Paul Kos (consultant, permitting lead) walked trustees through multi-agency reviews (county land use, state environmental permits, federal wetlands and NEPA when federal funding is involved) and noted that permit processes can take many years with overlapping technical studies and iterative agency reviews.

Operators described site-by-site experience. Stephanie Fancher English of Loveland Ready Mix compared a long-established Loveland site (permitted in 1974) with a recently permitted La Porte site: the newer permit required extensive water-quality measures, air modeling that incorporates background concentrations and environmental-justice screening, truck-route restrictions, operating-hour limits and noise studies. Fancher said permitting the smaller La Porte site cost more than $1 million and included lawsuits filed by local opponents after a county land-use decision.

Joel Bolduc of BurnCo described reclamation practices common in Colorado, where many former pits are reclaimed as lined water-storage reservoirs that supply municipal or agricultural water. He noted that the state's topography and prior water-rights system make lined reservoirs an especially common and useful post-mining land use. Reclamation elements discussed included slurry walls, slope grading and engineered spillways that meet modern flood standards.

Industry representatives emphasized two policy points: first, that aggregate resources near urban markets are being depleted or built over, forcing future production farther from customers and increasing truck miles and costs; second, that permitting and land-use pathways to identify and protect future mineral-resource corridors are fragmented and often underutilized by local governments. The presenters pointed to a Utah study assessing critical infrastructure minerals as an example of a method to map likely future resource locations and plan accordingly.

Board members asked about industry consolidation, ownership (locally owned vs. multinational companies), workforce availability and the potential for recycled materials. Presenters said larger, often out-of-state or multinational companies hold a growing share of production, but local firms remain important for nimble decision-making and community ties. Recycled asphalt pavement is widely used in modern asphalt mixes (typical recycled content cited around 25%), while full replacement of rock in high-strength, wearing-course applications is not currently practical at scale.

The board did not take action on the presentation; staff and CSSGA agreed to coordinate future site tours for trustees and staff to view active operations and reclaimed reservoirs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Colorado MLRB's April 16, 2025 Zoom Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Industry representatives told the Mine Land Reclamation Board that aggregates are locally produced and sold by the ton, permitting has become more complex and expensive, and reclamation frequently creates lined water-storage reservoirs used by communities.","taxTitle","Mined Land Reclamation Board, Governor's Boards and Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Colorado","taxId",28139,"location","Colorado","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6271584,"Division reports: SB2554 clears Senate; EPA Good Samaritan pilot and Schwartzwalder treatment plan move forward",151,421000,572000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028868-bb5424c753669445da2afcd12562888e&start=421&end=572","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028868-bb5424c753669445da2afcd12562888e/thumbnail_421000.jpg","/articles/6271584/Colorado/Division-reports-SB2554-clears-Senate-EPA-Good-Samaritan-pilot-and-Schwartzwalder-treatment-plan-move-forward","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271584-2517523931dfc90695a197e5c6316eae/orig.mp4?Expires=1770992480&Signature=cW6CM9jR1LH4Pz7hKaA673xKXGyh0AK7zI4w0mVtDumhySr9598qLvpCURsbhpHxici2jQOnIcEzCToZZHYBn39i9zAwSPI4uhdZWTGQ~mU-sZF-OITifmq0LplELLpUlyKaVB9izp1vKaMKejnYIJfp2QV0ym3rWA1LjjjTt3llSdeawyeq3uLO4DDnBxKfajdzrlQrM1eeIVRBga~36wSULp61g4GczclZCIUCNL4onEkY8B2HoH0CYzC4dGxouBgor~3zjFLVL-0HXDw67TJIFDgNoUfA6ESGmVTaKsrB0sexCUeAFjHQnVbQucQqgqBpkJa9FX~n0hqO3-cZ2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety updated the Mine Land Reclamation Board on legislative and program developments April 16, reporting that Senate Bill 2554 cleared the Senate and will next be considered by the Colorado House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee.

Ken Cunningham, division director, reported that SB2554 passed second and third readings in the Senate without amendments and is scheduled for House committee review with about three weeks left in the session. He told trustees the division expects the measure to move quickly in the House.

The division also summarized discussions from a recent Good Samaritan summit hosted by Colorado School of Mines and Trout Unlimited. Jeff Graves and the division's inactive mine program staff attended. Division staff said the new federal law requires EPA to establish a pilot program for Good Samaritan remediation projects; EPA plans to issue up to 15 pilot permits and begin permit reviews on Oct. 1, 2025, with first project implementations anticipated in 2026. Division staff said EPA indicated it intends to move rapidly and \"fast track\" the pilot permits rather than provide highly detailed guidance before state-level submissions.

Board members were told the division is coordinating with stakeholders to identify potential projects across a range of types (point-source, nonpoint-source, NGO-led, state-led, and industry-led projects that could include mineral recovery). The aim is to demonstrate successful projects to Congress and build support for further funding and stronger protections.

Division staff also provided project updates. Schwartzwalder Mine — where DRMS previously reported contractor work and water treatment planning — has a contractor under contract and is scheduled to begin on-site water treatment in May; DRMS said the current contractor brings continuity from last year and that an educational tour for Colorado School of Mines students is planned in early May to support research opportunities.

Separately, division staff previewed mine-safety training program rulemaking the office plans to begin in the fall. The rulemaking will consider inspection frequencies for tourist mines and regulations for mine conveyances and elevator systems in light of an incident at the Molly Kathleen mine. DRMS said it is coordinating with the Division of Oil and Public Safety, which currently certifies elevator systems in the state, and that the rulemaking will clarify whether conveyances must be certified under the elevator regulations or DRMS rules.

No formal board action was taken on these briefings; the board asked staff to continue coordination with stakeholders and to report back as proposals and federal guidance evolve.","Division staff told the Mine Land Reclamation Board that Senate Bill 2554 passed the Senate and is headed to the House, the EPA is proceeding with a Good Samaritan pilot that could fast-track up to 15 pilot permits, and Schwartzwalder Mine water treatment is scheduled to begin in May with contractor continuity from last year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6271590,"Mine-subsidence program reviewed; board approves $2.829 million reclamation grant",1300,1117000,2417000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028868-bb5424c753669445da2afcd12562888e&start=1117&end=2417","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028868-bb5424c753669445da2afcd12562888e/thumbnail_1117000.jpg","/articles/6271590/Colorado/Mine-subsidence-program-reviewed-board-approves-2829-million-reclamation-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271590-09147077024f6d0af4f8e332fb89235b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770992480&Signature=FTv7A0Mm~~QujDFshjizbQfrpGrmwOk2V0N-TJe1K7e3EWr4Ho-TD6aa5VTDxQK6W0nQ5TqLctFvQvZArCuAP0HK0s~31O5ep2X8DCPoYpTZN2Dg4x-qzL~RVVPkf4BUELNJ1Y-MxUOFA3RNgB9BKFyjXqNSV-O7~87srbytOg4Rxrj6C467bL1Y3OL2Ak0-XHnyPK26QKJslRghe8l8O0BHCLA9ICPzHerooNN0fpDY6OuCAnp2NaHs0wFLvk65HY2kZIaGJ0PtVbieqicliVpmJwsCHgleC14HS-mwP471R30bkOHQXW7mcDTbaHEkJItEzuU6Vg3h46KwmElO6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mine Land Reclamation Board on April 16 received an annual update on the Mine Subsidence Protection Program and approved the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety's (DRMS) $2,829,000 reclamation grant request for fiscal 2025.

The Mine Subsidence Protection Program, a state trust created in 1989 and funded originally by a $3 million federal grant, provides post-subsidence benefit payments and a claims process to eligible homeowners. Jeff Graves, program director for the Inactive Mine Reclamation Program, told the board the program currently has \"a total of 869 members enrolled in the program,\" with 730 of those in Colorado Springs.

The program reimburses eligible covered losses up to $100,000 per subsidence occurrence with a $1,000 deductible; baseline geotechnical inspections cost $200 and the annual administrative fee is $35 for three consecutive years before enrollment is considered permanent. Graves and Mine Subsidence Protection Program administrator Rachel Nicholas explained enrollment is limited to homes built before Feb. 22, 1989, located in undermined areas; multi-unit buildings up to 10 units are eligible if all units enroll.

Board members asked for program details about coverage, geographic distribution and long-term funding. Graves said program expenditures have exceeded collected revenue in recent years and that the trust fund balance has been declining; the office of the state auditor will present audit findings to the legislative audit committee on June 16, 2025. Board members pressed on engineering costs and the need to evaluate options to stabilize the fund.

After reviewing the division's proposed projects and associated budgets (which included coal and non-coal safety-closure work, NEPA and cultural compliance costs, and administrative expenses), the board voted to approve the Division's OSMRE grant application requesting $2,829,000 for reclamation project costs and administration. The motion to approve the 2025 grant request passed on voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of March minutes: motion made and seconded; passed on voice vote (no recorded opposition).
- Approval of the Division's 2025 OSMRE/AML grant request for $2,829,000: motion by Board Member Nelson; seconded; approved on voice vote (no recorded opposition).

Board staff also reviewed the process for claims investigations: a desktop investigation, review of regional subsidence risk studies (notably the James and Moore 1985 study), available mine maps, and site inspections by a geotechnical firm. Graves said homeowners may appeal the division's determination of proximate cause or benefit amounts to the Mine Land Reclamation Board; final board decisions are subject to judicial review under Colorado statutes.

The presentation included maps showing high-hazard undermined neighborhoods in Colorado Springs (Cragmor/Cragmore and Danville Park examples), descriptions of subsidence types (trough and chimney subsidence), and a reminder that other geologic hazards such as swelling soils or poorly compacted backfill can mimic mine-subsidence damage and require geotechnical differentiation.

Board members and staff noted the program's enrollment remains geographically concentrated on the Front Range (730 of 869 enrollments in Colorado Springs, with smaller enrollments in Boulder, Weld, Lafayette, Firestone, Erie and a few on the Western Slope). Graves said program staff review mine maps, historic investigations and local site histories as part of every claim.

The board packet included the program's 2024 annual report and a summary of proposed 2025 grant projects that DRMS prioritized using an advisory council scoring system (hazard, funding leverage/cost share, geography, accessibility and post-reclamation management). The top-line grant request combined project construction costs and administrative/NEPA/cultural compliance expenses.

The meeting closed the MCPP presentation with board questions about fund sustainability; Graves said engineering and NEPA costs are significant drivers of program spending and that staff will pursue budgeting options to reduce the fund decline.

Board Chair Quint Redmond adjourned the meeting after remaining agenda items.","The Mine Land Reclamation Board heard an annual report on the Mine Subsidence Protection Program, was told the program covers 869 enrolled properties (730 in Colorado Springs), and voted to approve the Division's $2,829,000 inactive mine reclamation grant request for 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Construction-aggregates industry urges clearer permitting and planning as resources dwindle near markets

Division reports: SB2554 clears Senate; EPA Good Samaritan pilot and Schwartzwalder treatment plan move forward

Mine-subsidence program reviewed; board approves $2.829 million reclamation grant