[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-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",[32,75,87,98],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6750478,"mediaKeyId","5574776-8b491832f3332b6519825ecc3559e8ed","parentId",5574776,"title","EPA, Army Corps and contractors outline late‑season mobilization for Bonita Peak repository; county presses for details","audioSeconds",1235,"startMs",365000,"endMs",1600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5574776-8b491832f3332b6519825ecc3559e8ed&start=365&end=1600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5574776-8b491832f3332b6519825ecc3559e8ed/thumbnail_365000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6750478/San-Juan-County/Colorado/EPA-Army-Corps-and-contractors-outline-lateseason-mobilization-for-Bonita-Peak-repository-county-presses-for-details","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6750478-4e0776be1f40d2987a9231ca5202ebc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775578811&Signature=CphXOGO5B8zscmJwbH7lmPMpQzi3OdGx~leFJvuNypDG152pO806bbNoKk8tIH53M~TDTnAk8IdYRVYUsdz7i4Ytrelv6kY9S6vA8EoK7NKJF~63ceR8zorg8Sc-ovrCPwPlL9qSUzPy~2vKp2VMixA0AQIZztH~B6f~Qmb1xpJbTcKkUZrQ95Zqjozggk6O3nAIvXb4U2ERLyFEKAIJhhBGbYWPFT~3Z7qpfGxaVqRiBkRcp~u05-gEm0TkhOrYznpybTj0zNWt5hg826YoBqLSFJ1Qc8ZiqOnO5QHG-LqZqs0qZLu4HizJXKp~VooaE8fZzXZIVkIYK6VEUOzjGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Juan County","date","2025-08-13T14:37:47Z","article","EPA project staff and contractors briefed San Juan County commissioners on Aug. 13 on planned work at the Bonita Peak Repository for the remainder of 2025, saying they expect a short mobilization at the end of August with a fuller mobilization after Labor Day and continued operations into next year.

The team said this season they plan to move about 300 truckloads of mine sludge from the Gladstone plant to repository Cell 1, construct ramps, and implement a traffic‑control plan. Contractors said they will amend the sludge to reduce the risk of liquefaction during transport and will use a water truck and on‑site dust suppression. They also anticipated moving up to 1,000 truckloads of aggregate from two pits to build repository access and infrastructure, though they said not all of that tonnage may arrive this season.

County staff pressed presenters for specifics: what truck types would travel county roads, which routes the haulers would use, where water for dust control would be obtained and how the team would conceal or mitigate visual impacts of perimeter fencing and equipment. Presenters said they are seeking permission to draw water from local sources (ideally county‑managed access near County Road 20/Hillier Street where possible) and that they had identified a county‑controlled location for water if BLM permission is not available. The contractors said they would explore alternative fencing options (so‑called game or ‘wildlife‑friendly’ fences that are less visually intrusive and better at excluding elk) and could look at planting or revegetation along fence lines where feasible.

Commissioners and residents also asked whether ramp construction and haul routes could avoid the town center and whether the schedule could avoid Labor Day holiday events. Presenters said they intended to avoid the town over the holiday and to start full operations after Labor Day, but they also warned that unexpected delays earlier in the season have compressed the calendar and driven the late mobilization.

Why it matters: County officials said they support the cleanup but want clearer commitments on traffic routing, public notifications, and measures to limit dust, sediment, and visual impacts. Commissioners asked the EPA and contractors to return updates as the team finalizes haul permits, water‑access agreements, and traffic control plans.

Ending: The county did not take formal action on the presentation itself; commissioners asked staff to remain involved with permitting, to require specific haul‑route and permit filings (including rock‑truck permits and road‑use agreements), and to insist on written plans for dust suppression and water sourcing before large‑scale hauling begins.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","San Juan County Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","EPA and contractor teams told San Juan County commissioners on Aug. 13 they plan an end‑of‑August mobilization to move roughly 300 truckloads of treated sludge to the Bonita Peak Repository, with larger hauling and aggregate deliveries to follow after Labor Day.","taxTitle","San Juan County, Colorado","taxId",73427,"location","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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6750465,"Commissioners approve several land‑use permits and a boundary adjustment amid public comment on water and scenic impacts",34083,34083000,-1,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5574776-8b491832f3332b6519825ecc3559e8ed&start=34083&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5574776-8b491832f3332b6519825ecc3559e8ed/thumbnail_34083000.jpg","/articles/6750465/San-Juan-County/Colorado/Commissioners-approve-several-landuse-permits-and-a-boundary-adjustment-amid-public-comment-on-water-and-scenic-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6750465-28e62dc013546fbe1011ec4585e701e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775578811&Signature=ctJ-gBmEoGcQZ6oL06hs6JMab80YlJz7B2sJ1o37EcwdWUeLbMfHs55~GaCmdEspBIFrGLT7idXdChofT7gGmJ-4pUBl1xqV~n0xmKsFEEghyxzSKG1v8Kvhx0qtAJo96v8XmunSiznnwNvBeLm-bTxUxUJUe~xK3XO~u1aW5aAIx1JiKPfNq3hZoVkhTc~wqcsQtLCc0aFNK4jZjV6wTCyDcqBNGDjkeeoaqvpxrh-F-qnwBlXDgJc46vFQGq9pH-cxJ9VgOPfS3R8uJ6JA5d82mFz6RbnX6Y8iQ1FJ~j9SWCar2fT0i2kklRLIN4iusv3dbKRONieME40CCd1p4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","San Juan County commissioners reviewed a group of land‑use applications on Aug. 13 and acted on several items recommended by the planning commission.

Improvement permit — Senior Warden claim (Isaiah Boyle): The applicant sought an exemption to the county’s 5‑acre minimum lot area and an improvement permit for a modest single‑story dwelling (approx. 1,280 sq ft) with a cistern and engineered septic. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended conditional approval, including story‑pole placement to show ridgeline and additional scenic mitigation. A neighbor (Steve Escher) submitted written comments and spoke in public comment about a spring and potential impacts on downstream water. The board discussed visibility from the highway, screening options and the possibility of a boundary adjustment to relocate the building footprint farther into tree cover; the board approved the improvement permit subject to the planning‑staff conditions and required additional story poles and permit conditions.

Boundary line adjustment — Coal Range subdivision (George Riley): The board approved a boundary line adjustment between Lots 1 and 2 that shifts the lot line and clarifies ownership of the adjacent road right‑of‑way; the planning commission recommended approval and the property owners on both sides had signed approvals.

Improvement permits — Other cabins (David Breed; Damon/David Rose): Commissioners approved the Breed and Rose applications for cabins and associated utilities after planning‑staff review of setbacks, septic viability and scenic quality; conditions include engineered septic approval, wildfire mitigation measures, and required recording of covenants or acknowledgements on title.

Votes at a glance: commissioners approved each planning commission recommendation and adopted the staff conditions for all items considered at the public hearing.

Why it matters: The county’s planning decisions shape where and how new private development occurs in high‑scenic and multi‑use recreational lands. Commissioners emphasized the need to protect viewsheds and watersheds while also recognizing long‑standing mining claims and ownership patterns in the forested corridor.

Ending: Applicants were told to file required permits with CDOT/BLM where access crosses federal land, to finalize engineered septic approvals, and to install required story poles and lighting/window treatments where conditions require them before building permits are issued.","The board approved multiple planning items Aug. 13, including an improvement permit for a single‑family home on the Senior Warden claim (with conditions), a Coal Range boundary adjustment, and several cabin permits, while taking public comment on water, access and scenic concerns.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":80,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6750470,"San Juan social‑services office reports positive year‑to‑date finances; Silverton Family Learning Center seeks short‑term support",36025,36025000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5574776-8b491832f3332b6519825ecc3559e8ed&start=36025&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5574776-8b491832f3332b6519825ecc3559e8ed/thumbnail_36025000.jpg","/articles/6750470/San-Juan-County/Colorado/San-Juan-socialservices-office-reports-positive-yeartodate-finances-Silverton-Family-Learning-Center-seeks-shortterm-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6750470-cd0e6aa831459f62a556ae16ff71e387/orig.mp4?Expires=1775578811&Signature=Hv232uCoqeZwh1rJazlBzETVKQ5JtKpyigObSimygDBfyYfz4BxroJL5uzYnPd69ZhudZydnxVovxmhJIArofrB8~FqHXcK-pVAgY3bvwoSDXsEwmttPs0KXqW9WeGFldUnODYeHm6-kOGnaT3CO-PEUQ1XNDZ8VRIhPFezScPIFOW5KGHgoMI1ptVEtAFAZOSIuDUleQt1nhbS4dCyp-k2ntu94wbq7CQHGdrXT3AaLZsHohGZ~4egipbGcaiYSeUAxt6dNNN18R2BDgT7y~r9kbQKTBSpckDkqi-xlSXZyn-rYVA2Qstnz0K9PZ2iKKMP4a-5eLfWtXje97nNttA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Martha Johnson, director of San Juan County human/social services, reviewed June and state fiscal‑year finances at the Aug. 13 meeting and said the department closed the state fiscal year in reasonable shape. She explained a bookkeeping approach that passed part of La Plata County staff costs through San Juan in order to avoid a large hit to the La Plata fund balance.

Johnson reported that San Juan County met state incentives and earned $3,542.98 for performance in Medicaid‑related measures. Commissioners voted to approve the intergovernmental agreement with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing that governs those incentives; the county will receive incentive funds if it meets performance milestones in the coming year.

Johnson also said the Silverton Family Learning Center, which provides early childhood and pre‑K services, is experiencing an unexpected short‑term funding gap due to changes in universal pre‑K funding and other timing issues. The center proposed a package of funders, one option of which would be up to $25,000 from county TANF reserves as a one‑time stopgap while the center builds a sustainability plan and secures other commitments. The county has about $100,000 in TANF reserves; a $25,000 draw would lower reserves to an estimated $75,000–$80,000.

Commissioners said they were sympathetic but asked for additional details, including a sustainability plan, a budget showing how the $25,000 would be spent (it cannot be used for capital such as a new boiler), and clarity about other funders and exact timing (payroll deadlines, etc.). Commissioners approved the Medicaid incentives IGA and asked staff to return with more details on any TANF request. They also approved a narrow emergency motion allowing interim action on a building‑system problem (boiler) if the center requests county advance funding under lease terms and with indemnity/repayment conditions; the board required that any such advances be reimbursable and properly documented.

Why it matters: The Family Learning Center provides early‑childhood services used by local families; its continuity matters to families, county staff and local schools. The commissioners indicated willingness to help short‑term but asked for a concrete sustainability plan and written contracting terms before committing county funds.

Ending: Social‑services staff will work with the center and other funders to assemble a sustainability plan, provide more detailed budget and timing information, and return to the commissioners for a formal commitment or contract if county funds are to be used.","San Juan County social‑services director reported the county earned $3,542.98 in state Medicaid incentives and recommended approval of the annual incentives intergovernmental agreement, which the commissioners approved. The Silverton Family Learning Center requested short‑term bridge funding; commissioners asked for a detailed sustainability plan and budget before committing TANF reserves.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":80,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6750474,"San Juan County public‑works supervisor outlines repairs, road closures and truck permitting as contractors test new stabilizer material",1768,1768000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5574776-8b491832f3332b6519825ecc3559e8ed&start=1768&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5574776-8b491832f3332b6519825ecc3559e8ed/thumbnail_1768000.jpg","/articles/6750474/San-Juan-County/Colorado/San-Juan-County-publicworks-supervisor-outlines-repairs-road-closures-and-truck-permitting-as-contractors-test-new-stabilizer-material","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6750474-3b2568675b9ecdf89f32564cc05497c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775578811&Signature=SGM1oFA8KKiyf1ZhTiYAkWkAFg9MsHNZhrmmRe1f05B~YnLVQ7kXwzRStHeSPjTv04L8UEWmghYHvVRmjuqky-Y~dpaWTZAlmDJ3zTdI1dT2-ZgcmazK99v-B4W6r8U~XWeAfDbemnhHP3lfLmuYybp43fePkFnekAs7F7zD4gCKEAJSf36t5qydXWVsh~m1Vs-MGo5I4qbweqOp5IJ1jK05KKGUm2SsAFmoKE5LPgynCR1INEnO1-DoZWeKAba7U-oryqmTSjqeiV4siImn5IuJ9C7uQGHR16XFIhDitexH25KFmTWU1AZYTL8oc0lfgdTVN8QNq31uwPuTpB~Pqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","San Juan County public‑works supervisor Rusty Melcher updated commissioners Aug. 13 on multiple maintenance and emergency projects.

Melcher said crews closed the Little Giant Road for safety after substantial sloughing and are preparing a soil‑stabilization scheme that will include drilling and installation of heavy steel plates and split sets to stabilize the failing slope. He described a plan to rent a large rotary hammer and to trial a specialty product (described as a deckspan) to consolidate fractured rock and stabilize the road; a pallet was quoted at about $5,000 and the county planned to buy a half pallet for trial application.

Melcher also described hauling plans and routes for rock and aggregate, noting that rock‑truck permits are required and that some bridges and culverts have load limits; he asked the contractors to submit route plans so county engineers can verify safe crossings. Commissioners and staff discussed using an over‑the‑hill bypass to avoid bringing heavy trucks through town and asked for specific route maps and permit applications for articulating rock‑truck use.

The department also recommended hiring a third permanent/seasonal worker (Daniel Bechtel) to fill a water‑truck/operating position; the board moved, seconded and approved the hire during the meeting.

Why it matters: Road safety on remote county routes, correct permitting for heavy hauling, and prompt remediation of failing slopes are critical for public safety and for keeping roads open for emergency access and recreation. The county asked contractors to provide specific permit applications, truck types and routes before beginning large‑scale hauling.

Ending: The public‑works office will circulate haul‑route plans and required permit forms to county permitting and will coordinate with the county’s bridge and engineering staff to confirm safe timings and load limits. The county approved the recommended hire and asked to see the deckspan test results before further purchases.","Public‑works supervisor Rusty Melcher briefed commissioners on emergency repairs to Little Giant Road, rock‑truck permitting and a pilot purchase of a high‑cost road stabilizer product, and the board approved hiring a third road crew member.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

EPA, Army Corps and contractors outline late‑season mobilization for Bonita Peak repository; county presses for details

Commissioners approve several land‑use permits and a boundary adjustment amid public comment on water and scenic impacts

San Juan social‑services office reports positive year‑to‑date finances; Silverton Family Learning Center seeks short‑term support

San Juan County public‑works supervisor outlines repairs, road closures and truck permitting as contractors test new stabilizer material