Board approves Bernhardt Sand & Gravel Pit permit over objections after mitigation commitments

The Mined Land Reclamation Board on Wednesday approved a 1.12(c) permanent permit for the Bernhardt Sand & Gravel Pit, file M2023-025, following a contested hearing in which division staff and the applicant described measures to limit harm to wildlife and hydrologic resources.

Division staff said the proposed operation—an open-pit sand-and-gravel mine on about 111 acres near Milliken in Weld County—includes engineering measures intended to reduce flood, groundwater and wildlife risks. Rob Zuber, a division presenter, summarized staff’s recommendation to approve the application over objections, citing compliance with public-notice rules and technical commitments from the applicant.

The division estimated a required financial warranty of about $3,550,000 and said the application had addressed adequacy items…