Willow Creek Reclamation

Minutes

February 6, 2002

Intro of Members: Jim Matush, Marvin Reynolds, Steve Garner, Larry Wilson, Steve Yochum, Mark Walker, Les Dobsen, John Parker, Don Gant, Laura Coppock, Bob Kirkham, Jim Metz, Zeke Ward, Jim Herron, Joe Burkett, Marc Alston, Kelley Thompson, John Parker, Les Dobsen, Steve Russell, Mike Wireman, Jerry Rowe, Scott Randall, Dan Brennecke, JB Alexander, Jon Graham, Chuck Barnes, Leigh Ann Vradenburg

Minutes:  JB Alexander moved to accept the minutes as read.  Mark Walker seconded.  Motion Carried

Financial Report: We are in the final 10% of the 2000 319 Non-point source contract.  The final 10 % will be held until the contract is completed and End of Contract Report is submitted and approved.  2001 contract is ready to begin as soon as the year 2000 is completed.   Part of this report is documenting the In-kind donations.  Please get the donations to Dawn as soon as possible. 

Underground status:  The plan is to start melting ice in April.  Start safety work in May.  The committee is working with WQCD on permitting.

319 Proposal for 2002: This proposal will include Midwest, Gormax, Park Regent, Phoenix mine, Phoenix park mill site.  These sites are all at the upper end of our area of  concern.  The remedial efforts  are straightforward and not controversial.  They are at the upper reach of the watershed, which fits with our philosophy of starting at the top and working down.

Wells, Waste rock piles and other things:  (Scott Randall) The report is complete on the wells.  The report indicates 4 wells that are potentially affected.  The TAC is working on how further to proceed.  Another round of sampling is in the works to gather more information to help with that decision.  Copies of these reports are available through Mr. Randall upon request. 

Airport Corner: (Mark Walker): They have agreed to match Mr. Parker’s clean up costs.  When a clean up plan is available they will hire a consultant to review this.   Mr. Parker is working on the plan.  He is talking to the commissioners about cleaning up the other tailings on airport corner at the same time.  There are other issues with the zoning that they are working on. 

Hiring of new Coordinator:  Eight inquiries were made.  They received five proposals.  The committee interviewed everyone who submitted.  The committee recommends that WCRC hire Leigh Ann Vradenburg.  Zeke read through her resume for the committee. She has a degree in Limnology and is willing to hold regular office hours in Creede.  Jim Herron motioned to hire Mrs.Vradenburg for the position of Coordinator.  JB Alexander seconded motion carried.

TAC Report:  Time was spent on future characterization on the flood plain.  Bob Kirkham brought testimony copied from a water court case dated 1906.  Copies are available through Zeke upon request.

Bryant Kimball’s Tracer Study Report:  Copies are available through Mike Wireman. 

Other:  Bob Kirkham has received several awards recently.  One for best article of the year form a geologic publication o and award from the Western state Seismic Policy council for best use of new technology.  He put together an interactive cd-rom for measuring seismic activity. 

Hydrology of Willow Creek (Steve Yochum):  Mr. Yochum with the NRCS made a presentation on the hydrology of Willow Creek Watershed.  A report is available for any interested. 

Brownfeilds and funding strategies (Mark Alston-EPA)  Made a presentation on funding strategies.  He observed that  Creede is very different from the model that other groups are using.  He will be working with Creede and other watershed groups in the state to develop funding strategies. 

Colorado Watershed Assembly (Zeke Ward)  The WCRC was invited to join the Colorado Watershed Assembly.  Motion was made to join by Joe Burkett and seconded by Steve Russell.  Motion carried

Meeting adjourned.  Next meeting will be March 6 at 1:00 pm.