For the past few months the area called Hallett's Quarry just north of the
Ames city limits has been the focus of development planning by Hubbel
Construction.  Brian O'Connell, Director of the Department of Planning and
Housing in Ames has listened to environmentalists and negotiated some
concessions from the firm in the past few months, notably a 3-4 acre
wetland to process some of the runoff.  It's a five year storm water
retention area, and will not be able to handle the run-off from the kinds
of rain events we have seen this past decade.

This is an area characterized by hydric soils (that means it is a
wetland).  It protects our area in drought and flood.  The quarry has no
outlet, so everything that goes in stays in, and because this is ground
water, it is additionally critical that the water remain clean.  In times
of drought, the city pumps water from the lake over to the South Skunk so
that it will refresh our aquifer which lies just below a dam just downstream.

The plans for the area are actually quite attractive.  They include a bike
path, a lighthouse (a private club for the residents, but attractive to
passers by), and many walkways.  The lake would be open for paddle craft
and electric motors so fishing would be an option.  If it were not for the
destruction of this wetland and the possible disturbance of migrating
birds, this would be an ideal development for any area.

A minimal riparian area has been planned around the waterbody of 70 feet
which will include  the bike path.  The last time I inquired the riparian
area was to go around only 3/4 of this groundwater lake, leaving the rest
without any buffer whatsoever.

Next Wednesday the commissioners will decide whether to send this on to the
city council for their approval.  Comments to go in the packet to be
considered by the commissioners should be in the Planning and Housing
office by noon tomorrow.  The public will be given an opportunity to
comment at the next meeting, which will be held at 7pm Wednesday, December
15th.

Peggy Murdock

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