QUESTION: Dredging Laws in Colorado Options

[swizz]

I'm about to purchase a 3" (6hp) highbanker/dredge .
I could really use a printable reference that describes the dredging laws here in Colorado. I don't want to take this thing where it is illegal to dredge and I'd also like to be able to prove (to BLM of Sherriff) that I'm not in violation while on-site and dredging.
Please help if you can.

[swizz]

Well... I still haven't found a printable reference but I did learn this:
"Small mining regulations in Colorado are basically what you will find anywhere else. There are, however, a few regulations for various parts of the state that are specific to that part of the state. In general, you will not need a permit for a dredge that has a 4 inch nozzle or smaller. Highbanking MUST discharge water into a holding pond before being released back into the waterway."

In addition, I'm now aware of the special regulations that apply to the Arkansas, Cache Creek, and Boulder County.
I'm also aware of regulations that prohibit the undercutting of banks and trees.

Next question regarding the statement: "Highbanking MUST discharge water into a holding pond before being released back into the waterway".
Since I plan on operating a highbanker/dredge combo.... I'm assuming that I will need to do this but I'm not certain what qualifies as a "holding pond". Do I actually have to create a "holding pond" every time I dredge somewhere that I'm highbanking?
I mean... what if I set the (highbanker/combo) rig up in the stream and it discharges directly into the stream? It seems like this would have less impact on the stream than creating a "holding pond" for tailings. Floating dredges discharge directly into the stream, correct?

[h20prospector]

Well... I still haven't found a printable reference but I did learn this:
"Small mining regulations in Colorado are basically what you will find anywhere else. There are, however, a few regulations for various parts of the state that are specific to that part of the state. In general, you will not need a permit for a dredge that has a 4 inch nozzle or smaller. Highbanking MUST discharge water into a holding pond before being released back into the waterway."

In addition, I'm now aware of the special regulations that apply to the Arkansas, Cache Creek, and Boulder County.
I'm also aware of regulations that prohibit the undercutting of banks and trees.

Next question regarding the statement: "Highbanking MUST discharge water into a holding pond before being released back into the waterway".
Since I plan on operating a highbanker/dredge combo.... I'm assuming that I will need to do this but I'm not certain what qualifies as a "holding pond". Do I actually have to create a "holding pond" every time I dredge somewhere that I'm highbanking?
I mean... what if I set the (highbanker/combo) rig up in the stream and it discharges directly into the stream? It seems like this would have less impact on the stream than creating a "holding pond" for tailings. Floating dredges discharge directly into the stream, correct?

Swizz,

I have a 3" Proline highbanker/dredge combo, what type of unit do you have? I look forward to meeting you and the other members of CP this coming spring/summer at one of the outings.

Pat