Geologic And Hydrologic Factors Governing ... - Gunnison County

Geologic And Hydrologic Factors Governing Impacts Of Development
On The Crystal River Near Marble, Colorado
Gunnison County, Colorado
change Commission began investigations. Identified geologic hazards and other adverse publicity
from many different angles exerted a serious drop in land sales and frightened away potential inves-
tors.
In 1973, the area was reorganized into the Marble Holding Company, Inc., with a change in man-
agement and an infusion of new personnel, new consultants, new enthusiasm, and new capital. The
new corporation was not successful in overcoming the myriad problems and in September 1974, pe-
titioned for bankruptcy. In 1977, the Federal Bankruptcy Court attempted to liquidate the land assets
in order to satisfy the many creditors.
A major factor in the problems facing potential land development in the Marble area is the situation
that most of the tracts did not go through the Senate Bill 35 subdivision process. That statutory sys-
tem of geologic investigation by the developer’s consultant, review by the CGS, evaluation by the
county staff and approval by the County Commissioners was detoured when upon bankruptcy of the
developer, separate tracts of land were sold by the bankruptcy court. Lots and tracts were sold with-
out warranty to land speculators, out-of-state buyers, retirees, summer home candidates, and people
just wanting a beautiful piece of Colorado. Many lots have been bought and sold several times with
no thought or concern for geologic hazards, access, physical water availability and quality, or septic
tank suitability. Although developable lots exist in the area, many parcels present significant risks
and even insurmountable problems for a home builder.
951-110.000 Wright Water Engineers, Inc. Page 6