Project Review Comments

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File Number
PPR2621
Project Name
Monument Academy Site Dev Plan Addition
Description
Site Development Plan for building addition(s) to the existing Public Charter School. Adding modular classrooms and implementing a previously approved sports field/track.
Parcels
6100000245 6100000245 6115009033 6115009033
Applicant
JPS Engineering, Inc.
John Schwab ( john@jpsengr.com )
(719) 477-9429 John Schwab ( john@jpsengr.com )
(719) 477-9429
EA Number
EA18206
File Number
PPR2621
Project Manager
Miranda Benson
Status
Active
Created
2/11/2026 10:04:52 AM

View: Project Documents


Review Comments (1)
Link Agency Review # Comment
El Paso County Conservation Dist
7/31/2026 11:00:55 AM 		1 The El Paso County Conservation District has reviewed this application and we have the following comments:

1) Erosion controls/Revegetation plans

We see their erosion control plans include many things that we look for but there are some places we see inadequate measures we would like to see changed.

A) We did not see an obviously stated timeframe for revegetation after soil disturbance and construction. So we recommend the following be added into their plans:
-Disturbed areas not being built on should be mulched and revegetated within 45 days of disturbance using plant/grass species native and/or naturalized to El Paso County, weather depending.

B) While their seed mix listed in their erosion control plan for revegetated areas is comprised of native and naturalized varieties to El Paso County, it is extremely heavy on the non-native seed varieties. Some of these are naturalized to the area and do well (like the Smooth Brome), but we would like to see a seed mix with higher percentage in overall native grass varieties to El Paso County and adjust their seeding rates according to the new mix's recommended rates. Interestingly, their landscape plans does already show plans for a mix that meets our recommendations on this. So we recommend the applicant either switch their seed mix in the erosion plan to match that in the landscape plan; or alternatively, use another seed mix that heavily or fully comprises of native grass species to the area.

(Good examples of native grass varieties to look for in seed mixes for this area are: Big Blue Stem, Little Blue Stem, Swithchgrass, Prairie Sandreed, Side Oats Grama, Blue Grama, Western Wheatgrass, Slender Wheatgrass, Buffalo Grass, Green Needlegrass, Sand Dropseed, Indian Rice Grass, Mountain Muhly, Mountain Brome, and Rocky Mountain Fescue.)

C) Their mulching rates in the erosion control plans are less than our recommended rates (currently shown as 4,000 lbs/acre). Due to this site being on the Palmer Divide, which experiences a higher-than-normal winds and heavy rainfall events, we see that it is important to increase these to the following rates to ensure that erosion risks are lessened and better success rates of seed planting:
-Disturbed areas be either: mulched after seeding with either weed-free hay or straw mulch at approximately 5,000 lbs per acre or higher; Or areas that are not suitable for revegetation such as driveways, parking areas, pathways, safety areas around buildings, or areas under structures like bleachers should have a 1-2" thick layer of crushed rock, road base, or gravel to assist in preventing having exposed soil that would be prone to wind/runoff erosion concerns (if said areas are not going to be paved).

D) For areas being replanted with natural grass, consider using the El Paso County Conservation District’s Native Shotgun Mix (available at EPCCD.org) for reseeding, which is well suited to soils present on this site and is comprised of 100% native grass species.


If these measures are added to the project's plan, then the El Paso County Conservation District will be content with the applicant's commitment to soil conservation, watershed protection, and protection of the surrounding community.

For any questions, please feel free to contact the EPCCD at 719-600-4706 or Will Vogl - Board VP at Will@EPCCD.org 		7/31/2026 11:00:55 AM