2014-10-30_INSPECTION - M1985029 (2)

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10/30/2014 State.co.us Executive Branch Mail - Alma Placer Mine STATE of rry nownn Cunningham unnn - DNR, Michael <michaela.cunningham@state.co.us> Alma Placer Mine 1 message Larry and Lucy Strohl <I.strohl @com cast. net> To: michaela.cunningham @state.co.us Mr Michael Cunningham Environmental Protection Specialist II Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety Dear Mr Cunningham Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 5:50 AM I have come to be aware of the mine sediment discharge into the Middle Fork of the South Platte River from the mine owned by the High Mountain Mining Company near Alma in early October 2014. This unfortunate event has apparently caused no fish kill, but most certainly has impacted the success of incubating brown trout eggs in their gravel beds and damaged the population of aquatic invertebrates. I also understand the Mined Land Reclamation Board will hold a hearing on aspects of the discharge in Denver on November 19. It is always unfortunate when a mining operation, in the process of conducting its operations, causes discernable damage to other important natural resources. My interest in the matter to come before the Board is two -fold. One, I am an avid enjoyer of the hunting and fishing resources throughout Park County, so I feel a sense of loss when they are negatively impacted. Two, I would hope that the resources that have been damaged by the mine discharge can receive a just settlement. I assume the Board has a policies in place that would impose a financial penalty on the High Mountain Mining Company and, I would hope, impose mitigation requirements such as replacement of the fishery resources that will obviously be lost due the destruction of the brown trout eggs. Since I am not a trained fishery biologist, I would presume input from the state Parks and Wildlife division would be an appropriate as to an appropriate restocking of live fish nest spring. I believe Park County is due some just mitigation for the loss of the fishing resource as I know they are strong supporters of the economic value that wildlife related recreation contribute to their county. I realize that I am not directly impacted by this unfortunate event as I do not own property in the area, but I often support justice for our wildlife resources and my fellow hunters and anglers and have for over 30 years. Thank you for your consideration. https : / /mail.google.com/ mail/ u /0 / ?ui= 2 &ik= 3ald83e556&view =pt& search= inbox& type= l49588c9d56dO9eO& th= 1496Oe43d004c96f &siml= 1496Oe43d004c96f 1/2