2016-03-25_PERMIT FILE - M2016010 (2)

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21 March 2016 Ms. Amy Eschberger Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 e 0 t►-tr6r •.s Dear Ms. Eschberger, Nomrlaosvrr'sAIggoclsailoo ISM HMV 10440. wow RECEIVED COwidi *414%, CON, TO -411-510 MAR 2 5 2016 DIVISION OF RECLAMATION MINING AND SAFETY I am the President of the Turkey Canon Ranch Homeowners Association. I represent the interests of 29 owners in a private subdivision of some 1100 acres that is situated alongside Highway 115 on the Front Range, some 11 miles South of Colorado Springs. It has recently come to our Board of Directors attention that an Application (Permit#M20160110) fQr a new quarry has been filed with your Division by the Chicago based, Transit Mix Company. The potential site selected lies on private land known as the Hitchrack Ranch, which is a 1550 acre property located approximately 2 miles north of us. Lying between our property and the Hitchrack Ranch is the Aiken Preserve, a 1600 acre Nature Conservancy managed State property. Whilst we are somewhat protected from the potential immediate effects of the proposed quarry we are nevertheless extremely concerned about the overall impact on our neighborhood. Accordingly, we have already pledged our support to a locally organized citizen's action committee that will represent all affected residents along the Hwy 115 corridor. Of particular concern to us are the following: - Road Traffic and Safety — The current application indicates a maximum 2 million ton yearly extraction. This will result in a possible approximate of 650 truck movements per day. As we already have three working quarries along the Highway that each generates similar truck numbers, we are well aware of the stress and strain placed on CDOT and our First Responders. This proposed additional traffic will increase wear and tear on our roads and require additional tax dollars. It will also increase windshield and body damage to other vehicles and, it could cause severe safety hazards when accessing or egressing the site. Wildlife Disruption — We note that the applicant has conducted their own environmental impact study on the proposed site and have concluded that their operation will not affect any endangered species or other animals. However, many of our residents and those living closer to the site believe this not to be the case. The area in question is clearly marked on Department of Wildlife maps as the prime migration route for the Fort Carson Elk herd. Also, a number of residents believe they have seen Mexican Spotted Owls close to the site. It is also known that the owners of the Hitchrack Ranch conducted their own extermination of Prairie Dogs recently.