2016-03-29_PERMIT FILE - M2016009

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)V� --0016 o01 R F-CFIVE® Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety MAR 2q 2016 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Denver, Colorado DIVISION OF RECLAMATION MINING AND SAFETY To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter in opposition of the Regular(112) Construction Materials Operation Reclamation Permit requested by Fremont Paving& Redi-Mix, Inc. for a mine known as the 44th Lane Project located at or near Section 19,Township 21 South, Range 62 West, 6th Prime Meridian under provisions of the Colorado Land Reclamation Act for the Extraction of Construction Materials. After speaking with representatives of Environmental Alternatives Inc., I understand that adjustments have been made in the design of the mine in order to preserve the visual integrity of the area. I am concerned that this will however, not decrease the amount of dust and dirt that would be created in the area and that the dust and dirt will have a negative impact on surrounding pastures, crops and farm animals. I previously allowed the gas company to insert a pipeline across my property with the agreement that they would reclaim the disturbed land. Unfortunately,the small amount of moisture received in that region does not support reclamation. Even though the company has replanted the disturbed area several times the new grass just doesn't take hold and the land remains barren. The dirt and tumbleweeds that blow from that area of barren land actually beats off the grass in the surrounding area. The same would be true only on a much larger scale as the gravel pit develops and once used areas of land remain barren. It would be a detriment to the pasture in a wide area of surrounding land. I also believe that the traffic and especially the truck traffic needed to access the mine and remove the extracted materials would be a threat to the farm animals and families that currently reside in the area and those that may reside in that area in the future. Even though it isn't visible, a gravel pit is not something one wishes to have in their backyard. As an owner of land adjacent to the proposed site, I believe the development of a gravel pit on that property not only would have a detrimental effect on my property, but also on the surrounding ranching and farming community as a whole. This property was previously sold to the current owner, at a very reasonable price, by my father under the belief that he was helping a young man dedicated to ranching and that the land would be utilized as pasture. I understand that it really has no bearing on the decision, but the effort by the current owner to allow the land to be utilized as a gravel pit for his monetary gain really is a betrayal. I sincerely hope you will consider denying the request for this permit. I understand gravel pits are necessary, but I believe they should be located a greater distance away from homes and active farm or ranching communities. Respectfully, Karen R Jones