2016-04-18_PERMIT FILE - M2016010 (6)

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RECEIVED April 13,2016 APR 18 2016 Colorado Division of Reclamation,Mining and Safety DMSION OF RECLAM�Tjf>1 1313 Sherman Street,Room 215 UN1NGAND SAFETY Denver,Colorado 80203 Attn: Ms.Amy Eschberger Re:Transit Mix Concrete Company application for Reclamation Permit,Hitch Rack Ranch Quarry(#M2 Dear Ms.Eschberger, I am writing to express my opposition to the referenced quarry permit application.I live in the Pinons of Turkey Canon Ranch,just south of the proposed Hitch Rack Ranch Quarry operation. I,along with all my neighbors within the Pinons,am opposed to bringing yet another aggregate mining operation to our community,in addition to the three quarries already in service along a five mile stretch of Highway 115.Significant barriers to additional quarry development exist in the area,including limited,very fragile water supplies derived from a fragile groundwater system, rich and unique vegetation and wildlife resources,public health and safety,air and noise contamination,compromised transportation within the community,exacerbated traffic hazards along Highway It 5,existing quarries that can satisfy the demand,violation of current development plans for the area,proximity to local residents,and limited or no alternatives for residents. Water Supply.All residents along the Highway 115 corridor depend on ground water for their domestic water supply.With the exception of Red Rock Valley,Rock Creek Mesa and the Pinons of Turkey Canon Ranch(which are on central well systems),residents are served by individual wells.These wells likely depend on the fracture system within the granitic rock for water supply; wells in the adjacent upturned sedimentary rocks may depend upon both these fracture systems and infiltration along the granite-sedimentary rock boundary for recharge.This situation makes such wells dependent on the quality of the recharging surface water and highly susceptible to disruption and contamination.Contamination from mining operations can travel very quickly through the fracture system to affect domestic wells.The very geology and topography of the proposed Hitch Rack Ranch Quarry site makes such effects exceedingly difficult to predict,and of disruptions occur,exceedingly likely to be unrepairable,despite the applicant's assurances of "cure".Further,the effect from blasting operations(which Transit Mix proposes to conduct two or three times each week)on the fracture system will likely exacerbate the problem,and is equally difficult to predict;certainly equally or more probable to disrupt as to not.Historical evidence along the Front Range and particularly the Highway 115 corridor indicate things like building the Cheyenne Mountain military complex and mild earthquakes have disrupted water flows entirely or very significantly. Wildlife.An independent and objective wildlife study needs to be completed,rather than accept questionable statements by the applicant—numerous discrepancies exist in the application.The proposed quarry site is adjacent to and contiguous with the Aiken Canyon Preserve(managed by the Nature Conservancy of Colorado),and included as part of the Aiken Canyon Potential Conservation Area.This area is identified by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program as a B2 site —Very High significance.It should be noted that the Nature Conservancy shares our opposition to the quarry permit.The quarry site is an area rich in wildlife.It lies between large concentrations 1