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April 12, 2016 <br /> Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br /> 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 <br /> Denver, CO 80203 <br /> Dear Ms.Amy Eschberger; <br /> The proposed Reclamation and Mining development at Hitch Rack Ranch;submitted by Transit Mix <br /> Concrete Company, Permit No. M-2016-010, would bring a large-scale aggregate mining development <br /> unnecessarily close, and abutting in at least two areas,to residential neighborhoods. Quarry <br /> development brings significant, long-term consequences to the environment, public health, safety, and <br /> well-being due to: substantially increased truck traffic, dust, and noise pollution,to an area that is <br /> known for its strapped natural resources-water, and highest fire danger area. All the while,juxtaposed <br /> to the area's unparalleled natural beauty, abundant wildlife,wildlife habitats, and wildlife migratory <br /> trails, make this development both undesirable and unsustainable. As a resident of Red Rock Valley <br /> Estates Neighborhood, I cannot support this development and; therefore,am opposed to the <br /> development for the following reasons: <br /> • Quarrying requires drilling and blasting with explosives,which create vibrations, noise,and dust. <br /> Once this process is completed, rock crushing machines crush the rock, conveyor belt machines <br /> move the rock around the processing plant;trucks are loaded and unloaded. The process and <br /> heavy machinery required to mine, is intrusive and creates significant noise and air pollution; <br /> thus having a direct impact on the surrounding areas and community. <br /> • Air quality is compromised and diminished by the dust that will be created with aggregate <br /> mining. Not only will the dust aggravate residents with asthma, COPD, and other lung-related <br /> conditions, it will also create a constant menace to pets and livestock that remain outdoors at all <br /> times. <br /> • The proposed quarry will create increased truck traffic by approximately 624 trucks per day, in <br /> addition to the existing truck traffic from the three operating quarries. This will create traffic <br /> hazards detrimental to the safety of County residents as well as the bicyclist and motor bike <br /> clubs and individual "bikers"who use the 115 Southwestern Corridor as a major thoroughfare <br /> due to the area's geographic and aesthetic appeal. <br /> • The Bauer Ranch and Eagle's Nest neighborhoods have one entrance and one exit rendering <br /> them land locked in the event of fire, traffic accident, blasting accident, landslides due to <br /> blasting,etc. <br /> • Currently there are three existing quarries within an 8 mile radius;these quarries are currently <br /> operating at half their capacity. A better plan; and a plan that would have less impact to the <br /> community and surrounding area would be to expand the existing quarries. This would also be <br /> consistent with our Master Plan—Southwestern/Highway 115 Comprehensive Plan.Transit Mix <br /> also owns a quarry site in Canon City.This site could be used to fill their mining needs, and they <br />