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Service as Critical Habitat for the Mexican Spotted Owl, a federal and state listed threatened <br /> species. Wildlife (elk, deer, black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, wild turkey, numerous other bird <br /> species and animals) will be dispersed as a result of blasting operations, heavy equipment used <br /> for mining, truck traffic and loss of habitat. The statement in Transit Mix's application "The <br /> temporary loss of habitat would not be likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any wildlife <br /> species in the area or cause a permanent change in abundance"is ill-considered at best, as <br /> loss of habitat poses the greatest threat to species. <br /> 8. Air quality will be severely degraded. A review of several studies indicate that blasting <br /> and excavation operations produce silica dust and other particulate matter that are suspended <br /> in the air over long periods. Emissions from thousands of truck trips per year used to haul <br /> aggregate from the pits will further degrade air quality. Persistent silica dust, particulate matter <br /> and engine emissions present an unacceptable health hazard to residents in the area. Transit <br /> Mix's application does not adequately address this issue. <br /> 9. Noise will be persistent. Noise produced by blasting, excavation machinery and truck <br /> traffic will travel up and down Little Turkey Creek canyon and Deadman Creek canyon to <br /> residents along Little Turkey Creek Road and in Red Rock Valley. Decibel studies are <br /> incomplete and impacts are not addressed in the application. <br /> 10. While Transit Mix proposes to shield views of the quarry from Highway 115, there will <br /> be views of the quarry from several properties in the area. Views of the quarry will have a <br /> negative economic and aesthetic impact on property owners. <br /> Mr. Schnabel admitted that Transit Mix has been studying this project for two and one half <br /> years. The committee and property owners have only been aware of the quarry proposal since <br /> approximately March 2nd, 2016. Obviously, we are at a severe disadvantage in that we have <br /> only a short time to review the 800 plus page Transit Mix application, consult with several <br /> government agencies, other organizations and subject matter experts in order to analyze the <br /> impacts of a mining operation in this neighborhood. The ten points listed above provide a <br /> snapshot of the issues that require detailed study, review and analysis. While we will continue to <br /> research the technical aspects and analyze the adverse impacts in greater detail, we hope that <br /> the Colorado DRMS will acknowledge our limited ability to do so within time constraints. <br /> Respectfully, <br /> Z w4 <br /> G.K. McCowen <br /> On behalf of the Highway 115 Citizens Advisory Committee <br /> 3070 Little Turkey Creek Road <br /> Colorado Springs, CO 80926 <br /> Phone: (719) 352-1519 <br />