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kJ <br /> April 14, 2016 RECEIVED <br /> APR 19 2016 <br /> DIVISION OF RECLAMATION <br /> MINING&SAFETY <br /> Mr. Wally Erickson <br /> Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br /> 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 <br /> Denver, Colorado 80203 <br /> Dear Mr. Erickson, <br /> Please reference Permit No. M=2016-0�0_submitted by Transit Mix Concrete Company, for the purpose <br /> of mining and reclamation at Hitchrack Ranch, on State Highway 115 south of Colorado Springs, <br /> Colorado. This proposed operation would bring a large scale aggregate mining development <br /> unnecessarily close to and in two areas abutting residential neighborhoods currently zoned A-5. <br /> Quarry development brings significant and long term consequences to the environment, public health, <br /> safety, and well-being of the affected and adjoining neighborhoods due to substantially increased truck <br /> traffic, dust and noise pollution to an area that is known for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, <br /> wildlife habitat, and wildlife migratory trails. <br /> As a resident of Red Rock Valley Estates Neighborhood, I strenuously object to this development and <br /> oppose it including, but not limited to,the following reasons: <br /> 1) Blast, extracting, and otherwise disturbing the current geological infrastructure would be expected to <br /> alter the flow of both surface and underground water courses. Red Rock Valley does not extract its <br /> water from aquafers but rather, depends on water available in cracks, fissures and other underground <br /> sources to obtain it's critical water supply. <br /> 2) An increase in truck traffic of up to 600+trucks per day,five days a week would render Highway 115 <br /> an even more dangerous highway to travel. This highway is already saturated with semi-truck traffic <br /> and is considered to be one of the deadliest two lane highways in Colorado. If anything, steps should be <br /> taken to reduce truck traffic not increase it and certainly not to this unimaginable potential level. <br /> 3) There are currently three existing quarries within an 8 mile radius of the proposed Transit Mix quarry. <br /> These quarries are currently operating at approximately one- half their capacity. This area does not <br /> need another quarry, it needs effective utilization of those currently available. This Transit Mix quarry <br /> proposal isn't about aggregate availablility to support the growth and development of Colorado Springs, <br /> El Paso County and surrounding areas as much as it is Transit Mix profitability. <br /> 4) Compromised and diminished air quality due to the fugitive dust associated with aggregate mining <br /> creates a potential significant health issue for nearby residents. Dust generated by mining often <br /> contains silica, a common naturally occurring crystal found in most rock beds. Prolonged exposure to <br /> silica may result in silicosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "silicosis is a disabling, non- <br />