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March 22, 2016 <br /> Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br /> 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 <br /> Denver,CO 80203 <br /> Ms.Amy Eschberger: <br /> The proposed Reclamation and Mining development at Hitch Rack Ranch;submitted by Transit <br /> Mix Concrete Company,Permit No. M-2016-010,would bring a large-scale aggregate mining <br /> development unnecessarily close,and abutting in at least two areas,to residential, [A-5] <br /> neighborhoods. Quarry development brings significant,long-term consequences to the <br /> environment,public health,safety,and well-being of the effected and adjoining neighborhoods <br /> due to: substantially increased truck traffic,dust,and noise pollution,to an area that is known <br /> for its strapped natural resources-water,and highest fire danger area. All the while, <br /> juxtaposed to the area's unparalleled natural beauty,abundant wildlife,wildlife habitats,and <br /> wildlife migratory trails, make this development both undesirable and unsustainable. As a <br /> residentof Red Rock Valley Estates Neighborhood, (cannot support this development and; <br /> therefore,opposed to the development for the following reasons: <br /> • Quarrying requires drilling and blasting with explosives,which create vibrations, noise, <br /> and dust. Once this process is completed, rock crushing machines crush the rock, <br /> conveyor belt machines move the rock around the processing plant;trucks are loaded <br /> and unloaded. The process and heavy machinery required to mine, is intrusive and <br /> creates significant noise and air pollution;thus having a direct impact on the <br /> surrounding areas and community. <br /> • Air quality is compromised and diminished by the fugitive dust associated with <br /> aggregate mining. Dust generated by mining often contains silica,a common naturally <br /> occurring crystal found in most rock beds. Prolonged exposure to silica may result in <br /> silicosis. According the Centers for Disease Control, "[s]ilicosis is a disabling, <br /> nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by over exposure to respirable <br /> crystalline sitica...Over exposure to dust that contains microscopic particles of crystalline <br /> silica can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs,which reduces lung's ability to extract <br /> oxygen from the air we breathe." In addition to silicosis, inhalation of crystalline silica <br /> particles has been associated with other diseases,such as bronchitis and tuberculosis. <br /> This is a health issue for the abutting and nearby residential home owners and their <br /> livestock. <br /> • The nrnnnced ntiarry will rreate inrreaseri tnirk traffic by annrovimately 674 tnirkc ner <br />