2016-04-22_PERMIT FILE - M2016010 (5)

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March 22, 2016 Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 Ms. Amy Eschberger: The proposed Reclamation and Mining development at Hitch Rack Ranch; submitted by Transit Mix Concrete Company,Permit No. M2016010, would bring a largescale aggregate mining development unnecessarily close, and abutting in at least two areas, to residential, [A5] neighborhoods. Quarry development brings significant, longterm consequences to the environment, public health, safety, and wellbeing of the effected and adjoining neighborhoods due to: substantially increased truck traffic, dust, and noise pollution, to an area that is known for its strapped natural resources water, and highest fire danger area. All the while, juxtaposed to the area’s unparalleled natural beauty, abundant wildlife, wildlife habitats, and wildlife migratory trails, make this development both undesirable and unsustainable. As a residentof Red Rock Valley Estates Neighborhood, Icannot support this development and; therefore, opposed to the development for the following reasons: Quarrying requires drilling and blasting with explosives, which create vibrations, noise, and dust. Once this process is completed, rock crushing machines crush the rock, conveyor belt machines move the rock around the processing plant; trucks are loaded and unloaded. The process and heavy machinery required to mine, is intrusive and creates significant noise and air pollution; thus having a direct impact on the surrounding areas and community. Air quality is compromised and diminished by the fugitive dust associated with aggregate mining. Dust generated by mining often contains silica, a common naturally occurring crystal found in most rock beds. Prolonged exposure to silica may result in silicosis. According the Centers for Disease Control, “[s]ilicosis is a disabling, nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by over exposure to respirable crystalline silica… Over exposure to dust that contains microscopic particles of crystalline silica can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs, which reduces lung’s ability to extract oxygen from the air we breathe.” In addition to silicosis, inhalation of crystalline silica particles has been associated with other diseases, such as bronchitis and tuberculosis. This is a health issue for the abutting and nearby residential home owners and their livestock. The proposed quarry will create increased truck traffic by approximately 624 trucks per day, in addition to the existing truck traffic from the three operating quarries. This will create traffic hazards detrimental to the safety of County residents as well as the bicyclist and motor bike clubs and individual “bikers” who use the 115 Southwestern Corridor as a major thoroughfare due to the area’s geographic and aesthetic appeal. The Bauer Ranch and Eagle’s Nest neighborhoods have one entrance and one exit rendering them land locked in the event of fire, traffic accident, blasting accident, landslides due to blasting, etc. Currently there are three existing quarries within an 8 mile radius; these quarries are currently operating at half their capacity. A better plan; and a plan that would have less impact to the community and surrounding area would be to expand the existing quarries. This would also be consistent with our Master Plan – Southwestern/Highway 115