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August 4, 2016 <br /> Division of Reclamation, Mining, and safety (^ <br /> 1313 Sherman St., Room 215 Vo "\ RECEIVED <br /> Denver, CO, 80203 •� AUG 16 2016 <br /> VV <br /> DIVISION OF RECLAMATION: <br /> MINING AND SAFETY <br /> Dear Sirs/Madams, <br /> We would like to express our strong opposition to the approval of the proposed gravel pit known <br /> as the 44th Lane Project at or near Section 19, Township 21 South, Range 62 West, 6th Prime <br /> Meridian in the town of Avondale in Pueblo County. <br /> Our family has farmed in this area for over 100 years. Our ability to produce high quality milk, <br /> meat, and produce is reliant on the quality of water and dependability of delivery of such by the <br /> Bessemer Irrigating Ditch Company. This ditch allows food production on some of the most fertile <br /> soils in the Western U.S. by a community of multi-generation family farmers. <br /> The continued viability of our farms is threatened by the proposed gravel mine, which is located <br /> at the top of the Green drainage above the Bessemer. The mine would drain storm water, sand, <br /> and contaminants into the ditch causing excess flooding and damage to the canal, as well as, our <br /> farms below it. An interruption of water delivery to our farms at critical periods would cause <br /> millions of dollars in crop losses. <br /> The proposed gravel mine is incompatible with the high value crop production in the area and <br /> does not follow our Pueblo County Comprehensive Plan. If approved, this mine will make it more <br /> difficult for our sons to continue farming into the future! <br /> We respectfully request that you deny this permit, as the potential for damage to our community <br /> far outweighs the value of the gravel. <br /> C r� <br /> Jo?g and Kim Wiley <br /> Larga Vista Ranch <br /> 53505 Olson Road <br /> Boone, CO 81025 <br />