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Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety <br />Attn: Jared Ebert <br />RECEIVED <br />RE: M-2017-036 Site Name: Knox Pit <br />November 6, 2017 <br />NOV 0 9 2017 <br />Dear Jared: <br />D SM of RECLAMA17ON <br />MINING AND 3AFEly <br />Please accept our Objection to the permit application. We are an aggrieved party because we are directly and <br />adversely affected. We have invested heavily in our property here in Laporte based on a long-term return and <br />growth in our investment. We did our research and we made a well-informed buy. Gravel mining to any extent <br />is detrimental to the character of Laporte and that is clearly stated in the Laporte Area Plan. That plan does <br />state that mining Could exist, if demonstrated to compatible, and as a temporary short term use of the land. Yet <br />this proposal would last for decades and would cause substantial harm to our family and our interests. <br />We own a rental home and a storage business on our property. The very existence of this mine, even as a <br />proposal, is negatively impacting our economic growth potential. The setting in Laporte is of primary appeal to <br />our tenants and customers. In particular the setting of our rental home adjacent to open areas is of great <br />importance. The mine would directly harm the economic, aesthetic, conservational, and recreational interests <br />of the town, which in turn will directly harm our economic interests regarding the rental home. Among the many <br />different alternative uses for this land, a gravel mine and concrete plant are the worse possible options. Even <br />commercial development, though we are not in favor of it, would be lesser disturbance for a shorter period of <br />time. And development of homes and business near us would increase the value and attractiveness of our <br />property. No one will want to rent a house or store an expensive camper next to a gravel mine, at least not at a <br />competitive rate. Being adjacent to a mining operation will result in a major actual loss to our business <br />investment for a long period of time. <br />A mine at this location. is too close to town and neighborhoods. Their reclamation plan would result in terrain <br />and water functions that are dramatically different from what they are now, which has been the historic use of <br />this land. Their plan would cause a substantial negative impact on the local ecosystem and its resources. <br />LRM has purchased a number of other parcels in this immediate area which they intend to mine. This together <br />with the Hawkeye Ranch mine would result in a mining and post -mining footprint larger than all of Laporte. No <br />permits should be issued until the situation as a whole is thoroughly evaluated. <br />We've seen this result up and down N. Taft Hill Road where a number of fenced -off scars line the river. They <br />close off recreational access and fill periodically with water just enough to support mosquitos and some geese. <br />They serve no beneficial use to the public. <br />LRM is now having to re- reclaim their land along the Big Thompson River because of the 2013 flood. This was <br />only a 100 year flood and the fact that the reclaimed riparian area failed presents a substantial risk and <br />concern that hydrology management in the Laporte area will also fail. These plans need a much closer look to <br />ensure the local environment and community will not be harmed. <br />Please do not issue this permit as it will directly harm our family. <br />Thank you for your consideration. <br />Sincerely, <br />, <br />Matthew and Jayme Tilley <br />2902 Park Avenue (PO Box 657) <br />LaPorte, CO 80535 - <br />