2017-11-13_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M2017036

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Date November 6, 2017 CO Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 13.3 Sherman St, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 RE: Permit # M2017036 Site Name: Knox Pit IMBRUIEA NOV 13 2017 My wife and I own the five acre farm immediately to the west of the proposed mining operation. Our house is within 250 feet of the parcel of land proposed to be used for destructive mining. We have two houses on the land that are inhabited by our family. We are staunchly opposed to the mining operation because it could lead to injury, loss of life, lifelong health consequences for my family including small grandchildren, and destruction of our well-being and a valuable wildlife habitat. It would greatly reduce our land value (by an expected 40%) and endanger the health of seventy foot tall cottonwood, yellow willow, spruce, and elm trees from deposits of dirt on the leaves (reduced photosynthesis) and drastic drop in the water table. The failure of these trees could lead to injury or the loss of life if they were to fall on our houses or the houses of our neighbors as a direct result mining operations within several hundred meters of the property line. The loss of these trees would also deprive tens of turkey vultures from a natural habitat. It should be noted that the same rive acre parcel that we now own has been deeded and passed from generation to generation as agricultural land since the 1860's and it would be a shame if this piece of Larimer county history were to perish due to devastating mining operations so close to this culturally important farm. Dirt deposits on our large vegetable garden and extensive flower garden would result in reduced growth and reduced soil quality which would arise from deposition of toxic components of dust from mining operations. Most importantly is that airborne dust, especially fine dust, would compromise our health and the health of our six grandchildren that also live on the farm. Their close proximity to the mining that requires movement of massive amounts of top soil, dust laden gavel, and dust arising from heavy equipment and truck traffic means that they are surely going to be affected. Small particles of dust will pass directly through lung tissue and into the blood. This will most certainly have an effect on our longevity as well as the life expectancy of our grandchildren — if they don't succumb to the direct or indirect effects of the dust on their health. My lungs have already been compromised by complications arising from two auto accidents and I only have approximately one quarter of normal lung capacity. Dust and small particulate emissions from mining could make it such that I could not continue to live on my own farm. It is just not fair that the actions of a neighbor should be allowed to affect the health and wellbeing of my family so they can earn money. How would they feel if roles would be reversed? To what ends would they go to protect the well-being of their families?