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rr <br />Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mlnln& and Safety <br />Attn. Jared Ebert <br />RE: M-2017-036 Site Name: Knox Pit <br />November 6, 2017 <br />Dear Mr. Ebert, <br />RECEIVED <br />NOV 0 8 2017 <br />DW1110N OF RECLAMATION <br />IND SM9 r <br />We want to voice our objection to the permit application for mining at the Knox Pit site in Laporte, for a multitude of reasons. A <br />mine at this site would be detrimental not only to the individuals who happen to live in the vicinity, but also to multiple businesses, <br />to cyclists who use Overland Trail as a main route, and, most resoundingly, to the future of Laporte itself. <br />We live in a neighborhood that is directly off of Overland Trail, across from where the proposed entrance to the Knox Pit site would <br />be. We are gravely concerned about the consequences of living near a mining site, including health risks due to air pollution and <br />noise, effects on the water table and local wells, and especially effects on local vehicular traffic and road safety. <br />Overland trail between 54G and the 287 bypass is fairly narrow, with no bike lanes and no sidewalks, yet despite the lack of bike <br />lanes, you cannot stand for more than 10 minutes without seeing a cyclist ride by. The lack of traffic is what still makes this road a <br />safe option for cyclists, and the quiet surrounding beauty makes it an attractive one. With a mine operating at this location, and an <br />outlet coming onto Overland, the resulting truck traffic that will be coming and going onto Overland and presumably out to the 287 <br />bypass threatens to ruin lives. The noise and danger posed by the truck traffic will affect the quality of life of the many people who <br />live nearby, and result in substantial losses in property values. We fear for the safety of our children who wait for the bus directly <br />across the street from where the Knox Pit outlet is proposed, and for the many other children who walk or bike down Overland Trail <br />to get to school. The intersection of Highway 287 and Overland Trail Is rumored to be one of the most dangerous ones in the state. <br />There is no question that the potential for serious accidents will grow substantially with mining traffic being added into the mix. <br />Besides the residents who live nearby, there are also multiple long established, local businesses that would be devastated by such an <br />operation occurring at the Knox Pit site. in particular, Native Hill Farm, and Wedgewood Weddings at the Tapestry House are two <br />long running businesses that are located adjacent to the proposed site. It is very likely that these businesses will suffer, if not be put <br />out of business completely due to mining at this site and the neighboring site owned by Loveland Ready Mix. They employ many <br />people, provide tax income to the county, and provide resources to the community- why does their right to continue to make a <br />livelihood get trumped by an incoming business that will not actually be providing that many jobs? <br />Lastly, and really the biggest reason why mining operations should not be allowed to occur at this proposed site, is because of how it <br />would affect the future growth of Laporte. Like all towns along the front range, Laporte has been growing in recent years with <br />increases in number of residents, and also increases In successful small businesses. The land area encompassed in the proposed <br />Knox Pit site and the neighboring Loveland Ready Mix site is greater than the land area of Laporte. What this means is, Laporte will <br />be enveloped by this industry. Any potential for future growth, which may Include housing, community space, or commercial <br />enterprises, will be thwarted. Laporte is a small town. As a bedroom community to Fort Collins, we do not have city or town status, <br />and therefore lack a local government that would otherwise step in to take charge of the planning and development. However, we <br />do have a Laporte Area Planning Committee, and we do have a Laporte Area Plan. This proposed gravel mine directly goes against <br />our plan- which requires that any mining industry must be COMPATIBLE and TEMPORARY. This proposal flat out does not meet <br />these requirements. The overwhelming majority of the population of Laporte is vehemently against mining in this location. <br />Thank you, . <br />Erica and Plers Daniell <br />3523 Bridget Lane <br />Laporte, CO 80535 <br />