2017-12-13_PERMIT FILE - M2017049 (14)

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� December 2017 DeC, 1 Ms. Amy Eschoerger D/�/S/p 32C Colorado Divisionof Reclamation, Mining and Safetiy M/N/14N 6cz",- 1313 Sherman S ree t, Room 215 D T Denver, CO 80203 SA`,�TYION Ms. Eschberger, 1. As a property owner and resident in the area, I object to Transit Mix Concrete Company' s (TMts) application ht2 -049 to establish a quarry on Hitch Rack Ranch. 2. I built our house in Red Rock Valley Estates in accordance with our architect ' s design 26 years ago. I chose the location based upon the peacefulness, beauty and tranquility of the area. Furthermore, our current County development plan for State Hwy 115 corridor protects home owners from unwarrented business enchro- ment upon the natural beauty, history and wild life. I am aware of two instances where tt-iis plan was used effectively; i.e. , an existing rock quarry south of our house was denied permission to expand the size of it ' s operation. And another mining company attempted to purchase land to the west and close to our house for the purpose of developing a mineral mining, operati.on which was also disapproved. J. Now we are faced with an appeal from Transit Mix to develop a 50 year quarry operation within one mile from our home: At a recent public meeting hosted by Transit Mix we were advised of the following: a. There will be dynamiting of rock formations in the mornings with follow-on rock crushing. Consequences: Unhealthy dust in the air throughout our neighborhood. Excessive noise. Probable damage to water wells and house foundations. But the most serious concern is the availability of water. We are dependent on water wells for all of our water needs and City water cannot be piped indo this area for geologic reasons. And there is a real possibility that some (or most) of our wells will be fractured resulting in reduced and/or contaminated water, or no water at all . 4. Other serious concerns. a. Increased danger for drivers on State 3[wy 115. We already too many gravel trucks on this single route to Colo Springs. Adding more gravel trucks will certainly make this dangerous road even more dangerous. b. Reduced property values. If Transit Mix should happen to get approval to establish a quarry on Hitch Rack Ranch, our property values will plummet. I recently appealed my proposed County real estate tax increase for 2018 and won my case based primarily upon the Transit Mix threat. And if the Transit Mix (next page)