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adjacent to the proposed operation. The real and present effects on residents is <br /> ignored and/or purposely overlooked in the application. <br /> Second, the proposed application obscures the fact that it will have direct effects on the citizens <br /> of Empire and its surrounding area for the 20-year duration of intended mining. This area has <br /> strong winds sometimes exceeding 100 miles per hour from the south throughout the year. In <br /> other words, over the proposed mine and onto the homes in Empire. There is minimal description <br /> of dust abatement. We went through this some years ago when the water reservoir for Golden, <br /> Colorado was created. The excavation and the concomitant sand and gravel operation was a <br /> nightmare for residents. The dust and noise from the operations was a continuous challenge <br /> leading to numerous complaints and actions to remit the problem—ultimately leading the whole <br /> effort to be stopped. I couldn't keep my house clean. The proposed application is for a site that is <br /> closer and more likely to create the same or worse problems. <br /> Third, this is not a remote area, but an active thoroughfare at the junction of I70 and US 40 with <br /> large amounts of tourist traffic. To create the traffic problems of the volume of proposed daily <br /> truck trips in and out of the proposed site on a 2-lane ramp to I-70 and unsightly mess of an open <br /> mine is unimaginable in a county that is trying to develop its residential and tourist attractions for <br /> the ever-increasing traffic from new residents to the front range wanting to enjoy the beauty of <br /> the Rocky Mountains. <br /> Fourth, it will destroy property values. I own 8 contiguous lots with one house in the Town of <br /> Empire, and contiguous 14 acres related to 2 mining claims (The Grand View Lode)that all have <br /> views of the proposed site. The application is facetious to claim that the site won't be able to be <br /> viewed because of its side walls. It will be an open pit mine that destroys the current view. I <br /> enjoyed this property since 1978 and never dreamed an open pit mine could be considered on <br /> land adjacent to the town in direct view of the property I purchased. <br /> Fifth, it will permanently impair the ability of the Town of Empire to develop itself as a place of <br /> residence and of business where tourists and residents spend money. The town is entirely <br /> dependent on business tax revenue. This will destroy the ability of the Town to remain <br /> financially solvent, and it will likely become the dependent of the County. <br /> Sixth,there is no pressing need for sand and gravel. This is not a scarce resource with few <br /> options for its mining. <br /> Seventh, the rules for application clearly indicate that the public should be notified. I went by the <br /> site today. The sign posted by the dirt road is so small, and so far from the road that it does not <br /> meet a reasonable standard for notification. I speculate that this is part of the intent of the <br /> applicant, to try to move for approval in a way that meets the letter, but not the spirit, of the law <br /> and regulations and because they want to avoid publication notification. <br /> 2 <br /> Von Gunten opposition to Empire Aggregates, Inc. application for Sand&Gravel Mine <br />