2018-06-29_PERMIT FILE - M2018016 (14)

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K.attiLeew Krebs 484 East MouvLtPEv�.Ave. Ew_pire, co goose June 23, 2018 SUN 2�2418 TO: DMSION OF RECLAM Colorado Department of Natural Resources MINING ANDSAFET y Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety 1313 Sherman St. Rm 215 Denver, CO 80203 SUBJECT: Permit#M2018016, Douglas Mountain Mine Project Greetings Director Brannon, I am part of a group of concerned citizens who are in opposition to the development of a mining opera- tion in our county. I would like to share my concerns and objections regarding the proposed develop- ment of the Douglas Mountain Mining Operation in Clear Creek County which would be located at, or near, Section 28, Township 3S, Range74W, 61h Principle Meridian in Clear Creek County: namely Empire Junction and westward to the town of Empire. Water Issues: Some of the detrimental effects of this proposed 150 acre, 200 feet deep gravel pit operation are: • The amount of water needed to run this type of operation would be astronomical! • The amount of water that will be needed for this mining operation will likely damage, and most definitely deplete, the local water systems of Bard Creek, Clear Creek, and the ground water. • The water table on the plateau is very shallow, and this type of operation would contaminate the ground water and natural springs. • Allocating water to the Douglas Mountain Ranch Mine, in an already over taxed watershed, is inappropriate and wasteful. Wildlife Issues: Land erosion would be significant, potentially contaminating Clear Creek with toxic soil and debris thereby disturbing/destroying the fish habitat which includes the endangered Greenback cutthroat that has been reintroduced to this area. The wildlife that lives on/near the plateau would be devastated and potentially destroyed. Elk, deer, moose and bear roam this plateau. Also thriving in this area is a sub- stantial Big Horn Sheep population whose range and migratory patterns are well documented in the recent Colorado Parks and Wildlife report entitled "Population Estimation, Survival Estimation and Range Delineation for the Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Herd" dated Sept. 2015. This is the largest Big Horn Sheep population in the nation, not to mention our State animal. Allowing the development of a mining operation in the midst of this important wildlife migratory route and habitat would jeopardize their existence! Air Pollution and Health Issues: This area deals with constant heavy, erratic winds all year round. The air pollution due to the massive amount of dust entering the environment through the mining operation itself, and the hundreds of