2018-07-06_PERMIT FILE - M2018016 ‎(17)‎

• Permit No: M2018016
• IBM Index Class Name: PERMIT FILE
• Doc Date: 7/6/2018
• Doc Name: Objection
• From: Sarah Daley
• To: DRMS
• Email Name: MAC
• Email Name: PSH
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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June 2018 jut 06 tole
To: Department of Reclamation, Mining and Safety D1 ft*V LA
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1313 Sherman Street Room 215 ` AM
Denver CO 80203 Attn: Peter Hays [e-mail]
Subject:Permit#M2018016, Douglas Mountain Mine Project
I am part of a group of concerned citizens who are in opposition to the development of a strip
mine operation in our county. I would like to share my concerns and objections regarding the
proposed development of the Douglas Mountain Mining Operation in Clear Creek County.
Water Issues:
This proposed operation will damage/deplete the local water systems of Bard Creek,Clear
Creek,and most importantly the localized groundwater.The water table on the plateau feeds a
surprisingly lush area of springs and wetlands on its eastern escarpment that will likely dry up
and be destroyed. These water features support critical wildlife habitat.
Wildlife Issues:
The area is a migration corridor and feeding area for elk, deer, moose,and bear, many of which
are routinely seen. Operation and reclamation will be a long and stressful period for these
animals and chase them off to far inferior lands;this is a unique and valuable plateau for them
that will be devalued forever. Land erosion would potentially contaminate Clear Creek with silt
disturbing fish habitat that has greatly improved through the years; let's not risk the progress
made to date. Also thriving in this area is a substantial 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. Do we really want to jeopardize their existence by
allowing the development of a mining operation directly in their migratory route and habitat?
Air Pollution and Health Issues:
This area routinely experiences high winds descending from the Continental Divide. This will
inevitably create massive uncontrollable clouds of dust and unknown contaminants from the
mine and trucks risking respiratory issues for downwind residents. In particular, the Easter
Seals Rocky Mountain Village Camp is directly across the highway from this mine. The dust
and other pollutants will negatively affect the 1200+campers with special needs that attend
this camp to enjoy the Rocky Mountains and clean fresh air. Many of these individuals deal
with respiratory issues. Is jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of this sensitive population and
the potential closing of the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village camp that was established in
1951 worth the risk?
The Douglas Mountain Mine development will destroy the only remaining natural plateau in
Clear Creek County! Our County needs this land to be wildlife/eco-tourism friendly;that is our
future economy. Please, 1 am asking you to deny the establishment of the Douglas Mountain
Mine.