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RECEIVED <br /> C ' rJ18 <br /> June 2018 <br /> DIVISION OF RECLAMATION,- <br /> To Department of Reclamation, Mining and Safety and'tYt�t agencie <br /> Subject: Permit#M2018016, Douglas Mountain Mine Project <br /> n <br /> 1 am part of a group of concerned citizens who are in opposition to the development of a strip Q <br /> mining operation in our county. I would like to share my concerns and objections regarding the <br /> proposed development of the Douglas Mountain Mining Operation in Clear Creek County <br /> which would be located at or near Section 28,Township 3S, Range74W, 61h Principle Meridian in <br /> Clear Creek County: namely Empire Junction and westward to the town of Empire. <br /> Water Issues: <br /> Here are just a few of the detrimental effects of this 150 acre, 200 feet deep gravel pit <br /> operation. This proposed operation will damage/deplete the local water systems of Bard Creek, <br /> Clear Creek and the ground water.The water table on the plateau is also very shallow thereby <br /> contaminating the ground water and natural springs. The amount of water needed to run this <br /> type of operation would be substantial. Allocating millions of gallons yearly for a strip mining <br /> operation is inappropriate and wasteful. <br /> Wildlife Issues: <br /> Land erosion would be significant potentially contaminating Clear Creek with toxic soil and <br /> debris thereby disturbing/destroying the fish habitat which includes the endangered Greenback <br /> cutthroat that has been reintroduced to this area. The wildlife that lives on/near the plateau <br /> would be devastated and potentially destroyed. Elk, deer, moose and bear roam this plateau. <br /> Also thriving in this area is a substantial Big Horn Sheep population whose range and migratory <br /> patterns are well documented in the recent Colorado Parks and Wildlife report entitled <br /> "Population Estimation, Survival Estimation and Range Delineation for the Georgetown Bighorn <br /> Sheep herd" dated Sept. 2015. This is the largest Big Horn Sheep population in the nation, not <br /> to mention our State animal. Do you really want to jeopardize their existence by allowing the <br /> development of a mining operation in the midst of their migratory route and habitat? <br /> Air Pollution and health Issues: <br /> This area deals with constant heavy winds. The air pollution due to the massive amount of dust <br /> entering the environment through the strip mining operation and the hundreds of trucks daily <br /> transporting materials would cause health issues for many residents. In particular, the Easter <br /> Seals Rocky Mountain Village Camp is directly across the highway from this mine. The dust <br /> and other pollutants will negatively affect the 1200+campers with special needs that attend <br /> this camp to enjoy the Rocky Mountains and the clean fresh air. Many of these individuals deal <br /> with respiratory issues. Is jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of this sensitive population and <br /> the potential closing of the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village camp that was established in <br /> 1951 worth the risk? <br /> The Douglas Mountain Mine development would destroy the only plateau in Clear Creek <br /> County! Our State and County is in need of a positive, eco-friendly,tourism friendly and wildlife <br /> friendly use for this land; that is our future economy. Please, I am asking you to deny the <br /> establishment of the Douglas Mountain Mine. <br /> b <br />