2018-07-10_PERMIT FILE - M2018016 (11)

Home Browse Search

Water is like gold in arid Colorado. This proposed operation will deplete the local water systems of Bard Creek, Clear Creek, and most importantly the localized groundwater. The water table on the plateau feeds a natural spring and wetlands on its eastern escarpment that will likely dry up as a result of the proposed mining operation. These springs and wetlands also support critical wildlife habitat. And what about Miller Coors and others down river that own the Clear Creek water rights? How can you have a mining operation that won't affect those downriver? 3. Air Quality and Health The Empire Valley is noted for high winds descending from the Continental Divide. A gravel mining operation will inevitably create massive uncontrollable clouds of dust and unknown contaminants, risking respiratory issues for residents. (My husband suffers from Asthma and would not be able to live in such an environment). Moreover,the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village (est. 1951) is directly east of the proposed mine and would be downwind on most days. The air pollutants will negatively affect the 1200+ special needs campers who attend this camp every year. They have come here to enjoy the Rocky Mountains and the clean fresh air for nearly 70 years. Many have respiratory issues. Is jeopardizing the health and well-being of this sensitive population worth the risk? In conclusion, we are among the nearly unanimous Empire residents who are adamantly opposed to this development. Aside from destroying the character of historic Empire, this proposed operation would devastate local wildlife, destroy a wild stream,create massive clouds of unknown contaminants, and cause even more traffic problems along the most congested portion of 1-70 on the gateway corridor to the Rocky Mountains. The county has expressed interest in a fair purchase of the land for open space development. This would be a much preferable use of this land and beneficial to all the residents of Clear Creek County. 4. Safety • With over 300 trucks operating in the mine,the resulting increased traffic along the 1-70 and Hwy 6 corridors would greatly impact those already congested roadways. Significant increases in traffic not only causes more accidents, it also causes elevated stress levels and a significant decrease in the quality of life for those living in the congested area Hopefully, you will be receiving many other emails and letters in the next few days. We are hopeful that our government will listen to our concerns and weigh our community's needs and values, not just the special interests of a few people who want to exploit the environment and the community to line their pockets. There are alternatives (e.g., open space)that could meet the needs of all concerned. Thank you for your time and best regards,