2018-07-10_PERMIT FILE - M2018016 (7)

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verw June 22,2018 RECEIVED To Ginny Brannon, Director JUL 10 ZU18 Department of Reclamation,Mining,and Safety 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 DIVISION OF RECLAMATION Denver, CO 80203 MINING AND SAFETY 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 mining operation in Clear Creek County. I have summarized my concerns and objections r'egarriing the proposed development of the Douglas Mountain Mining Operation in Clear Creek County which would be located at or near Section 28,Township 3S,Range 74W,6ch Principle Meridian in Clear Creek County:namely Empire Junction and westward to the town of Empire. Water Issues: Here are just a few of the detrimental effects of this 150 acre,200 feet deep gravel pit operation. This proposed 150 acre,200 feet- deep gravel pit operation will severely draw down or deplete the local water systems of Bard Creek,Clear Creek,and available ground water. Because the water table in this area is very shallow,the chances of contaminating the ground water and natural springs that is used for drinking is very high. The amount of water needed to run this type of operation would be astronomical! Allocating millions of gallons yearly for a strip mining operation is inappropriate and wasteful when locals dependency on this water is already straining its limited availability. Wildlife Issues: Land erosion caused by the gravel pit would be significant. Clear Creek risks being contaminated with toxic soil and debris thereby at minimum disturbing,and possibly destroying the fish habitat,which includes the endangered Greenback cutthroat that has been reintroduced to this area. The wildlife that lives on and near the plateau would be potentially destroyed. Elk,deer,moose and bear currently shelter,and migrate through this plateau. A substantial Big Horn Sheep population range and migrate through this area, as documented in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife report entitled"Population Estimation,Survival Estimation and Range Delineation for the Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Herd"dated September,2015_ This is the largest big horn sheep population in the nation,not to mention our State animal. A gravel pit located in the midst of their migratory route and habitat would jeopardize their existence. Air Pollution and Health Issues: The Empire Junction plateau area is noted for constant,heavy winds. The air pollution due to the massive amount of dust entering the environment through the strip mining operation,and the hundreds of trucks loading and transporting materials daily,would cause health issues for many residents. For instance,the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village Camp is directly across the highway from this mine. The dust and other pollutants will negatively affect the 1,200+campers with special needs that attend this camp to enjoy the Rocky Mountains and its historically clean,fresh air. Many of these individuals deal with respiratory issues. Air pollution would jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of this sensitive population. The Douglas Mountain Mine development would destroy the only plateau in Clear Creek County! Our State and County is in need of a positive,eco-friendly,tourism-friendly,and wildlife-friendly use for this land which is Clear Creek's future economy. As stewards responsible for preserving Colorado,and Clear Creek's irreplaceable open space,make the establishment of the Douglas Mountain Mine in this location a detriment to Clear Creek and Empire's future. Respectfully, A � Linda G.Berteau 957 Aspen Drive Evergreen,CO 80439 303-679-3025 r,.usicats42pkiec�ntral_ ow