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�.• r <br /> June 2018 RECEIVED <br /> To: Department of Reclamation, Mining and Safety RECEIVED <br /> 1313 Sherman Street Room 215 JUL 0 9 2018 <br /> Denver CO 80203 Attn: Peter Hays peter.hays@state.co.us DIVISION OF FECLAMATIN <br /> Subject: Permit#M2018016, Douglas Mountain Mine Project MINING AND SAFETir' <br /> I am part of a group of concerned citizens who are ' opposA�ardring <br /> the development of a strip mine operation in our <br /> county. I would like to share my concerns and obJ the proposed development of the Douglas <br /> Mountain Mining Operation in Clear Creek County. <br /> Water Issues: <br /> This proposed operation will damage/deplete the local water systems of Bard Creek, Clear Creek, and most importantly <br /> the localized groundwater.The water table on the plateau feeds a surprisingly lush area of springs and wetlands on its <br /> eastern escarpment that will likely dry up and be destroyed. These water features support critical wildlife habitat. <br /> Wildlife Issues: <br /> . he area is a migration corridor and feeding area for elk, deer, moose, and bear, many of which are routinely seen. <br /> Operation and reclamation will be a long and stressful period for these animals and chase them off to far inferior lands; <br /> this is a unique and valuable plateau for them that will be devalued forever. Land erosion would potentially <br /> contaminate Clear Creek with silt disturbing fish habitat that has greatly improved through the years; let's not risk the <br /> progress made to date. Also thriving in this area is a substantial Big Horn Sheep population whose range and migratory <br /> p tenis are well documented in the recent Colorado Parks and Wildlife report entitled "Population Estimation,Survival <br /> Estimation and Range Delineation for the Georgetown Bighorn Sheep herd" dated Sept. 2015. This is the largest Big <br /> Horn Sheep population in the nation, not to mention our State animal. Do we really want to jeopardize theirpistence <br /> by allowing the development of a mining operation directly in their migratory route and habitat? <br /> Air Pollution and Health Issues: <br /> This area routinely experiences high winds descending from the Continental Divide. This will inevitably create massive <br /> uncontrollable clouds of dust and unknown contaminants from the mine and trucks risking respiratory issues for <br /> downwind residents. In particular, the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village Camp is directly across the highway from <br /> this mine. The dust and other pollutants will negatively affect the 1200+campers with special needs that attend this <br /> camp to enjoy the Rocky Mountains and clean fresh air. Many of these individuals deal with respiratory issues. Is <br /> jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of this sensitive population and the potential closing of the Easter Seals Rocky <br /> Mountain Village camp that was established in 1951 worth the risk? <br /> The Dd!'glas,,�"ountain Mine development will destroy the only remaining natural plateau in Clear Creek County! Our <br /> County needs this land to be wildlife/eco-tourism friendly;that is our future economy. Please, I am asking you to deny <br /> the establishment of the Douglas Mountain Mine. <br /> Best Regards, <br /> Printed name: ( ' <br /> Address: P� (J1C �i�jy <br /> Phone Number: <br /> t <br /> Email: <br /> �'�`Ina l c�mfA cc n� <br />