2018-12-12_REVISION - M2018016 (7)

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' Further, stone quarry mining may use less space and have less of a negative impact on Colorado's mountain scenery.17 Aggregates from recycled sources also have been used more frequently in recent years, particularly in large urban areas.18 Aggregate production away from residential areas is clearly desired by communities in ' Colorado, as evidenced by objections from citizen groups, such as Friends of Clear Creek.19 ' New businesses in a community often have a multiplier effect for the local economy by increasing employment and paying higher wages than would otherwise apply. In that regard, DMRM-July 2018 suggests that the proposed mine will benefit Clear ' Creek County as "local operators, employees and contractors will use local businesses (restaurants, gas stations, etc.) and generate county tax revenue." ' This is unlikely, however, as only 20 potential employees will operate the DMRM, scarcely creating significant employment generation or a significant increase in commerce for Clear Creek.20 There is little reason for truck drivers to fill-up on the ' way to the mine or stop for refreshment. Trucks can easily make a round trip to Empire Junction from Denver without making any purchases on the way.21 Gas stations in Dumont, Idaho Springs, Empire, and Georgetown are not likely to benefit ' - nor could they necessarily accommodate the seriously expanded truck traffic. While the provision of construction materials is crucial to upgrade our roads and ' highways, DMRM is not necessarily the best or only way to achieve that goal given the risks,vulnerabilities and negative externalities discussed below. Furthermore, the DMRM is unlikely to provide substantial employment or other economic benefits to Empire or Clear Creek County. ' Risks to Vulnerable Wildlife ' The fundamental goal of the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDW), and for Colorado as a whole, is to secure wildlife populations so that they do not require additional protection. Colorado's wildlife requires careful and increasingly intensive management to address environmental concerns and safeguard recreational ' 17 http://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/mineral-resources/industrial-minerals/aggregate/ 18 Nonetheless,recycled aggregates cannot be completely substituted for natural aggregates in all applications. https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2000/ofr-00-0258/ofr-00-0258so.pdf 19 "As northern Colorado grows,so do clashes over proposed gravel pits." October 17, ' 2017.https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2017/10/27/northern-colorado- proposed- ravel-pits-Johnstown-Laporte 804432001/ ' 20 By contrast,the Walstrum Quarry now employs about 40 full-time workers. https://www.pitandquarry com/gallery-albert-frei-sons-waistrum-quarry/ 21 There would be no benefits to Empire as there is not sufficient parking for huge trucks to get fuel and/or refreshments. Empire's facilities primarily cater to family tourism and local ' diners. 10