2018-12-12_REVISION - M2018016 (7)

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' weather conditions. DMRM documents indict that any noise and dust escaping the ' mine site will blow towards I-70, not towards Empire. But this only implies that down-wind communities may incur greater health risks than Empire. ' An analysis of wind speeds and the travel distance of particulates of different sizes shows that these particles can affect populations from a half a mile to 36 miles away, depending on wind speed and the size of the particulate. The proposed gravel pit is ' 3.8 miles from Dumont, CO, 8.9 miles from the Idaho Springs Visitor Center and 25 miles from Evergreen. Consequently,we must take seriously the conclusion that "dust can, and will, impact areas just about anywhere directionally downwind from ' a gravel pit's operational activities,unquestionably posing health risks and bearing an impact on adjacent properties."46 ' The Easterseals Rocky Mountain Village (RMV) is located only one-half mile east of the proposed DMRM site.47 Overall, an estimated $100,000 of Easterseals $1 million budget is spent locally. Easterseals RMV serves over 800 children and adults with ' disabilities during the summer. Easterseals RMV is used as a retreat facility during the off-season and, as such, is an important part of the local Clear Creek County community. The facility hosts local government, business, and social events including I-70 corridor workshops, County Commissioner functions, Communities That Care48 meetings, weddings and ' conferences. Easterseals RMV offers discounted rates for these events and in some cases offers its facilities without charge, for example,the use of their climbing tower by the local volunteer fire department. Easterseals campers are particularly vulnerable to health risks caused by gravel pit ' dust and vehicular pollution. It is quite possible that Easterseals might close their beautiful mountain facility due to the increased risk of respiratory disease for its vulnerable camper population. Closing the facility would rob nearby communities of a vital economic resource and would adversely impact all of Clear Creek County, as well. According to the non-profit Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, "Residents near gravel pits experience a steady layering of dust on and in their properties, a ' 46"Respiratory and Allergic Immune Response Impacts of Gravel Pit/Quarry Operations on Adjacent Land/ Properties" ' http_//www.citicite.com/files/Uploads/1220/Dust%2OParticulant%2ODistance%2OTravel %20and%20lmpacts%20on%20Adj%20Properties%20incl%20Resp%20&%20Allergic% 20Immune%20Responses.pdf ' 47 http_//www.easterseals.com/co/our-programs/camping-recreation/rocky-mountain- village.html 48 Communities that Care is a Colorado Department of Health and Environment youth substance abuse program.https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe 18