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the area;they have not acknowledged how breaching the known shallow groundwater will destroy adjacent
<br /> springs and hinder their project mid-operation.This does not instill confidence in the residents of Clear Creek
<br /> County that the applicants will adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to exposing this groundwater and other
<br /> safety precautions to protect the groundwater,creek,and watershed area.According to the DRMS,a flood analysis
<br /> and flood control plan is needed when mining occurs within 400 feet of a river channel,as the floodplain could be
<br /> altered,and riverside berms have the potential to be damaged during flooding and are prone to erosion.The
<br /> applicants have not submitted either of the requested documents to date.
<br /> We have written letters to the Air Pollution Control Division,voicing our concerns over silica dust produced from
<br /> gravel mining and vehicle emissions from over 300 diesel trucks per day polluting our air and the respiratory risks
<br /> to The Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village Camp,the residents of the Town of Empire,and the surrounding
<br /> residents in Clear Creek County.Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village was established in 1951 and is directly across
<br /> the highway from this proposed mine,east and downwind of the Douglas Mountain Plateau.The dust and other
<br /> pollutants would negatively affect the 1200+campers with special needs that attend this camp every year to enjoy
<br /> the Rocky Mountains and the clean fresh air.The proposed mine would jeopardize the health and wellbeing of this
<br /> sensitive population because many of these individuals deal with respiratory issues and as a result,the Easter Seals
<br /> Rocky Mountain Village could potentially close.Also,the Town of Empire is.5 miles to the west of the proposed
<br /> mine and has concerns about air quality,especially during upslope weather systems when the wind blows from
<br /> east to west,inevitably carrying pollutants directly into town.With windy conditions year-round and the proximity
<br /> of the proposed mine to populated areas,we can be certain that dust will make its way into our homes,businesses,
<br /> and recreation areas,risking the respiratory health of our residents,visitors,and wildlife.According to the EPA,
<br /> silica dust particles present a health risk because they are small enough to get into the deepest parts of the lungs,
<br /> where the air passes into the bloodstream through the alveoli.The impacts to the residents and visitors to Clear
<br /> Creek County will be widespread.
<br /> Colorado Parks and Wildlife have advised that stripping topsoil on the plateau can only occur July to November so
<br /> as not to disturb wildlife during important lambing,calving,and wintering periods. Four of those Five months have
<br /> typical wind speed approaching 50 mph across the proposed mining area,therefore,topsoil must be stripped
<br /> while the wind could be blowing 50 mph.Obscuring the view and constructing berms that are several feet high will
<br /> not deter the well documented high winds from lifting small dust particles in the air.Windblown dust will have a
<br /> significant impact on wildlife,Easter Seals,Empire,and Clear Creek County residents many miles beyond on the I-
<br /> 70 Mountain Corridor.The application does not even address additional vehicle noise from hauling operations that
<br /> can run 24 hours a day,7 days a week. It also does not address the increase in vehicle emissions from over 300
<br /> large diesel trucks per day driving on 1-70,Hwy 40,and Hwy 6. Even more concerning to the residents in the
<br /> immediate area,especially the Easter Seal Camp directly across the road from the entrance to the mining project,
<br /> are the number of trucks that will be lined up and idling every morning on Empire Junction,waiting for the mine to
<br /> open,and waiting for their trucks to be loaded,filling the air with truck exhaust.
<br /> In addition to the Colorado agencies responsible for evaluating the environmental risks of the DMRM permit
<br /> application,we have also sent copies of these same letters to our State Representative KC Becker,State Senator
<br /> Kevin Grantham,Governor Elect Jarod Polis,and several other agencies and organizations to implore them to
<br /> oppose the mine.The Douglas Mountain Plateau is the only natural,accessible,and undeveloped alluvial plateau
<br /> in Clear Creek County.It is a unique geological feature,unspoiled by development,which supports many wildlife
<br /> species and therefore,should be protected. For the sake of this valuable natural resource,for the ongoing
<br /> protection of our wildlife,for the safeguarding of our precious water resources,for the preservation of the clean
<br /> mountain air that we all breathe,and for the health of the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village campers and the
<br /> residents of the Town of Empire,please deny the Douglas Mountain Ranch Mining Project.
<br /> Best Regards from Friends of Clear Creek,
<br />
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