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<br /> FRIENDS OF CLEAR CREEK
<br /> is a group of engaged citizens from the communities of Clear Creek County Colorado,who respect and protect the
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<br /> air,water,natural landscape,wildlife,and quality of life for all who reside in and visit our beautiful county.
<br /> •�''�.,,, ,,,o,"., www.FriendsOfClearCreek.com
<br /> October 1,2018
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<br /> RE: Douglas Mountain Ranch Mining Project,Permit#M2018016
<br /> To the Department of Reclamation, Mining and Safety: DIVISION OF RECLAMATION
<br /> MININGAND SAFETY
<br /> I am part of a group of concerned citizens, Friends of Clear Creek,who oppose the development of a strip-mining operation in
<br /> our county. I would like to share my concerns and objections regarding the proposed development of the Douglas Mountain
<br /> Ranch Mining Project in Clear Creek County which would be located at or near Section 28,Township 3S,Range 74W,61h
<br /> Principle Meridian in Clear Creek County;namely Empire Junction and westward to the town of Empire.
<br /> Water Issues: This 200-foot-deep proposed mine will damage/deplete the local water systems of Bard Creek,The West Fork
<br /> of Clear Creek,the Clear Creek Watershed,and the ground water and natural springs on the plateau.The amount of water
<br /> needed to run this type of operation and mitigate dust in this high wind location would far exceed the amount estimated in
<br /> the permit application.The Douglas Mountain Ranch Mining Project has junior water rights to Bard Creek,so allocating water
<br /> to a strip-mine in an already over taxed watershed is inappropriate and wasteful.Also,the mining operations will divert the
<br /> natural flow of the West Fork of Clear Creek,impacting the West Clear Creek Watershed Basin(HUC-0103)and the property
<br /> owners downstream.The Upper Clear Creek Watershed Plan Update 2014 proposes to develop mitigation projects to repair
<br /> and improve this valuable resource and lists metal and aggregate mining as one of the seven primary sources that have the
<br /> potential to impact water quality.
<br /> Wildlife Issues: Land erosion would be significant, potentially contaminating Clear Creek with toxic soil and debris thereby
<br /> disturbing/destroying the fish habitat which includes the threatened Greenback Cutthroat Trout that has been reintroduced
<br /> to this area and is our State Fish. Elk,deer,moose,and bear roam this plateau with eagles and falcons souring above.Their
<br /> habitat would be devastated.Also thriving in this area is a substantial Big Horn Sheep population whose range and migratory
<br /> patterns are well documented in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife report entitled "Population Estimation,Survival Estimation
<br /> and Range Delineation for the Georgetown Bighorn Sheep herd".This is the largest Big Horn Sheep population in the nation
<br /> and our State Animal.They are very susceptible to stress,and the mine would disrupt migration,grazing, breeding, lambing,
<br /> and wintering.In addition,this plateau could be home to the threatened Preble Meadow Jumping Mouse,and we are
<br /> requesting from Colorado Parks and Wildlife that a study be done to determine if the mouse is present.
<br /> Air Pollution and Health Issues: This area deals with constant heavy winds.The air pollution due to the massive amount of
<br /> dust entering the environment through the strip-mining operation and the hundreds of trucks daily transporting materials
<br /> would cause health issues for many residents.The Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village Camp was established in 1951 and is
<br /> directly across the highway from this proposed mine.The dust and other pollutants would negatively affect the 1200+
<br /> campers with special needs that attend this camp every year to enjoy the Rocky Mountains and the clean fresh air.The
<br /> proposed mine would jeopardize the health and wellbeing of this sensitive population because many of these individuals deal
<br /> with respiratory issues and as a result,the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village could potentially close.Also,the town of
<br /> Empire is.5 miles to the west of the proposed mine and has concerns about air quality,especially during summer upslope
<br /> weather systems when the wind blows from east to west, potentially carrying pollutants directly into town.
<br /> The Douglas Mountain Ranch Mining Project would destroy the only plateau in Clear Creek County! It is a unique geological
<br /> feature,unspoiled by development,that supports many wildlife species and therefore,should be protected.Our State and
<br /> County needs a positive,eco-friendly,tourism friendly and wildlife friendly use for this land;that is our future economy.
<br /> Please,I am asking you to den a rmit application of the Douglas Mountain Ranch Mining Project.
<br /> Best Regards,
<br /> Name:
<br /> Email: I
<br /> Phone:
<br /> Street Address: 33 tv " IM j)✓
<br /> Mailing Address(PO Box):
<br /> F�Atj-aE Co
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