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Peter Hays <br /> May 9, 2019 <br /> Page 5 <br /> Other Concerns <br /> As noted above, Empire Reservoir has a decreed water right for recreational and <br /> piscatorial use, and many people utilize the reservoir for summer-time recreation and <br /> camping. The area proposed to be mined and reclaimed is a very sandy location. Based <br /> on experience with both prevailing wind conditions and prior reclamation activities in <br /> the Fort Morgan area, Bijou has concerns about how wind erosion during mining and <br /> follow-up reclamation will be managed. Failure to properly manage the mining site and <br /> reclamation activities will likely result in high levels of sand being blown into the <br /> Empire Inlet Canal and Empire Reservoir (and perhaps into the Bijou Canal). In <br /> addition, based on evaluations done during prior work on the dam for Empire <br /> Reservoir, it is Bijou's understanding that Empire Reservoir is a winter roosting area for <br /> bald eagles. The proposed mining operations and reclamation activities could impact <br /> the current habitat for these birds, and this issue should be more thoroughly reviewed. <br /> Bijou also has concerns that the proposed mining operations and reclamation activities <br /> will injure Bijou and the recreational use of Empire Reservoir in the form of air quality, <br /> noise level, nighttime lighting, and traffic impacts. These items should be considered <br /> and addressed as part of the reclamation plan review and any approval in conjunction <br /> with the general assembly's expressed intent in managing the extraction of materials <br /> and reclamation of mining locations to conserve natural resources, protect wildlife and <br /> aquatic resources, establish agricultural, recreational, residential, and industrial sites, <br /> and protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of <br /> Colorado. BMS has not provided sufficient information about the items identified in <br /> this section for Bijou and surrounding landowners to determine whether mining <br /> operations and proposed reclamation activities will negatively impact or injure the <br /> recreational and residential aspects and values of Empire Reservoir and surrounding <br /> lands. <br /> Additional Analysis and Needed Information <br /> Bijou believes that substantial additional information is required before DRMS and <br /> others can fully evaluate the impacts of the proposed Lost Creek Mine project. To <br /> address physical and water quality impacts, a well monitoring program should be <br />