2020-04-06_PERMIT FILE - M2019054 ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: M2019054
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 4/6/2020
• Doc Name: Comment
• From: Skull Creel Residents
• To: DRMS
• Email Name: SJM
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

to the constant noise pollution assaulting the peaceful enjoyment of the Skull Creek Residents as well
as disturbing the wildlife in the area.
The_Skull Creek Residents specifically object to the introduction of excessive tankers,trucks and
equipment that will create uncontrolled dust, diesel emissions and excessive noise,affecting the
residents and the wildlife and destroying the residents right of peaceful enjoyment of their
properties.
3. AS TO THE IMPACT OR POTENTIAL IMPACT ON THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE SKULL CREEK
RESIDENTS AND OTHERS BEING EXPOSED TO DANGEROUS TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
County Road 104: The Skull Creek Residents must all make use of County Road 104 for access to their
properties. County Road 104 is a moderately narrow;gravel road,just wide enough for two passenger
vehicles to comfortably pass with care. The road is also frequented by elk and deer, which the
residents carefully watch for, especially during rutting season and when they become active in the
spring. The road is not designed to accommodate oversized loads,track hoes, mining trucks or other
large excavation and mining equipment. Allowing such vehicles to overrun the small county road will
create a hazardous road environment and a danger to the health and safety of the residents and others.
Colorado State Hwy.40: In addition to the danger created on the County Road 104,there also exists
the potential for extreme safety issues in so many vehicles exiting and entering County Road 104 via
State Highway 40. Highway 40 is a two lane rural highway, bordered mostly by deep bar ditches, and
no room for turn pockets or merge lanes. At the time of this writing, it is important to note that
Colorado Department of Transportation, ("CDOT") had not been notified as to the existence of the
Strip Mine's proposed project, and we are informed that CDOT intends to contact those entities
involved and investigate the impact on the traffic on State Highway 40. It is important to note that at
the eastern end of the 104, where the Strip Mine is proposing ingress and egress,the approach onto
the 40 from the 104 provides very limited visibility both for those attempting to merge onto the
highway and most especially for those attempting to slow down and access the 104.
The Skull Creek Residents specifically object to the use of the County Road 104 based on the creation
of dangerous traffic and road conditions,and creation of dangerous and hazardous road conditions
on and about Colorado State Highway 40.
4. AS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON THE NATIVE WILDLIFE AND PLANT LIFE:
Skull Creek Residents refer to the letter from Bill DeVergie,Area Wildlife Manager with Colorado Parks
and Wildlife, received by Stephanie Mitchell, Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety on January 17,
2020, it was communicated that, in a nutshell, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has deemed the Strip Mine
proposed area to be located within a designated "Elk winter concentration area; Elk severe winter
range; Mule deer winter concentration area; Mule deer severe winter range; Pronghorn overall range;
Pronghorn winter range; and, Pronghorn perennial water source."
Skull Creek Homeowners Objection
March 17,2020
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