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Comment/Objection Narrative*
<br /> Thank you for the opportunity to submit our concerns and opposition to the rezoning and significant expansion
<br /> of the property at 5399 State Highway 93 from 9.9 acres to 160 acres by Texas-based Acme Brick Company.
<br /> Our property is directly east of the proposed rezoning site,and the mining site is in full view of our home.
<br /> Therefore,our home and neighborhood would be entirely exposed to air pollution, hazardous and industrial
<br /> waste and materials,as well as noise pollution,so obviously we are very concerned and opposed to this
<br /> proposed rezoning, mining production and 17-fold development.
<br /> Although Acme Brick Company has had a mineral lease on this property since 1941,the area surrounding it
<br /> has drastically changed and developed in 80 years making these expanded mining operations hazardous and
<br /> dangerous to the neighboring communities. Past mining has already sadly damaged the east mountainside with
<br /> a mile-long permanent scar.The proposed expanded mining site, processing,staging operations,and
<br /> stockpiles are not conducive to this area and will create further unrecoverable environmental damage.
<br /> We strongly oppose the rezoning and the air pollutant emissions that will be introduced to our community. Clay
<br /> mining operations introduce hazardous waste and toxic dust into surrounding areas.With the significant winds
<br /> in this specific region,clay dust containing free silica,talc,asbestos,antimony oxide,barite,beryllium, borax,
<br /> cadmium,selenium,cobalt,colemanite(or gerstley borate),copper,chromium, manganese, nickel, potassium
<br /> dichromate,vanadium,and zinc could be released.When dust is too fine and heavy to be expelled from the
<br /> lungs,over time this can cause fatal silicosis if breathed often enough.Some talc and other materials contain
<br /> impurities of asbestos,which can cause cancer if inhaled.
<br /> Another critical concern is the permanent damage and degradation of Golden's foothills scenic beauty and
<br /> natural environment for wildlife preservation and outdoor enthusiasts to include the endangered Prebles
<br /> Meadow Jumping Mouse,which has critical habitats in this region.
<br /> Each year,tourists visit Golden and Jefferson County bringing millions of dollars each year.Therefore,they
<br /> don't wish to see a complete mining operation off of State Highway 93,the main thoroughfare south into the city
<br /> of Golden and north into Boulder.The proposed Acme Brick operation will create industrial traffic,have visible
<br /> clay extraction and processing equipment operating 24/7 and creating air,noise,landfills and stockpiles,as well
<br /> as light pollution.The rezoning of this property does not fit into the community that Golden has tried so hard to
<br /> create and maintain and will negatively and permanently disrupt the existing vegetation and topography,
<br /> impacting water usage since public water will be utilized to support the mining operations.
<br /> People come to Golden to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.An extensive toxic,mining operation off State
<br /> Highway 93 will contribute nothing but damage to our landscape,wildlife,and community.As property owners
<br /> we strongly oppose this rezoning request by Acme Brick Company,as it will have a long term,dangerous
<br /> impact on our health and the area in which we live.
<br /> We also just learned that since ACME's original request of expansion from 9.6 acres to 85 acres,their new plan
<br /> is to transfer lease of the parcel to General Shale Brick which is even more extensive at 127.29 acres.
<br /> Very
<br /> respectfully,
<br /> Chris&Kim Wheeler
<br /> 303-810-8680
<br /> Permit Number*
<br /> Enter valid letter and then numbers,for example M1977999, M1999777UG or C1981201.
<br /> M1976007
<br /> Permitting Action Type
<br /> Select revision type or leave blank if comment pertains to a new permit application or NOI
<br /> Permit Type
<br /> County*
<br /> Jefferson County
<br /> Enter one county only
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