DRMS Comment Objection Intake - DEV 2/7/2022 (3)

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Comment/Objection Narrative* This proposed mine is on the eastern border of the second largest HOA in the state of Colorado(not in an industrial area). The land is zoned Agricultural Ranch,and is less than 1/4 of a mile from several surface water sources-one which supplies drinking water for much of Pagosa Spring,and elevated above several flowing waters-Dutton Creek/Ditch, Martinez Creek. Many studies have proven the effects on volume and turbidity due to gravel and sand mining activities,and many lawsuits and the need for legal action after-the-fact pollution have been documented. Local wells sharing the same water table as the mine could be affected by both reduced volume and turbidity based on the various types of activity at the mine. Most concerning is the air,water and noise pollution known to be caused by this type of mining. There are thousands of homes within a very small area that will be permanently affected by the particulates that are shown to affect lungs and kidneys,especially in children. The area just below Oakbrush Hill is a known Elk migration and congregation area,as well as home to fox, coyote and mountain lion.The fish in Lake Hatcher are often affected by low water flow into the lake,as well as increased temperatures. Particulates in the air can reflect/trap radiation in the air and increase the temperature in the area and the water. Especially since a lot of trees on Oakbrush Hill will be cut down also affecting temperatures in the adjacent area. In addition to large game and wildlife,the area is home to smaller animals and many migratory birds,as well as at least one species of horned lizard. If it is the Texas Horned Lizard Phrynosoma cornutum,this species already has protections in Colorado,Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. If it is the greater short-horned lizard(Phrynosoma hernandesi)it has been given threatened,special or full protections in New Mexico and Texas and Canada and all 21 species are up for review for special protections in 2022. Piedra Road/CR 600 is a two lane rural road. It is winding,and narrow in many areas,and is utilized by school buses, local and recreation traffic,as well as farming,logging and delivery vehicles. Increased numbers of belly trucks(6-12 per hour based on estimates)would greatly affect the noise and traffic conditions on the road. There are not many options for alternate routes for these large vehicles,as all road except North Pagosa Blvd are small local roads and many are not paved,and have poor conditions. If the excessive amount of trucks affect the safety and ease of egress on Piedra Road, local and delivery traffic will divert onto the smaller roads and affect traffic,safety,and noise though the neighborhoods. Please review the water and air pollution issues to protect the people,animals,water and quality of life in our small town.While the town may want and need a gravel mine,this location is not appropriate.The land that Oakbrush Hill sits on was part of a land swap agreement between the Forest Service and the previous owner. The land swap was contested for many years. Only after some land and homeowners in the area were no longer able to contest it did the swap go through.This was never supposed to be anything but Forest or Agricultural land. It is most certainly not industrial. Unfortunately the owner of the land also has a poor history of unethical practices,and overdevelopment lawsuits in Texas. He does not have our(the local citizens'and Iand's)best interests in mind,and may not have produced sufficient or fully accurate documentation for the intricacies of this area,for example: if the traffic studies were completed during fall or winter months,vs.summer when there is significantly more traffic on Piedra Road. Based on the type of mining permit they are requesting-Major Sand&Gravel-it seems highly questionable that they state"no surface discharge is proposed," Additionally the fact that there will be an above-ground diesel storage tank creates the risk potential for leakage and contamination in the area-which is close to other land owners drinking wells,town water supply,and native habitat of many animals.The increased risk of fire is also a concern. Almost all items on Enclosure 7-G of the application are either incomplete,or"cannot be submitted"until further review or impact study is completed. Based on the many incomplete items on the application, please delay the approval of the permit until all critical items including air pollution,traffic impact study,water discharge/ drainage evaluation,soils engineering report,and other important environmental impact studies have been submitted. Thank you so much for your consideration in this matter. Permit Number* Enter valid letter and then numbers,for example M1977999, M1999777UG or C1981201. M2021064