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Comment/Objection Narrative* <br /> The location of this proposed mine is 0.4 miles from one of the most popular and pristine trails Ice Cave Ridge <br /> &Piedra River trail that are enjoyed year round by locals and tourists year round.See image of map.There are <br /> crystal clear falls and the Piedra river less than a stone's throw from the proposed location. <br /> See images of pristine forest area.The run off,dust,fumes,debris,noise and traffic will ruin this exquisite area <br /> for generations. <br /> This proposed location is also at the beginning of the highly popular route extensive hunting and fishing areas <br /> that generate a significant amount of revenue for Archuleta county and the town of Pagosa Springs. Elk herds <br /> in this area have been monitored for several decades as their populations are decreasing due to many factors <br /> including human encroachment.While many applications mention that large game are not affected by human, <br /> construction and vehicle noise and that their travel patterns are not impacted,this is not true. <br /> The elk herds we have here in Pagosa Springs, <br /> that travel in the Piedra River area ARE of large concern both at a state and federal level,but many applications <br /> fail to mention this. <br /> There are species of river otters that were located to the Piedra river specifically,and while they have been <br /> downgraded from threatened to endangered,there should have been more explanation and information about <br /> how the fish and wildlife are going to be protected. <br /> It is too late when something has already occurred. Mitigation takes decades. <br /> Prevention takes one moment. <br /> The impact on the economy and both tourist and local quality of life/experience and to the water which is <br /> already in severe shortage is far too much of a risk and cannot be quantified in dollars and not can it be <br /> equated with increased tax money-as mine is located in Hinsdale County and will have a massive economic <br /> effect on Archuleta County and the town of Pagosa Springs. <br /> I sincerely request a more thorough and thoughtful investigation into the location of this proposed mine. <br /> While I do not disagree that there are many that say we need gravel,this is not even close to being a viable, <br /> feasible nor appropriate location. <br /> Perhaps Wasteline can engage the county commissioners and planning committee from both Archuleta and <br /> Hinsdale county to determine several viable locations that can be agreed upon by the communities and citizens. <br /> Far too much wildlife, habitat,and natural resources-specifically water will be affected by this proposed <br /> location. <br /> Please request independent,third party studies be compiled by the applicant regarding the wildlife migration <br /> and herding in the area,the effects on the water,and downstream implications,as well as the pollution to both <br /> the air,soil and water in a ten mile radius. <br /> Gravel mining dust has been shown to be extremely harmful to all age groups,especially the elderly,which is <br /> the predominant majority of Archuleta County, however children and adults of all ages are affected. <br /> Again,mitigation of this type of damage with far reaching effects cost millions of dollars and affects the health of <br /> people for decades and generations. <br /> This is not something to take lightly. <br /> Please require further review of the true impacts on both health,wellbeing and the economy of this proposed <br /> location. <br /> I sincerely appreciate your consideration in this matter,and kindly request that the current application not be <br /> approved at this time. <br /> Thank you so much. <br /> Kind regards, <br /> Permit Number* <br /> Enter valid letter and then numbers,for example M1977999, M1999777UG or C1981201. <br /> M2022018 <br />