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South Hinsdale Response to Objections <br /> 12 July 2022 <br /> 5. RESPONSES TO MULTIPLE OBJECTIONS/ISSUES <br /> Introduction: These ten general topics are numbered so that the applicant's response to <br /> each individual objector's concern can be addressed in more detail. These are not <br /> necessarily jurisdictional for the Colorado DRMS: many are under County jurisdiction. A <br /> third category, of claims which appear to be erroneous, is provided in an eleventh section. <br /> Summary: The various concerns have been addressed either in the initial application and <br /> mining and reclamation plans, supported by other exhibits, or are being addressed in the <br /> responses to the DRMS comments, agency comments, and public objections by being <br /> incorporated into the application. The applicant believes that the proposed project is safe <br /> and environmentally and economically sound and that the overall benefits to the Upper <br /> Piedra Basin (South End of Hinsdale County and northern portion of Archuleta County) <br /> far exceed the relatively minor negative impacts, which are temporary and able to be <br /> effectively mitigated. <br /> 5.1 Land Use Compatibility and Location <br /> General location concerns <br /> Many objectors stated that the South Hinsdale Gravel Pit is poorly located, citing various <br /> reasons aWconcerns regarding incompatible land uses, "a bad idea," various other <br /> statements of disagreement, and claiming irreconcilable and permanent impacts on <br /> neighbors and visitors. The applicant is uncertain as to whether this is a DRMS- <br /> jurisdictional issue. <br /> General Response: Localities which have banned "undesirable"activities in their area (by <br /> zoning, regulatory micromanagement, denying rights of ownership, and other tactics) have <br /> generally found that the lack of essential products and services (such as solid waste <br /> disposal, recycling operations, and ready-mixed concrete), especially those with high <br /> transportation costs, quickly drive prices up, impact the standard of living and quality of <br /> life for lower- and middle-income people, leading to social decay, gentrification, and <br /> lawlessness by providing those goods and services in an unlawful manner. Sand and <br /> gravel are essential for a modern community, regardless of the base of its economy. <br /> Tourism-based economies require more basic commodities (like sand and gravel and <br /> concrete and asphalt) than many economies to support those who provide services and <br /> to ensure 5ihitrastructure is maintained properly to accommodate wealthy tourists and <br /> snowbirds. <br /> Recreational, Residential, Agricultural Use, Hiking <br /> Trails, Fishing, and Hunting <br /> Several objections claimed that the South End of Hinsdale County is a "recreational," <br /> "agricultural" and "residential" area and therefore is not suitable for"commercial activities" <br /> such as mining of sand and gravel. <br /> Response: The area was and still is primarily an agricultural area, devoted to raising <br /> livestock and with large portions of the privately-owned land irrigated though water <br /> systems laboriously constructed to capture and convey water to land suitable for crops <br /> (mostly hay) and grazing. The Hinsdale County Zoning and Development Regulations <br /> (ZDR), in the section devoted to the South End specifically states that Gravel Pits are a <br /> "Principal Use"allowed by Special Use Permit (Table Chapter 25 pg 4 ZDR) and Section <br /> 2.5-2.D.B. states "Gravel pits shall be approvable subject to a reasonable impact mitigation <br /> plan addressing noise, dust, vibration, traffic, lighting, hours of operation, and <br /> 5182-22-003 WAST£LIN£, INC. Page 63 of 107 <br />