2022-07-18_PERMIT FILE - M2022018

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South Hinsdale Response to Objections 12 July 2022 Impact on "viewsheds" — Several objectors decried the destruction of the viewshed, including statements that"their" view of the mountains of the Upper Piedra Basin (around Williams Park) would be blocked, damaged, or destroyed by the operations, both during and after mining and reclamation. The impact on observers, particularly tourists and other visitors to an area, is closely related to land quality and so discussed here. Mining activities, including the presence of heavy equipment and processing equipment, exposed bare earth and rock, stockpiles of materials, and even small quantities of dust (confined to the permit area) are going to be visible. They are considered a negative impact, especially in contrast to pre-mining conditions. However, these visual impacts are both short-term —most not even for the life of the pit as the working areas are limited and reclamation is ongoing, lagging only a short time behind excavation. While not desired by anyone, they are a reasonably low impact on both residents and visitors. We are unaware of any location, residence, parking/observation/overlook area in which the proposed operation will prevent people from seeing the mountains around Taylor Park (the Upper Piedra) now visible in all directions. The pit will be incised into the original ground and stockpiles will not be significantly higher than original ground to the east on the rest of the Dancing Winds Ranch. Please see photos in Appendix A.3 which show the pit location in relation to views of mountains and surrounding area. These raise concerns regarding negative impacts on the value of adjacent land and are seen as detrimental to recreation in the vicinity. Mining and other activities in many parts of Colorado, including the Southwest, as well as other states has found that such concerns are valid but usually greatly exaggerated, and that impacts can and are mitigated, even in areas with tourist-based economies. Visitors are generally not put off by the disturbance caused by mining or even long-term construction. Mitigation to reduce perceived impacts includes location to minimize direct views of operations, careful planning and layout of the mining operation, prompt and careful reclamation, and limiting operations both daily and seasonally. Examples of previous mining of sand and gravel in Hinsdale South End and along the Piedra Road demonstrate that natural beauty is not destroyed by mining and reclamation and that mining of construction materials is compatible with tourist activities and rural residential, ranching, and recreation. Examples of reclaimed mining sites in Archuleta, La Plata, and Montezuma County also demonstrate that natural beauty is preserved and often enhanced. Examples which demonstrate that visual impacts do not significantly impact tourism or visitors and enjoyment of the natural beauty and manmade attractions in an area include: 1. Lob Lolly Pit mining on the Piedra River just north of Arboles and Navajo Lake 2. The pits (now ponds) along the Piedra River itself near Chimney Rock and Arboles, visible from Chimney Rock and SH-160 3. The Little Fishes Wildlife Habitat on La Posta Road (CR-213)along the Animas River. There are several other recently-operated gravel operations on La Posta Road and a new one (Bonds Pit) under construction after State and County permitting. 4. SH-550 north of Durango (Trimble), several present-day and past sand and gravel operations including a ready-mix plant 5. Multiple pits (some active, some now ponds and pasture) along the Dolores River between Dolores and Rico on SH-145 directly on this road to Telluride and immediately adjacent to the Dolores River. 5182-22-003 WASTELINE, INC. Page 73 of 107