Laserfiche WebLink
South Hinsdale Response to Objections <br /> 12 July 2022 <br /> 6. Montoya Pit and Crader Pit, above the junction of SH-160 and SH-550 at Grandview, <br /> where use by recreational mountain-bikers on BLM increases annually despite being <br /> immediately next to mining and actually in reclaimed areas. <br /> 7. Multiple mining operations on SH-160 between Cortez (major location of motels and <br /> hotels and other tourist services) and Mesa Verde National Park (interchange and the <br /> only road to the National Park). Many of the operations are clearly visible from <br /> overlooks on Mesa Verde as well as the highway. <br /> 8. Very large-scale potash mining north of Vernal, Utah, on the major highway to the <br /> Uinta Mountains and Flaming Gorge Reservoir. <br /> 9. Outside Colorado, the Perli Quarry on SH-16 near Rockerville, SD, the major route <br /> (US-16/Mount Rushmore Road) between Rapid City and Mount Rushmore in the <br /> Black Hills of South Dakota: please see the case study at Appendix D. <br /> 10. Multiple mining operations along IH-90 in the Black Hills between Rapid City, SD and <br /> Sturgis, SD, home of the Sturgis/Black Hills Motorcycle Rally each year. <br /> All these locations continue to have growth in tourism and no apparent impact on tourism, <br /> visitation, and no negative impacts on their local economy, largely based on tourism. Many <br /> other examples exist. There is a visual impact due to mining, but it is not considered to be <br /> so significant a negative impact to drive away tourists and destroy scenic views. <br /> Air Quality <br /> While there4is potential for localized (on the affected area, including Kleckner Road) of <br /> dust, diesel emissions, and odors from diesel transfer and burning, terrain and normal <br /> wind conditions will quickly disperse the emissions to less than de minimus conditions. <br /> Primary exposure will be to actual workers on-site, and MSHA regulates limits on 8-hour <br /> and 10-hour time-weighted averages to prevent both short-term and long-term impact on <br /> their health. Experience from other, much larger operations at higher production levels <br /> has found no significant impact on air quality due to sand and gravel extraction and <br /> processing. Mandatory mitigation and control, particularly of dust but also of diesel <br /> combustion, is required by state and federal regulations. <br /> Emissions, including fugitive dust, are subject to permit limitations by the Colorado Air <br /> Quality Control Division (CDPHE) for all on-site operations. CDPHE in turn must comply <br /> with the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA). <br /> Water quality <br /> As discussed elsewhere, design and operation of the affected area to divert water (to <br /> prevent its exposure to disturbed land and therefore contamination with sediments) and <br /> contain rur,cff from precipitation on the affected area and other water used on the affected <br /> area is designed and does prevent degradation of water quality both immediately off-site, <br /> downstream, and on-site. Mandatory monitoring and implementation of best management <br /> practices (control measures) is required by state and federal regulations. <br /> Environmental Justice <br /> Improvement. Since the major present nearby sources of sand and gravel are located <br /> within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, this operation <br /> reduces environmental impacts on that minority population by providing alternative <br /> sources which are economically sound. Other than ranchers, there are no known <br /> populations of disadvantaged minority populations in the South End/Upper Piedra Basin <br /> or adjacent areas of Archuleta County. <br /> 5182-22-003 WASTELINE, INC. Page 74 of 107 <br />