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Responses to Objections 11 September 5,2023 5. Kristin Hawkins 921 Copper Drive Leadville, CO 80461 crickethawkinspb(cDgmail.com RE: Objection to Proposed Amendment to the Leadville Mill Permit M1990-057 Ms. Hawkins, Thank you for taking the time to express the objections/concerns to our proposed amendment to our Leadville Mill permit. Objection: 1 steadfastly object to this [permit proposal] for the milling operation. My concern covers many reasons including the following: 1) the use of cyanide in the processing of tailings and subsequent storage of milling waste product resulting in the threat for leakage of cyanide&other chemicals into surrounding groundwater-this leakage could affect wells, irrigation water for surrounding farms and the Arkansas River drinking water supply for the southern Colorado. 2) as one who grew up in the DDT era, / am fearful for the wildlife habitat in and along the river including the fish, Bald Eagles, Red Tailed Hawks, and Great Blue Heron -all of which 1 see while walking along the river in Hayden Meadows just south south of the proposed site. 3) as a resident of Lake County, 1 walk this area along the river on a daily basis and do not want to experience the potential health risks associated with airborne toxic particulates. Following is our response: CJK's operating plan supports environmental reclamation. Material to be treated is that which was mined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and deposited on the surface as waste. This material still exists on the surface throughout the historic California District and other mining districts in Lake County and remains an active part (Operable Unit 6) of EPA's California Gulch Superfund site. Surface run-off from these dumps contribute to acid drainage in surface waters. Placement of this material in a properly designed containment facility will reduce this acid-metal laden load to the environment and is an approved remediation by EPA. The material also contributes to the contaminated groundwater within the Leadville Area. CJK will be moving mine dump acid generating material located within a potentially contaminated groundwater plume to a lined facility that results in a net overall benefit to the environment and specifically to improving water quality. CJK shares your concern for the environment, and like all modern natural resource operations will take great care to protect it. This will be accomplished in the following steps: Step 1: Plant Design and Operation CJK has relied on engineers and consultants with extensive experience in the design and operation of the process facility. Further, CJK acknowledges and agrees with those concerned that experienced managers are requisite for a safe and efficient operation. Step 2: Cyanide Handling CJK acknowledges the hazards related to CN as well as other chemicals. The handling and use of these chemicals are common in mining operations,and its safe use to the environment and human safety is highly regulated by State (Colorado Department of Reclamation Mining and Safety-CDRMS, Colorado Department of Health and the Environment-CDPHE) as well as federal (Mining Health and safety Administration-MSHA). Cyanide will be destroyed, and metals of concern will be treated using the lime used in the milling process. CJK is required by law to comply with regulations associated with the handling and use of hazardous materials and will use these industry-proven methods.