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Responses to Objections 28 September 5,2023 12.Joseph Yeakel 1760 County Road 36 P.O. Box 943 Leadville, CO 80461 dyeakel52(ag mail.com RE: Support of Proposed Amendment to the Leadville Mill Permit M1990-057 Mr. Yeakel, Thank you for taking the time to express the objections/concerns to our proposed amendment to our Leadville Mill permit. Obiection: 1 am writing to express my strong objection to the application for a mining permit by CJK Milling, reference number M1990057, for their proposed operation in Leadville, CO. While Leadville has a rich mining heritage, it has evolved into a community that values and prioritizes healthy outdoor activities over mining. My objection stems from the potential environmental hazards and negative impacts on the community that this mining operation may cause. The excavation of tailings and their transport through residential areas could cause environmental exposure, which could be detrimental to the health of the residents. Furthermore, the proposed use of cyanide to process the ore is of great concern. Several states and countries have already prohibited the use of cyanide in mining due to its devastating impact on the environment and public health. The potential for air, water, and noise pollution as a result of this mining operation is a major concern. The local river's health could be severely impacted, which could have significant implications for the community's well-being. In addition, Leadville's current economy is centered on outdoor recreation. This mining operation could have a detrimental impact on the region's economy, which would have long-lasting implications. Given the history of cyanide environmental catastrophes in other states and countries, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with this mining operation seriously. In summary, I strongly object to CJK Milling's application for a mining permit in Leadville, CO. The potential environmental hazards, negative impacts on public health, and potential harm to the local economy make this proposal unacceptable. I urge you to consider the community's interests and reject this application. 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.