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Responses to Objections 42 September 5,2023 18. Monica Smits 613 Harrison Avenue Leadville, CO 80461 monica.smits(a-bp mail,corn RE: Support of Proposed Amendment to the Leadville Mill Permit M1990-057 Ms. Smits, Thank you for taking the time to express the objections/concerns to our proposed amendment to our Leadville Mill permit. Objection: "I object to this application on numberous grounds: use of cyanide in processing tailings; disturbance of and transport of tailings from East Side of Leadville to Mill site;no foolproof method to guarantee no leakage of cyanide &other chemicals from proposed dry stack method of storage of processed materials;threat of leakage into water table of cyanide%ther chemicals into groundwater, affecting wells, fishing/rafting industry, irrigation water,potential of environmental catastrophe from leakage of toxic substances (e.g. via air, water)resulting in extreme adverse affects to County residents, visitors and the tourist economies of Lake County and neighboring counties;destruction of wildlife habitats and death of animals, fish in Lake Cty and beyond along the length of the Arkansas River,health risks associated with airborne toxic particulates ("fugitive dust')." Following is an overview of our proposed operation that may address your concerns: 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. The cyanide management plan is highly regulated by CDRMS and must be approved before operations can commence.