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water;poienuai or environmentai catastropne from ieaKage or toxic suostances(e.g.via air,water/resuiung in <br /> extreme adverse effects to County residents,visitors and the tourist economies of Lake County and neighboring <br /> counties;destruction of wildlife habitats and death of animals,fish in Lake County and beyond along the length <br /> of the Arkansas River;health risks associated with airborne toxic particulates("fugitive dust"). <br /> Arkansas River Impact Objection <br /> Over the past several decades,countless hours of work and millions of dollars have been spent on repairing the <br /> devastating impacts of historic mining in Lake County on the Upper Arkansas River and its tributaries, <br /> particularly in the California Gulch watershed where the Leadville Mill and much of the targeted waste is <br /> located.As a result,the Upper Arkansas is now the longest continuous stretch of Gold Medal water in the <br /> nation. <br /> I would ask DRMS to consider if the risks of this project to the Leadville community and the surrounding <br /> environment are worth the benefits.Of particular note,we would ask DRMS to carefully consider the following: <br /> •Does the CJK proposal adequately identify groundwater depth throughout the site or the preferential flow <br /> pathways/rates?In the instance of a spill, it would be necessary to have groundwater defined.Groundwater <br /> mapping would also play into a remediation plan in the instance of a spill.Those pathways must be identified <br /> and mitigated during an emergency to reduce impacts on drinking water supplies including wells in the area. <br /> •Has CJK properly addressed concerns around the daily operations of the mill,such as mitigating impacts to <br /> wildlife and exposure to materials with elevated sodium-cyanide?This can include both terrestrial and aquatic <br /> wildlife/organisms. <br /> •Has CJK properly addressed the disposal of processed waste throughout the life of the mine?Where will <br /> processed waste be disposed of or remediated to reduce impacts on human health and the environment?Does <br /> the life cycle of the proposed disposal plan fully mitigate the risks of its location in a highly sensitive <br /> environment? <br /> •Does the CJK proposal address the risks to the community and the environment of disturbing the east side <br /> waste piles?The potential for release of toxic materials into the air,surface water,and groundwater must be <br /> addressed both during and after excavation.These waste piles have stabilized over time and disturbing them <br /> will increase the potential for erosion of freshly exposed surfaces by wind and water. <br /> OTHER THREATS/THEMES THAT SHOULD/CAN BE CONSIDERED <br /> Threats <br /> Water Quality The potential for long-term water contamination from the tailings,poses significant risks to the <br /> environment and public health.The lack of a robust long-term plan and potential for catastrophic failure raise <br /> serious questions about the project's sustainability and safety. <br /> Water Consumption CJK's lack of clarity and potential risks associated with the project's water usage, raise <br /> serious questions about its sustainability and impact on the community. <br /> Soil and Air The Mill Project would increase airborne and soil contamination due to excavating existing mine <br /> tailings,transporting the material through our community,and processing at the Mill site.The material being <br /> excavated,transported,and processed is composed of many minerals and constituents that are toxic and long- <br /> lasting. <br /> Traffic and Transportation The high volume of heavy truck traffic between the Mill site and the east-side tailings <br /> site will create new safety hazards,congestion,air contamination,and roadway degradation. <br /> Economy Leadville and Lake County is now squarely focused on the development and expansion of the <br /> outdoor recreation industry,which generates significant revenues for our local economy. <br /> Quality of Life The Mill's threats to our air,water,economy,transportation,and soil are ultimately threats to our <br /> city's health,culture,and quality of life now and for decades to come. <br /> What Happens If/When The Price of Gold/Silver Drops to Where the Mining Is No Longer Profitable? <br /> Will the state require that CJK develop and provide a detailed and sufficiently bonded/insured exit plan that <br /> ensures that the community is no left holding the bag for millions of dollars of new clean-up and closing of the <br /> site?Has such a clan be designed and submitted vet? <br />