DRMS Comment Objection Intake - DEV 3/5/2025 (3)

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Comment/Objection Narrative* The dredging of Milton reservoir is and has been underway for 3 years now. I understand the need for this project and as Mr. Edgar(FRICO rep)noted-his goal is to'make as much money for his shareholders(FRICO) as possible. Now, FRICO is just now applying for a mining permit because they wish to sell the sand. Mr. Edgar, held a town hall meeting last week to discuss this ongoing project with residents and while it was an informative meeting,it should have been held previously, like when they were starting it. Mr. Edgar,also is the rep for REI, the holding company that is currently developing the land to the west of Milton Res.and where I live. Holding these two roles is a profound conflict of interest as Mr. Edgar will not advocate against himself on behalf of the residents-leaving this objection process as the only way for our concerns to be heard. I want FRICO to be successful and I want to live in the community we bought in to and built our home in.While this clear conflict of interest is, perhaps, not germane to the application, it is a true and deep concern for residents as FRICO metaphorically sits on both sides of the table. My concerns/comments about this project centered on how it has impacted those of that live in Beebe Draw Farms([BBDF]and aka Pelican Lake Ranch): we have and continue to experience pronounced disruption to and interference with wildlife-near complete loss of avian populations(eagles, pelicans,cormorants,ducks);constant dust storms from the 80'(and growing) sand piles--on calm days is comes from haul trucks on windy days--sandstorms,discharge of slurry and unknown chemicals from FRICO's settling ponds into a pond (not owned by FRICO but owned by BBDF Authority;the statement that BBDF,a special district in CO,is not a municipality by state law, but a metropolitan district-but this is a distinction without a difference-there are over 175 homeowners in BBDF living with a mile or less of ever-growing sand dunes and environmental destruction-as they are using land,originally set aside by the previous developer as a buffer zone for human/wildlife interaction,for silt and sludge holding ponds. Please understand, many residents understand the need for FRICO to do this-I am commenting on this application in hopes that the Mining Commission be fully informed. Permitting Action Comment/Objection is Regarding • New Permit Change to Existing Permit Permit Number* (?) Enter a valid permit number M2024057 County* Colorado County where the proposed operation is located Weld Enter one county only Site Name Milton Reservoir Perm ittee/Operator Name FRICO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Are there supporting photos, maps, or documents you wish to upload? Yes • No By submitting this form electronically you agree to receive any/all follow up correspondence from the Division of Reclamation, Mining,and Safety at the email address you have provided.