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Comment/Objection Narrative* <br /> As a concerned citizen and former resident of Nederland,CO, I am writing to express my strong objection to the <br /> proposed reopening and expansion of the Cross Mine,currently under your review. <br /> The Cross Mine has a documented history of environmental violations. Between December 2020 and August <br /> 2021,excessive levels of heavy metals, including lead and copper,were detected in the watershed downstream <br /> of the mine.These contaminants pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. In response, <br /> a cease-and-desist order was issued in 2022 due to these violations and failures in mandatory pollutant <br /> reporting. <br /> Although GIR has since implemented a water treatment system to address these issues,the effectiveness and <br /> long-term reliability of this system remain uncertain.Given the mine's proximity to Coon Track Creek,which <br /> feeds into Barker Reservoir—a crucial water source for Nederland and surrounding communities—the potential <br /> for water contamination is a serious concern. Past incidents have already demonstrated the mine's capacity to <br /> adversely affect local water quality. <br /> The current proposal includes increasing the permit area from approximately 10 acres to 205 acres,with plans <br /> to extract 70,000 tons of material annually over the next 50 years.This substantial expansion raises alarms <br /> about the increased environmental footprint, potential deforestation, habitat destruction,and heightened risk of <br /> pollution.The application lacks detailed explanations regarding the utilization of the additional acreage, making <br /> it challenging to assess the full scope and impact of the proposed operations. <br /> Residents have voiced concerns about the potential negative effects on water quality,wildlife habitats,and <br /> overall environmental health.The community's apprehensions are rooted in the mine's history of violations and <br /> the scale of the proposed expansion.The potential environmental consequences, including water <br /> contamination and wildlife habitat destruction,far outweigh any perceived economic benefits. <br /> In light of the mine's environmental track record,the risks associated with the proposed expansion,and the <br /> concerns of local residents, I urge the Division to deny the permit application for the reopening and expansion <br /> of the Cross Mine. Protecting our water sources, preserving local ecosystems,and ensuring the well-being of <br /> our communities must take precedence over mining operations with a history of non-compliance. <br /> Thank you for considering my comments. <br /> Permitting Action Comment/Objection is Regarding <br /> New Permit Change to Existing Permit <br /> Permit Number* (?) <br /> Enter a valid permit number <br /> M1977410 <br /> County* <br /> Colorado County where the proposed operation is located <br /> Boulder <br /> Enter one county only <br /> Site Name <br /> Caribou Mine <br /> Perm ittee/Operator Name <br /> ADDITIONAL INFORMATION <br /> Are there supporting photos, maps, or documents you wish to upload? <br /> Yes • No <br /> By submitting this form electronically you agree to receive any/all follow up correspondence from the Division of <br /> Reclamation, Mining,and Safety at the email address you have provided. <br />