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addressing chemical residue cleanup,and perpetual water treatment needs. Most mines all end and close due <br /> to insufficient profits. It is a convenient way to make money while you can and leave the community and county <br /> to hold the bag for all clean-up that will be required. <br /> GIR's management practices seem questionable,and their safety and emergency planning are lacking in detail. <br /> This will pose incredible risks to the health and safety of their workers. Regarding Environmental&Public <br /> Health Concerns Generally.Coon Track Creek,Caribou Creek(which is included in the permit,yet claimed to <br /> not be at risk of any ill effect),and the surrounding watershed are multi-use recreation areas that draw activity <br /> throughout the year.The application mentions no impact to this area that is included in their application.These <br /> areas feed into the water supply for the City of Boulder, but also into habitats,soils and backyards before <br /> accumulating in Barker Reservoir.The main mine site is 2.7 miles,as the crow flies,from Nederland <br /> Elementary School. Between the mine and Nederland are several dozens of homes,watered by natural wells <br /> and springs.This proposal and large expansion of activity leaves many questions left unanswered and could <br /> have significant detrimental impacts on the health of the environment and its inhabitants within the entire <br /> watershed downstream of the activity. <br /> It is unclear on which areas of land different activities will take place,since the application available to the public <br /> does not include the maps for Exhibit C. If GIR is allowed to prospect,or does prospect due to lack of oversight <br /> manpower,in the 200+acre area requested in the application,there is potential for significant detrimental <br /> impacts to not just Coon Track Creek,but also Caribou Creek and its watershed. <br /> The application does not mention conflicts with recreational activity. Increasing mine traffic and an increased <br /> permit boundary may lead to conflict with recreators and the natural environment.This is a narrow mountain <br /> road that requires 4x4 access,and there have been several accidents and rollovers due to the steep grade and <br /> narrow width that make two-way traffic difficult at times.This affects not only the health and safety of the <br /> community,but their ability to earn a living if the road were to close for any length of time. <br /> The application does not mention any conflicts with wildlife. It does not mention the <br /> potential for large spills to affect wildlife and further does not give consideration for other factors such as <br /> explosive activity and how it disturbs wildlife, increased truck traffic and construction noise pollution that will <br /> disturb wildlife, nor how they handle wildlife interactions with GIR employees/contractors. It is unclear if the <br /> fencing surrounding the mine site is adequate to protect wildlife from entering the area. <br /> Regarding The Style Of Mining Proposed <br /> This can forever alter the landscape, including but not limited to,erosion,sinkholes,soil contamination,and <br /> groundwater contamination.All of these have already happened at GIR.The method can cause land <br /> subsidence, leading to structural damage in nearby areas.The method requires large amounts of water, <br /> potentially depleting local water resources.The method can lead to long-term contamination by waste materials <br /> if not properly managed,affecting the watershed and natural inhabitants for decades or more.The method also <br /> poses health risks to workers, including exposure to hazardous substances and physical injuries.The Idaho <br /> tunnel collapse in 2019 is a testament to how quickly and unexpectedly disaster can occur at the Caribou and <br /> Cross Mine site. <br /> While the application does mention elk, moose and other wildlife in the area, it is an <br /> incomprehensive list sourced from government data, not actual observation and not from any environmental <br /> assessment),and it does not mention any provisions regarding calving season or other life cycle events.The <br /> application states they will not seek CPW recommendations,though it is highly encouraged. <br /> The application only specifies one potential hazard to surface water,which is the <br /> discharge permit regulated by CDPHE.The applicant claims there is no risk of acid <br /> drainage from waste rock. It is rare for mining activity to not produce runoff,and to not affect other waters than <br /> the discharge flow.Thereby,the application is incomplete. <br /> The environmental protection plan does not outline specific measures for protection <br /> (Especially regarding potential impacts on endangered species like the wolverine, <br /> Canada lynx or Colorado cutthroat trout)such as habitat restoration, buffer zones for <br /> operations,and long-term monitoring. I have personally witnessed both Canada lynx and wolverine around <br /> Caribou Road and FSR 505. Not evaluating these factors before approving the permit risks irreversible harm to <br /> local biodiversity. <br /> Thr. n­+_hn nLFll mi.4hi..1 f—,ry;__-I--- — I-i.4h------- 4h-----------1-4-4..i.nLi.4c. <br />