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Comment/Objection Narrative* <br /> As a resident of Boulder who receives drinking water from the Barker Reservoir, I share the concerns of the <br /> Cities of Boulder and Nederland, Boulder County,and the Boulder County Audubon Society about the <br /> reopening and expansion of the Cross Mine.The mine's long history of water quality violations,most recently in <br /> December,2024, raises significant red flags about GIR's ability to meet regulatory standards even at their <br /> current operating level, much less at a 20X level of expansion.The company's lack of transparency and <br /> communication with major stakeholders as well as their assurances that waste rock will not create risks of acid <br /> runoff without completing proper hydrogeologic studies are also a source of major concern. Prior to considering <br /> approval of this application, I ask that you: <br /> 1. Ensure that GIR has the financial and technological resources to safely operate at current mining levels prior <br /> to considering any expansion and thoroughly evaluate their proposals for a water treatment system that would <br /> handle greatly expanded operations. <br /> 2. Require that GIR complete all necessary geologic studies prior to resumption of operations. <br /> 3. Require the company to provide a detailed environmental plan for protecting surrounding habitat and wildlife, <br /> including specific information about the contents of settling ponds and any associated risk to wildlife,as well as <br /> a detailed explanation of how re-routing of surface water coming from uphill will affect Coon Track Creek and <br /> surrounding wetlands and tributaries. <br /> 4. Require compliance with regular, rigorous water quality testing throughout the operation of the mine and for <br /> the next 50 years after the cessation of operations. <br /> 5. Require collaboration with the US Forest Service on mitigating wildfire risk related to storage and use of <br /> explosives in a fire-prone area. <br /> 6. Require full transparency and collaboration with neighboring and down-stream communities on water quality <br /> issues. <br /> GIR has not demonstrated a good track record in meeting water quality standards,adhering to regulations,or in <br /> communicating with stakeholders. Please exercise extreme caution in considering this application to protect the <br /> surrounding environment,the region's water quality,and neighboring and down-stream communities.Thank <br /> you for this opportunity to comment. <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 /> Cross Mine <br /> Perm ittee/Operator Name <br /> Grand Island Resources LLC <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 />