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Comment/Objection Narrative* <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Cross Mine expansion located west of Nederland, Colorado <br /> (Ml977410).As a Boulder County resident, I am concerned about the 20 fold expansion of this gold mine <br /> considering recent past(2021 and 2024)water quality discharge violations.The Cross Mine discharges into <br /> Coon Track Creek which drains into Middle Boulder Creek and Barker Reservoir,a major source of Boulder's <br /> drinking water.As a result,this project has significant potential to impact water quality of Boulder's drinking <br /> water,local resident's well water and aquatic organisms in Coon Track, Middle Boulder and Boulder creeks. <br /> Discharge exceeding water quality standards are common with underground hard rock mines,mills and their <br /> waste rock. In fact,the historic Cardinal Mill on Coon Track Creek downstream from the Cross Mine currently <br /> has unacceptable discharge resulting from legacy mining leaving the current owner, Boulder County,with clean <br /> up that will cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Expansion of existing tunnels and excavation of new tunnels at the <br /> Cross Mine have potential to change water flow and complicate Cardinal Mill discharge clean-up. <br /> The Cross Mine,with the proposed expansion,will produce 40,000 cubic yards of waste rock per year for up to <br /> 50 years.That provides large potential for acid runoff. In addition,what chemicals will be used at the proposed <br /> new milling operations and how will they be stored and disposed of? <br /> I recommend that: <br /> -An environmental assessment be completed to estimate the impacts of the proposed expansion of existing <br /> tunnels and new tunnels on Coon Track Creek,local well water and the nearby Cardinal Mill clean-up process. <br /> -A rigorous and frequent water quality monitoring system be implemented for the life of the mine plus another <br /> 50 years. <br /> -The applicant be required to articulate how human drinking water quality and instream water quality for aquatic <br /> organisms will be protected. In addition,the applicant should explain how terrestrial wildlife will be protected <br /> from being entrapped in settling ponds and other infrastructure, including fencing.The applicant should also <br /> explain measures to protect wildlife from vehicle collisions by increased truck traffic related to mine expansion. <br /> -The applicant and CDRMS should accept all of Colorado Parks and Wildlife's recommendations. <br /> -The applicant be required to provide the maximum financial bond in case of bankruptcy to cover all <br /> environmental clean-up. <br /> In closing, I agree with all of the comments that Boulder County Parks and Open Space submitted. <br /> Thank you. <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 <br /> ADDITIONAL INFORMATION <br /> Are there supporting photos, maps, or documents you wish to upload? <br /> Yes No <br />