DRMS Comment Objection Intake - DEV 2/1/2026 (7)

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Comment/Objection Narrative* I am a homeowner and full-time resident in Leadville, CO. I submit this formal objection to CJK Milling's revised application to reopen the Leadville Mill. Based on the application materials,this permit does not meet DRMS standards for protection of water resources,public safety, long-term environmental stability,or financial assurance. I respectfully request that DRMS deny Permit M1990057. Key Deficiencies 1.Water Resources(Adequacy and Protection) •Flotation milling is a water-intensive industrial process. •The application does not demonstrate a confirmed,secure,and sustainable long-term water source. •Potential reliance on groundwater threatens nearby domestic wells and the local aquifer. •Approval of a water-intensive operation without a demonstrated water supply presents unacceptable risk in a high-altitude,drought-prone environment. 2.Tailings and Long-Term Waste Management •The project will generate new toxic tailings. •The application addresses tailings management for only approximately the first 12-15 months of an operation projected to last 10 years. •There is no complete,enforceable plan for long-term or post-closure tailings containment, monitoring,and maintenance. •The absence of a full life-of-project and post-closure management plan creates permanent environmental risk. 3.Arkansas River Watershed Risk •Disturbing currently stable historic mine waste introduces new risks of airborne contamination and runoff. •Transport, processing,and storage create additional points of potential failure. •Any release or containment failure would affect the Arkansas River watershed and downstream communities. 4.Traffic,Safety,and Public Infrastructure •The project would generate sustained heavy industrial truck traffic through and around Leadville. •Increased truck traffic elevates public safety risks and accelerates damage to roads and underlying utilities. •The application does not demonstrate that infrastructure impacts will be fully prevented or fully borne by the operator. 5. Financial Assurance(DRMS Adequacy and Enforceability) •The application does not demonstrate that financial assurance is adequate,secure,and enforceable for: -Long-term and post-closure tailings management and monitoring -Environmental remediation following contamination or system failure -Repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure -Ongoing site stabilization after operations cease •The application does not demonstrate protection against operator default,underperformance,ownership transfer,or abandonment. •Without demonstrated and secured financial assurance, long-term environmental and financial risk is shifted to the public. Conclusion This application proposes an industrial operation that creates new,long-term environmental,water, infrastructure,and financial liabilities without demonstrating adequate protection of the public interest.The revised processing method does not resolve these fundamental deficiencies. For these reasons, I respectfully request that DRMS deny Permit M1990057. Thank you for your consideration and for your responsibility to protect Colorado communities,water resources, and public safety. Permitting Action Comment/Objection is Regarding New Permit Change to Existing Permit