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RECEIVED JUL 16 2003 Division of Minerals and Geology 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Division ~f Minerals and GealoBY Denver, Colorado 80203 Deaz Sir or Madam: I have serious concerns about File No. M-2003-037, also known as the Haldorson Sand and Gravel Mine. These concerns have been brought to the public attention through the County planning commission hearings and the diligent work of locally involved homeowners. The proposed mine is situated in a residential azea with 600 residences, 3 schools, 2 churches and other adjoining farms. An independent hydrology expert familiar with the area in question has raised serious concerns about the impact of the proposed mine on 10 decreed springs that exist directly east and downhill from the site and aze used for agricultural purposes. The high water table on the mesa will also cause the reclamation of the area to be difficult, potentially causing the formation of a mile long swamp or shallow lake. The adjoining properties are on septic systems, which may cause health concerns with leakage of contaminated waste into the proposed pit. There are also serious health concerns for many residents of the area. There aze more than 200 children living in a mobile home park less than a mile downwind from the proposed mine. Dust, fumes, and particulate matter will be a significant problem especially in the spring and summer months, which are frequently windy in this area. The proposed mine poses significant negative environmental impact to this residential and farming area. I would respectfully request that the Division of Minerals and Geology require Haldorson and Sons, Inc. to fulfill the following: 1. Have a thorough ground water assessment done by an agency qualified to do hydrologic investigation. Baseline information must be established before ground is broken. Require that a sufficient number of monitoring wells be established on the perimeters and throughout the 156-acre pazcel and to the depth that mining would take place. Require that the data be recorded on a minimum of a weekly basis throughout the testing period of at least one year and that the data be available for public scrutiny before a decision is made or a mining permit issued. This will help assure the water rights to those relying on the aforementioned springs are not infringed upon. It will also provide information relating to the underground water flow disruptions that will occur at vazious times of the year because of the seasonal irrigation that occurs throughout the affected mesa. 2. Present a plan that clearly prevents contamination of ground water and surface water from any source and make that plan available for public review before a decision is made regarding the application. 3. Provide evidence that the proposed project will not alter or impact the historic operation of existing water rights before a mining permit is issued.