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• III 'I~'IIIII"II'II PLEASANT VALLEY ASSOCIATION ~39 North ;1st Colorado Springs, sss CO 8090k January 3r 1978F~ECE1~~~~ The Colorado Mine Land Reclamation Board 1313 Sherman street JAN ' 9 1978 Denver, CO 80203 PJIINED LF,ND RECLAMA"CiON Dear Sirst Ce!o. )ept. o± F!atural Resaress The Pleasant Valley Association is a homeowner's organization of approximately 1000 paid members representing the residents of the developed area immediately south of the Castle Concrete's Queens Canyon Quarry in Colorado Springs, Recently the Board of the Pleasant Valley Association surveyed the membership co~icerning the quarry operation at Queens Canyon, and based on that survey we would like to advise you of their opinions and concerns. While most PVA members recognize the need for this type of mining operation for the economic well-being of our community, they have expressed fear that the present mining area will not be properly reclaimed to correct the scar that now exists. Like the majority of Colorado Springs residents, they strongly object to the unsightliness of the Castle Concrete mining operation - a situation that most feel has gone far beyond the possibility of aesthetic reclamation. Since we live closest to this quarry, there are many times when high winds blow the fine dust from the quarry to our residential area. If adequate reclamation is not pursued, we fear that this blowing dust will continue well beyond the time when the mining ceases. Then we shall have to unjustly bear the blunt of the reclamation expense through increased taxes. This is not to mention the problem of debris left on our roads by the many trucks leaving the quarry and violating local traffic ordinance, of which, of course, you have no control. We are also concerned about the large volume of fine crushed rock that is presently just pushed over the sides of the mountain, and the silting ponds and dams that exist within that area. Since we are subject to very heavy rains, what ,could happen to our homes should this loose material slide, form a temporary dam, the~i burst sending a deluge of water, rock and mud upon our community? Who will assume the liability for the destruction of our homes? We believe there are many questions that need to be addressed before the permit for continuing quarrying operation is granted. Some of these questions Ne would like to see addressed are listed below Firsts What can be done to stabilize the fine material that is presently on the sides of the mountain so as not to have it move during heavy rain and thus slide and possibly form a temporary and unstable dam. Seconds Can the silt ponds be properly stabilized after the mining ceases so as not to pose a threat to our homes in years to come?