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<br />.~° ~-,. P.o. Box 2s3
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<br />~~ Coaldale, CO
<br />1011 ~~- ~~ '
<br />~ 22Q0~ 81222-0253
<br />Divisi^^ p
<br />The Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety ~ M'^i^sandsa ~~oq
<br />1313 Sherman St. Room 215
<br />Denver, CO 80203
<br />We are writing concerning the proposed reopening of the Coaldale Quarry, a gypsum mine here
<br />in Coaldtle.
<br />According to papers filed with the state, Holcim, Inc., proposes to remove up to 100,000 tons of
<br />raw material through drilling, blasting, crushing, screening, loading, and hauling. We and
<br />numerous other residents here are opposed to the reopening of the mine, for the following
<br />reasons:
<br />En~~ironmental damage. The quarry site is located only a few miles from what is now a
<br />federal Wilderness area -the tops of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. We believe an
<br />Environmental Impact Study, performed now, with today's rules and guidelines, would cast
<br />serious doubt on the wisdom of reopening the quarry. This area is right in the middle of
<br />Big Horn Sheep Canyon, is a winter home to bald eagles, and has many other species of
<br />wildlife, including deer, elk, bear, bobcats, and mountain lions, all of which would be
<br />negatively impacted by mine operations.
<br />Changes in the area. Many years ago, when the mine last was working, this azea was
<br />mostly ranching, with some jobs at the mine. Now, this is more of an artists' community,
<br />with many retirees also living here. There is much more reliance on tourism in the area.
<br />Maziy of us moved here for the peace and quiet. Blasting and heavy equipment will destroy
<br />our quiet, peaceful way of life.
<br />Safety. CR 6, which leads down the mountains, past the quarry, and on to US 50, will be
<br />the only way of moving the material out of the area. This road goes right through the heart
<br />of the town, and is a residential street now, with a 25 mph speed limit. The road is also
<br />rather narrow, and is not in good condition. Plus, the increased traffic over the
<br />approximately 25 miles of roadway through the canyon, some of it very twisting and
<br />narrow, raises serious questions about safety for drivers, including fire/rescue, ambulance,
<br />etc.
<br />Road damage. As noted above, the road through Coaldale is narrow, and not in good
<br />condition. Heavy dump trucks and trailers used to move the mined material will soon
<br />desU'oy the road, necessitating expensive repair/replacement. This will be a burden on the
<br />taxpayers, as well as further danger to residents, especially children. In addition, bridges in
<br />the area may not be capable of supporting the heavy loads. Several yeazs ago, a bridge on
<br />US ti0 collapsed as a big truck drove over it. At a minimum, all bridges between the quarry
<br />and the destination (assumed to be the concrete plant in Eastern Fremont County) should be
<br />thoroughly inspected before permits are granted.
<br />Physical damage. There have been reports of damage to wells and house walls that
<br />appeared when the mine was operating, back before 1990. Many new homes have been
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