2004-05-13_REVISION - M1998052 (2)

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MRY-13-2004 12;12 RICHMOND-NEILEY-SPROUSE 9706663757 P.03i03 the road. The truck traffic would also substantially increase the wear and teaz on the recently paved portions of Tiger Road and increase the dangers of using the mad by hikers, bikers and residents of the adj scent subdivisions. As it is, Tiger Road is currently constructed to County standards for local access and low-volume roads. In addition, Uie road is a connecting link forporbions of the Colorado Trail, and is frequently used by hikers and bikers as well as resident pedestrians. We have many photographs showing how narrow the shoulders on the side of the road currently are and the potential hazards currently existing with the ongoing truck traffic on the mad. At the 2.0 mile mark, Tiger Road naaows to only 22 feet which results in only two 10 foot traffic lanes with 1 foot shoulders. When two gravel trucks pass, they consume the entire paved portions of the mad as well as the shoulders to allow for cleazance of their mirrors. This leaves nowhere fox pedestrians or cyclists to escape. The current traffic volume exceeds the recommended ADTs for the road design. Any increase as a result of the gravel crushing operation or the expaxusion of the permit would only compound the already dangerous conditions on the road. Finally, we are very concerned about the potential environmental impacts a gravel crushing operation could have on the entire valley. Obviously, the primary concern would be a fugitive dust problem boW from the truck traffic on the unpaved portions of Tiger Road and from the gravel crushing operation itself We axe aware that the CDPHE as well as the Colorado MI.RB imposes conditions relating to fugitive dust on any mining permit. However, there is no assurance that a gravel crushuag operation would remain in compliance at all times with the fugitive dust zequirements. W e are also concerned about potential impacts on water quality, wet lands and wildlife in the valley presented by a more intensive use of the Mascot Placer as well as the less easily quantifiable impacts on the quality of life for residents in the valley. These factors include, but aze obviously not limited to, increased traffic, noise, and tb.e potential to change what is currently a predominantly residential atmospheze to one of commercial and industrial uses. Finally, we think there is a serious risk that if a gravel crushing operation is allowed on the Mascot Placer, the owners of other properties iri the valley coutaiziirtg dredge piles and gravel deposits would also seek permits and would have a much stronger basis to assert that the County and the Division should grant them a permit based on any concessions that were made for the Mascot Placez property. The residents and the HOA want to thank the Division for considering their comments and concerns. While the existing operation has maintained a somewhat uneasy co-existence with. the residential neighbors, we acknowledge that it has a permit to operate, amd we have accepted that reality. However, we are vexyconcerned that the proposed expansion would pose a significant threat to the health. safety and welfare of the va.lleda tpcidPnts and sianifi~antly diminish thr. nvaratt STOPPED