2002-06-28_REVISION - M1983033 - Laserfiche WebLink

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E.ehibif 12.6 STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNriY EFIPLO7EI2 Russell George, Director 609J Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 Telephone: (303) 297-1192 Feb. S, 2001 Clear Creek Planning Commission P.O. Box 2000 Georgetown, CO 30444 Dear Commissioners, RECEIVED MAY 2 S 2002 Divisioa ofiMinerals and Geology For 1Vildlife- Flll tUEO~I~e I want to thank you for the opporttutity to comment on the proposed expansion of the Frei Quarry in eastern Clear Creek County. Myself, and EIabitat Biologist Eric Odell met with the ovvner, and his consultant onsite and have several concems with the operation. We were told that last years production of materials was about one fourth of the amount allowed by their current permit. Even at current levels, there are times when aerial pollutant (dust) levels are very obvious and are of concern, both in terms as an aerial pollutant and as a water pollutant due to the mines' proximity to the creek. We also have concems with possible additional sedimentation into the creek via dust contamination from the trucks that are loaded and parked along the creek after loading. This aerial and water borne dust could have very adverse affects on the aquatic wildlife in the creek. [ made several calls to the agencies that regulate and monitor the production and pollutant levels of the mine and was told that in general the mine has been pretty good as far as compliance is concerned. I was informed that when a violation is reported, they send out an employee to check on the report (as soon as one is available which maybe the same day or in several days). It seems that this system may or [nay not detect a violation, depending on operation conditions and weather conditions when the worker gets there. I have personally seen days when the aerial levels were VERY obvious and this is at current levels of operation, which by their CDOT permit, could be quadntpled, and stil] be within the limits of that permit. Because of this, [have fairly serious concerns with the potential for aerial and water borne pollutants. Also, I have concerns that e.~cpanding the quarry operation will result in a much increased level of truck traffic (in hauling out product) and this increased traffic will likely result in more wildlife being hit in the area (especially deer, bighorn sheep, and small animals). Short-term concems include direct loss ofwildli£e, loss of habitat, air and water pollution, increased silt in kite creek, and increased toad kills. Long-teen concerns are linked [Wore to habitat less (may be a BlG concern if bonding for reclamation is not sufficient when mining is completed), pollutants, road kills, and if there will be additional roads or road improvements required to move materials. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg E. Watcher, Executive Qredor WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Rick Enstrom, Chair • Robert Shoemaker, Utce-Chair • Mar.anna RaRopoulos, Secre~arv