2007-04-16_REVISION - M1977247 (3)

Home Browse Search

Page 2 impossible for people to get water from a well. Not that it has anything to do with the Gypsum Mine, but right along the Arkansas River and on County Rd. 45 next to the old mine; there are wells producing salt water. Can't even drink it or give it to our animals. Some of our residences are hauling water from Canon City to this day. Possiby (more than likely) caused from the old Gypsum mine that use to be operating here in Coaldale. As you know the jobs in this community are not just minimal, but NONE! For an average person to re=drill a water well would cost approximately $5,000.00 Hell, that to a local person in our community is about 6 months of work (from either Salida or Canon City). I think if this Mine was further away from residences (not next door for God sake) the community would not be near as adamant about it not re-opening. I do know a little bit about underground mining. Not necessarily Gypsum, but I do mine into the ground and this would be... Well... Stupid, to re-open this mine. I am also the Secretary of The Cotopaxi School Board. We have watched our declining enrollment get very scary the past few years. Real Estate is Not moving in thls area at all. If we allow this mine to re-open, the average person will never be able to sell their home. I belive, this community will shut down. Yes, it may help some folks move into town for a job and to enroll them in our school would be great BUT, No on would want to move here with all the noise and pollution. That's just where I'd want to move my kids. AND probably for temporary! Hell, if we wanted to live with ail that we would move to industrial cities. Even the jobs wouldn't be that great. Not enough to make everyone happy and most certain not enough pay to make people stay. We may be a small community of approximately 1,000 people, but we are mighty, we will fight you on this and you will remember Coaldale.