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8. Another significant resource value of the Dolores River Basin lies in its scenic <br />beauty. Colorado Highway [41 is designated as the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway in <br />recognition of the region's scenic value. I have driven the scenic byway and Highway l41 many <br />times between Naturita and Gateway, stopping to enjoy the scenic views specifically at <br />overlooks above the confluence of the San Miguel River and Dolores River, just west of Uravan. <br />9. During my travels in the Dolores River Basin, I have noticed the large, landscape <br />scars of the SM-18 uranium mine just outside of Uravan, and the JD-6, JD-8, and JD-9 uranium <br />mines on Monogram Mesa south of the Paradox Valley and Highway 90. These mining areas are <br />significant intrusions upon the region's otherwise generally natural character. The exposed <br />waste rock and other disturbed lands, pose a threat to ground and surface water quality. My <br />health would be impacted should dust from operations, exposed waste rock, disturbed land, and <br />stockpiled ore contaminate the intermittent streams and ephemeral pools that provide drinking <br />water for people and wildlife on the surrounding and downstream public land. <br />10. The San Juan Citizens Alliance has more than 400 dues paying members, most of <br />whom reside in the counties of southwest Colorado. Like myself, many of our members make <br />use of the Dolores River Basin for recreational activities and for scenic driving. San Juan <br />Citizens Alliance and its members' recreational, environmental, and aesthetics interests are <br />adversely affected by the operation of these mines, and would be adversely affected should the <br />mines be permitted to continue to operate without receiving the proper regulatory and public <br />scrutiny afforded by "designated mining operation" status. <br />[ declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is <br />[rue and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. <br />Executed at Duran¢o, Colorado on this 7th day of June, 2006 <br />