GENERAL39522 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

B. Reduction of emissions resulting from closer hauling distance and any reclamation activities is not specified. How much reduction? C. The dust emissions generated from increased mining activity required for increased plant production (as proposed) are not clearly factored into proposed permit analysis. 9._ There are no known monltorlna stations In the Immediate area other than The Boulder County Flealth Department has proposed Installation of an air quality monitoring station In this community. The Boulder County Land Use Commissioners have designated a station for this community as a condition of the permit for Western Mobile's future mining operation. These have not as yet been Installed to monitor current conditions. The St. Vrain Valley Community Watchdogs are so thankful to Vlckle Patton, attorney for the ~Znvlronrrfental Defense Fund in Boulder for sending us a copy of Southdown's permit application. We received the application in the mail on July 22nd. That evening three members of our organization spoke at an "Air Your Views" session sponsored by The Regional Air Quality Council (RAMC). At one point in the meeting we shared a photo of dust emissions from Southdown, and we shared our concerns about how these emissions might be a threat to our health and to the quality of life in our community. A Boulder County Commissioner who attended the meeting seemed surprised to learn that Southdown had submitted a permit application for increased PM-10 discharges. It seems that very few citizens, if any, were aware of this application. It appears that there is a terrible irony here. For the last several months, citizens in this community have been working with the local, state and federal governments and Southdown Corporation to reduce fugitive dust emissions from Southdown's baghouse disposal site. That was finally accomplished when the company complied with a directive from the CDPHE to cover the dust so that it was not exposed to the wind. Next, Southdown installed a water spray system to contain dust in the new disposal site. That was accomplished. But while these positive steps were being taken to reduce fugitive dust emissions, Southdown was presumably preparing a permit application to increase production and to discharge an additional 10 tons cf PM-10 particulates into the community's atmosphere! The increase of particulate emissions in Southdown's permit application is of great concern to the community of the St. Vrain valley. Again, Mr. Seetharam, this permit application warrants a public meeting to be held in this community. We also feel that the permit application may be in violation of provisions in the Boulder County Land Use Code: 4-602 (A)(7) Traffic congestion or traffic hazards 4602 (A)(8) Air, odor, water or noise pollution 4602 (A) (11) Detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the present or future inhabitants of Boulder County