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There is also a danger of dislodged rocks coming down the cliffs at the houses below. The <br />shale in this area is of good quality and Benson Brothers stated on 2110/05 that they plan <br />to quarry it. <br />Note that the operation will also increase the danger of flash flooding out of the <br />mouth of the valley housing the operation <br />P. SCENIC VIEWS: "the operation is not.within the view shed of Scenic ;ways" <br />In fact the operation will be visible from the scenic byway of Hwy 65 as it climbs up the <br />side of Grand Mesa. <br />Direct communication with the Benson Brothers on 2/10/05 confums that they <br />intend to eventually remove the top of the ridge, The operation will be directly visible to <br />at least 20 residences located with 'h mile south of the ridge top , at least 4 residences <br />located within'/z mile to the west of the operation, and at least 69 residences located <br />between'/z and 1 '/2 miles to the northwest. There are 3 residences located directly to the <br />north in sight of the operation The quarry will be readily visible from the west side of <br />Surface Creek Mesa <br />R ST)ZEAMS/RIVEItS: the operation wiIl not impact any streams: the valley of the <br />operation drains into a tributary of Wazd Creek. Quarry operations will greatly increase <br />the likelihood of flash flooding into Wazd Creek. <br />ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: <br />Timetable: Only seven residents were notified of this operation. They received the <br />notices on Friday, Febmary 4'". The notice contained minimal, and in some cases <br />inaccurate, information and stated that all public comment must be received by February <br />18, 2005. This is two weeks before the first public meeting (APC). A notice was not <br />placed along the road notifying people of the proposal until2/15/05, three days before the <br />due date for public comment. I believe the notification process and timetable for <br />comments is very much lacking for an operation of this magnitude. <br />Property values: An operation of this magnitude will certainly adversely affect property <br />values in an area that is primarily used as a residential neighborhood. Since most of the <br />current residents purchased their properties after mining operations ceased, there is the <br />likely potential for land values to decrease below purchase price. I believe if the county <br />decides to permit this operation both the county and Benson Brothers should be required <br />to reimburse property owners for loss of property values caused by the operation. <br />Property values will likely drop all over the valley due to impacts of traffic, noise and <br />view shed. <br />Note that Benson Brothers have purchased this property on 8/2/04, six months ago, and <br />were fully aware of the adverse effects this operation will have on the area before they <br />purchased it. The property rights of the surrounding owners must be taken into account. <br />Note that there is a proposed three house development adjoining the west boundary of the <br />