2011-09-29_PERMIT FILE - M2009056

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What happens when naturally occurring, potentially harmful chemicals are exposed through the processes of open pit mining? This is becoming an issue for aquatic life even now from old mine /tailing sites. f. WILDLIFE, TERRESTRIAL — 7 comments were received and are summarized below: i. The mine site is directly in a migratory path for elk and deer and they bed down in the trees directly across from the entrance to this site. ii. If the mine site is fenced, how will that disrupt the wildlife constantly migrating through this area to get to the water /pasture? iii. The animals will be endangered by the heavy vehicular traffic. g. MIGRATORY BIRDS — None 6. HERITAGE RESOURCES AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 57 a. CULTURAL RESOURCES — 1 comment was received and is summarized below: Archeological evidence of numerous small, old medicine bottle found on the proposed mine BLM land. b. TRIBAL AND NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS CONCERNS — None c. PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES — None d. VISUAL RESOURCES — 6 comments were received and are summarized below: i. Negative visual impacts will affect residents, property owners, visitors and town businesses that will see the mine from Front Street. ii. The sight pollution associated with this proposal will result in no more elk and deer in the nearby housing areas. e. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE — 1 comment was received and is summarized below: Punishment for being poor and living in a poorer community because someone can afford to buy BLM land and build a mining operation right next to the community because of the power of money. f. WASTES, HAZARDOUS OR SOLID — 3 comments were received and are summarized below: i. Given the proximity to the South Platte River any leaching of petroleum products and /or chemicals would jeopardize water life as well as groundwater and the aquifer. ii. Descriptions of the quantity and disposal methods of waste rock and backfill material are non - existent and /or inconsistent in the application. 7. LAND RESOURCES a. RECREATION — 7 comments were received and are summarized below: i. This piece of property is used for family recreation, which will be destroyed by the mining operation. ii. Having the mining operation on top of the South Platte riverbank would destroy this wonderful recreation area that has taken 20 years to fix up. iii. Sport fishermen will find Fairplay 's world class fishing waters at Fairplay Beach and Recreation Area less attractive and enjoyable with an active gold /gravel pit less than 300 yards away.