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birds, reptiles, and insects are present. Many species of plants also Currently <br />thrive on the proposed site. <br />E'cotioinic Losses: RMA has estimated that the proposed strip mine has the <br />potential to create only 3 new jobs. Currently, seven gravel pit mines <br />operate in the Montrose area, with two located just one mile and two miles <br />south of the proposed strip mine on Ilwy 550. One of the pit mines south of <br />town is not in operation due to lack of demand for gravel products. In <br />contrast, the property tax base for the county government will decrease <br />dramatically due to the extensive and permanent decline in property values <br />for hundreds of property owners adjacent to the proposed heavy industrial <br />mining complex. The county will also lose sales tax revenue, as Current <br />businesses will have to relocate or close up shop due to the introduction of <br />heavy industrial mining in the area. <br />Ineffective Governmental Oversight: The only oversight of the strip mine <br />required is by The State of` Colorado Air Pollution Division. The Air <br />Pollution Division is required to make an on -site visit only once every 6-8 <br />years. The county government has no direct oversight responsibilities. <br />Violation with inari\ sectiotis ot'the 2010 Montrose County Master Plan: <br />This proposed strip mine is incompatible with many goals for the southern <br />region of the Montrose County master plan. Examples include: maintaining <br />agricultural related uses (Goal I ), protecting the viewsheds on state <br />highways with particular emphasis on I fighway 550 (Goal 2) and encourage <br />limited access points for the federal and state highway system (Goal 6). <br />Required perinit applications not completed: RMA has not completed its <br />required applications and decisions from the Colorado Department of <br />Transportation and the State of Colorado are still months away. The core <br />samples report in the application is inadequate and was designed for only <br />residential development. <br />Firosioii ol'quality ot'life fOr thousands 01'COLHAV citizens at the expense of <br />profits Im one corporation: As citizens of Montrose County, we assert that <br />we have rights as a community to protect the health, safety and welfare of <br />the residents and ecosystems of Montrose County. <br />This Special Use Permit is incomplete, inaccurate, incompatible and <br />includes items specifically prohibited by the County Zoning Resolution. I <br />respectfully request that you deny this permit. <br />