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June 2018 <br /> To Department of Reclamation, Mining and Safety and other State/Local agencies: JUL 10 N18 <br /> Subject: Permit#M2018016, Douglas Mountain Mine Project DIVISION OF RECLAMATION <br /> MINING AND SAFETY <br /> I am part of a group of concerned citizens who are in opposition to the development of a strip mining operation in our <br /> county. I would like to share my concerns and objections egarding the proposed development of the Douglas <br /> Mountain Mining Operation in Clear Creek County which would be located at or near Section 28,Township 3S, <br /> Range74W, 6th Principle Meridian in Clear Creek County: namely Empire Junction and westward to the town of Empire. <br /> Water Issues: <br /> Here are just a few of the detrimental effects of this 150 acre, 200 feet deep gravel pit operation. This proposed <br /> operation will damage/deplete the local water systems of Bard Creek, Clear Creek and the ground water.The water <br /> table on the plateau is also very shallow thereby contaminating the ground water and natural springs. The amount of <br /> water needed to run this type of operation would be astronomical! Allocating millions of gallons yearly for a strip <br /> mining operation is inappropriate and wasteful. <br /> Wildlife Issues: <br /> Land erosion would be significant potentially contaminating Clear Creek with toxic soil and debris thereby <br /> disturbing/destroying the fish habitat which includes the endangered Greenback cutthroat that has been reintroduced <br /> to this area. The wildlife that lives on/near the plateau would be devastated and potentially destroyed. Elk, deer, <br /> moose and bear roam this plateau. Also thriving in this area is a substantial Big Horn Sheep population whose range and <br /> migratory patterns are well documented in the recent Colorado Parks and Wildlife report entitled "Population <br /> Estimation, Survival Estimation and Range Delineation for the Georgetown Bighorn Sheep herd" dated Sept. 2015. This <br /> is the largest Big Horn Sheep population in the nation, not to mention our State animal. Do you really want to <br /> jeopardize their existence by allowing the development of a mining operation in the midst of their migratory route and <br /> habitat? <br /> Air Pollution and health Issues: <br /> This area deals with constant heavy winds. The air pollution due to the massive amount of dust entering the <br /> environment through the strip mining operation and the hundreds of trucks daily transporting materials would cause <br /> health issues for many residents. In particular, the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village Camp is directly across the <br /> highway from this mine. The dust and other pollutants will negatively affect the 1200+campers with special needs <br /> that attend this camp to enjoy the Rocky Mountains and the clean fresh air. Many of these individuals deal with <br /> respiratory issues. Is jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of this sensitive population and the potential closing of the <br /> Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village camp that was established in 1951 worth the risk? <br /> The Douglas Mountain Mine development would destroy the only plateau in Clear Creek County! Our State and County <br /> is in need of a positive, eco-friendly,tourism friendly and wildlife friendly use for this land;that is our future economy. <br /> Please, I am asking you to deny the establishment of the Douglas Mountain Mine. <br /> Best Regards, <br /> Printed name: 1pn 17-n 4V <br /> Address: vt Da <br /> Phone Number: av3- (p YY- rJYD� <br /> Email: ��tkx�Jl ® J.�°�� <br />