Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall are urging Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials in Colorado to consider the input of community leaders and residents before a decision is made on the proposed Fairplay-Destiny Placer Mine in Park County.

“Municipal organizations, citizens, and the Park County Board of County Commissioners have expressed concerns that the Draft Environmental Assessment does not adequately address the potential impacts from the proposed mine, given its location within the town of Fairplay and proximity to local neighborhoods,” the senators wrote in a letter to BLM State Director Helen Hankins and District Manager Greg Shoop.

Along with the letter, the Senators relayed comments and requests from local residents, organizations and elected leaders from the Park County Board of Commissioners, the Town of Fairplay and others expressing their concerns, which include potential damage to property values and marketability in residential developments adjacent to the mine, and the impact on the local tourism economy, including a nearby recreation area. To read those comments, click here.

Colorado Springs-based Destiny Mining LLC first submitted its proposal to the BLM in 2009, and a draft environmental assessment was released for comment last year. Local officials sought the senators’ assistance in ensuring their concerns were heard.

Full text of the letter follows.

January 23, 2012

Helen Hankins

State Director

Colorado State Office

Bureau of Land Management

2850 Youngfield Street

Lakewood, Colorado 80215

Greg Shoop

District Manager

Front Range District

Bureau of Land Management

3028 East Main Street

Canon City, Colorado 81212

Dear State Director Hankins and District Manager Shoop,

We are writing to relay concerns we have received with regard to the Draft Environmental Assessment for the proposed Fairplay-Destiny Placer Mine in Park County. As you know, Destiny Mining, LLC is proposing a gold, sand and gravel placer mining operation of approximately five acres within the town of Fairplay. Mine operations at the site are expected to last between five and ten years should the mine be approved.  

Municipal organizations, citizens, and the Park County Board of County Commissioners have expressed concerns that the Draft Environmental Assessment does not adequately address the potential impacts from the proposed mine, given its location within the town of Fairplay and proximity to local neighborhoods.

Enclosed are several documents from Park County community leaders and residents that request a full Environmental Impact Statement before a decision on the mine is rendered.

We are writing to relay the sentiments of our constituents.  We would appreciate your review of this correspondence and your submission of any response you feel warranted.

Thank you for your consideration regarding this issue.

Sincerely,

Michael F. Bennet                                                       Mark Udall

U.S. Senator                                                                U.S. Senator