Impacts and Consequences of the Mine Expansion Proposal
The impacts we face
- A mine scar running 1,800 vertical feet down the mountainside, visible from most of Glenwood Springs.
- Constant truck traffic between mine and rail yard, one truck each direction every 96 seconds, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
- Noise from rock blasting, crushing, loading and hauling.
- Potential risk to to the delicate groundwater network feeding the area’s hot springs aquifers.
- Dust, air pollution and carbon emissions.
- Consumptive use of water to control dust at the mine.
- Potential risk of polluted storm runoff or debris flows from the exposed mine area.
- Obliteration of the Witches’ Pantry Cave and other karst formations.
- Destruction of habitat for wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep, bear, mountain lion, bald eagles, hawks, songbirds and bats.
The consequences that threaten us
- Long-term daily impacts to quality of life for residents and visitors.
- Acute impacts to vital tourist attractions: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge & Pool.
- Disruptions to boating, fishing, activities at Two Rivers Park, and recreation on Transfer Trail.
- Severe community effects, including truck traffic, dust, noise, light pollution, health risks, and a permanent, unsightly mine scar.
- Congestion and road damage from heavy truck traffic.
- Decline in property values, tax revenues and community vitality.
The proposed limestone mine expansion would cover 320 acres of the mountainside, shown by the red line. The mine expansion would create a permanent scar on the landscape, and would be visible from much of Glenwood Springs.
This view shows the proximity to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, at right.
