As local residents and interested parties we respectfully request that the appropriate government agencies defend its constituents by taking the necessary actions to prevent the opening of this mine.  This may include but not be limited to:  denying permits, zoning requests, land purchases and the closure of Stutman Road.

We are highly concerned about the multitude of negative impacts this open pit mine will cause such as:

Health Issues

Long term exposure to silica dust causes silicosis; a nearly fatal disease

Respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and COPD that are made worse by the dust released from the site.

Illness from contaminated water in wells

Environmental Impact

Air pollution caused by dust from blasting which cannot be contained

Increased carbon dioxide emissions from machinery and vehicles

Destruction of existing protected wetlands.  (This is located within the Hollow Creek Watershed to which a special grant was created to replace septic systems to improve the groundwater already)

Enormous unregulated ground water usage causing existing supplies to be used up and dry wells (see above concerning the Hollow Creek Watershed)

Water contamination by sand and silt disrupted into the water tables through blasting (see above concerning the Hollow Creek Watershed)

Leeching of chemicals, oil and or gasoline into the ground and subsequently water supply(see above concerning the Hollow Creek Watershed)

Displacement of 300 acres of wildlife such as deer, turkey, owls, coyotes and foxes

The effect of explosion shock waves, air pollution and water contamination on pets, livestock, poultry, honeybees and wildlife.

Economic Impact

Decreased property values caused by all of the listed issues here or simply who wants to live next to a quarry

Lost crops due to decrease in honeybee pollination, lost livestock and poultry due to the negative effects of the mining

Property damage such as foundations, chimneys, interior walls and windows cracking from the shockwaves caused by the blasting

Quality of Life

Noise from explosions, machinery and numerous daily large trucks

Air pollution

Water contamination

Competition with large trucks along roadways

Lost rural feel for those who choose to live here for such

Infrastructure

Roads that are not designed for the increased traffic and weight

Increased truck traffic on roadways damaging already substandard roads

Transportation of hazardous materials into the area to include explosives creates a risk of disaster in the event of a wreck and taxes emergency resources.

By supporting and signing this petition the listed individuals together and collectively express that this type of industry is not wanted nor welcome in this quiet rural farming community.