The Rocky Mountain Industrials proposal
- Expansion of the permitted 15.7-acre quarry to a 321-acre mine and total permit area of 447 acres.
- The existing quarry and expansion are on public land.
- Blasting and crushing 5 million tons of rock per year over the next 20-plus years.
- Operations seven days a week, year-round.
- Development of a wider haul route along Transfer Trail, from the mine to Highway 6.
- Hauling truckloads of rock from the mine site to Highway 6, up to 450 round trips per day.
- RMI has yet to inform the public where the mined material is going or how it will be transported through and beyond Glenwood Springs.
Red area: Proposed 321-acre mine expansion area. (excavation 175 feet deep).
Pink area: Proposed 447-acre mine permit area on BLM-managed public land.
White area: Existing quarry, about 20 acres. (Quarry permit is for 15.7 acres.)
Yellow line: Proposed truck haul route on Transfer Trail and Traver Trail to Highway 6.
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 recently-discovered 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.