The subject property is zoned Agricultural-1 which allows agricultural and low density residential land uses, Figure 3. Photo of proposed quarry site adjacent to Eldorado State Park. The zoning was established and applied in 1956, well before the current owners purchased the property in 1991. Open space and mountain residential properties surround the proposed quarry site. The property includes winter range for elk and deer, and Jefferson County has for years planned to link adjacent Boulder County and Jeffco open space trails with a new trail directly through the quarry site.
Aggregate mining is an extremely intensive and destructive land use.
Impacts include air and water quality degradation, increased noise, habitat loss, groundwater depletion, depressed property values, and visual intrusion. The rezoning proposal complies only with minimal federal and state industrial standards that do little to protect surrounding communities, parks and open space. Mining land use would be allowed by right, and development could not later be conditioned on compatibility with adjacent land uses. Public input on the rezoning proposal Public input is strongly encouraged by Jefferson County throughout the rezoning process. Your letters will make a difference, and should be sent in soon to have the most impact.