Posted: Oct 8, 2011 12:13 PM by AP Posted by James H Egbert
DENVER (AP) - Federal officials have completed a draft environmental assessment for a plan to put a gold mine in the Fairplay area.
Destiny Mining LLC submitted its proposal in 2009 for a placer gold operation that would include sand and gravel operations on nearly five acres near Fairplay.
The Bureau of Land Management is considering whether to allow the proposal or to allow only a placer gold operation.
The public has until Oct. 30 to weigh in. The public already has expressed concerns about how it might affect property values, noise, traffic, water and air.
The 1872 Mining Law doesn't allow the BLM to reject gold placer mining, but the agency can require that steps be taken to mitigate its effects and to protect public land.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)