Protect The Hogback
Recent Letter to PTH Advocates
PTH would like to thank those who have recently sent comments to Reid Powers at Jefferson County Planning and Zoning. Many terrific comments opposed to the rezoning are starting to appear in the Jeffco Citizens Portal (the public record for case # 23-137296 RZ).
​For anyone that hasn't commented to Jeffco, PTH is asking you to take the time to send an email to the Case Manager, Reid Powers at: rzpowers@jeffco.us
Now is the time to let the County know where you stand on this proposed rezone. Mr. Powers has stated that public comments are welcome during this stage of the review.
Case Overview
This case has been on the table for 5 years
Four different Jeffco case managers have worked on the case since 2020.
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Stakeholders include Colorado State Land Board (the landowner who issues mining leases), Jefferson County Planning and Zoning (makes land use decisions), the Colorado Department of Mining, Reclamation and Safety (issues mining permits and oversees land reclamation), the applicant, Denver Brick and citizens of the community.
Golden does not have decision authority on this case but has commented.
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The applicant is Denver Brick (DBC). General Shale would become the successor mine operator, if a rezone is approved.
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The Dakota hogback is located in unincorporated Jefferson County, just north of the Golden city limits, and west of SH 93. (Across SH93 from the North Table Mountain Park trailhead)
Clay Mining on the Dakota hogback dates to the late 1800's with numerous mines and operators over time.
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The current Golden mine is located on @9.9 acres of State Trust Lands. The Golden mine has existed for decades but has been idle since @2019
The rezone proposes 40 more years of clay mining on an expanded section of hogback acreage
The case is under "3rd referral" review at Jefferson County Planning and Zoning
Who will make the rezone decision?
The Jefferson County Planning and Zoning staff, the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners have collective responsibility for reaching a final decision on the rezone case
What is the Protect the Hogback (PTH) mission?
PTH is a registered Colorado non-profit advocating for a denial of this rezone.
PTH has repeatedly raised these concerns on behalf of the community:
groundwater/well contamination
impacts associated with blasting
wildlife displacement and habitat destruction
more traffic/congestion
more noise/dust
destruction/disturbance of historical artifacts
disruption/damage of onsite fossils
more disturbance of these lands and the Dakota hogback "face"
additional subsidence/collapse of historic underground mine workings
wildfire risks
compromised views
inadequacy of post mining reclamation
hogback ridge instability from mining
PTH believes it is no longer appropriate to mine in this area (essentially the "entrance to Golden"). The area has undergone significant change in terms of residential and commercial development, and more is on the horizon. Residents, commuters, recreationalists have told PTH they no longer want to see the Dakota hogback compromised by allowing more mining.
Denver Brick maintains that impacts from mining will be minimal and as such the rezone should be approved. PTH disagrees and hundreds of you have told us you disagree too! In PTH's mind this rezone benefits the applicant at the expense of the community and that is unacceptable!
Case Decision criteria, per the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution, Section 6,
In reviewing proposed Rezoning and Special Use Applications, the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners may consider the following criteria: (orig. 7-1-03; am. 5-21-19) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. E.
The compatibility with existing and allowable land uses in the surrounding area. (orig. 7-1-03; am. 5-21 19)
The degree of conformance with applicable land use plans. (orig. 7-1-03; am. 5-21-19)
The ability to mitigate negative impacts upon the surrounding area. (orig. 5-21-19)
The availability of infrastructure and services. (orig. 5-21-19)
The effect upon the health, safety, and welfare of the residents and landowners in the surrounding area.
PTH is asking for help
If you seriously oppose this proposed rezone PTH respectfully asks that you submit a comment
It is vitally important that the new case manager and decision makers clearly understand the nature and extent of community opposition to this rezone!
Please submit a comment now to:
Reid Powers
Case # 23-237296 RZ
Address: 21506 W. 56th Ave
Thank you,
PTH team
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