TAKE ACTION
ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 29, at 6:00 PM.
County Commissioners Meeting Room
Administration Building
108 8th Street
Glenwood Springs CO 81601
Your voice matters, and this meeting is the opportunity to share your concerns and ask questions.
CONTACT GARFIELD COUNTY
Glenn Hartmann
Community Development
Phone
970-945-1377 EXT. 157
Click here for email form
Tom Jankovsky
County Commissioner-District 1
Phone
970-384-3665
Click here for email form
John Martin
County Commissioner-District 2
Phone
970-945-5004 Ext. 1010
[email protected]
Mike Samson
County Commissioner-District 3
Phone
970-625-5914
Click here for email form
EMAIL TEMPLATE YOU CAN USE
If you are unsure of what to say to these officials when you call or send an email, we’ve created a template for you to use. Simply copy and paste it into an email and be sure to add your name at the bottom. Feel to use it as is, edit it, or add to it.
Subject line: Concerns Regarding the Nutrient Farm Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Hello.
I am writing to express significant concerns regarding the proposed Nutrient Farm Planned Unit Development (PUD). While the project’s proponents highlight its potential benefits, a detailed analysis of the submitted documentation reveals numerous risks to our community’s safety, environment, and quality of life.
Traffic and Infrastructure Concerns
The Level III Traffic Impact Study projects substantial increases in traffic along County Road (CR) 335 and Bruce Road due to the development. The proposed uses, including a music festival, Adventure Farm, and retreat center, will push traffic volumes beyond the area’s capacity, leading to congestion and safety concerns. The study indicates that during peak hours, the CR 335 and Bruce Road intersection will degrade to Level of Service (LOS) C, and during large events, the impact could be even more severe.
CR 335 lacks adequate multi-modal transit options, making it heavily reliant on personal vehicles, further compounding traffic and safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists in the area.
Environmental and Wildlife Impacts
The proposed development sits in an area known for its abundant wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and various bird species. Daily observations reveal large groups of deer that rely on this land for their habitat and migration corridors. Additionally, a bald eagle nest exists just one mile from the proposed development site, and the increased activity, noise, and light pollution could disrupt this protected species‘ nesting and hunting activities.
Bear activity in the area is already a known issue, with wildlife frequently drawn to trashcans. The introduction of an apple and berry farm as part of this development will only worsen these conflicts, increasing the risk of dangerous human-wildlife interactions.
The Grand Hogback area, adjacent to the property, serves as an essential corridor for deer, elk, and other species. Fragmentation caused by this large-scale development could disrupt migratory patterns and lead to habitat loss. The PUD documentation does not adequately address how these impacts will be mitigated, leaving significant gaps in planning for wildlife preservation.
Fire Safety and Evacuation Risks
The wildfire risks associated with this project cannot be overstated. The recent Southern California wildfires have demonstrated the devastating consequences of inadequate fire safety planning in areas prone to wildfire hazards. The Nutrient Farm PUD proposes significant development in a region with limited access and steep terrain, which can amplify fire risks and hinder emergency response efforts.
The proposed increase in traffic along CR 335 during an evacuation could create dangerous bottlenecks, leaving residents vulnerable. The reliance on on-site fire suppression measures and the absence of robust, publicly accessible systems further exacerbate this risk. The documentation lacks sufficient detail on how fire safety concerns will be mitigated to protect residents and wildlife alike.
Radioactive and Contamination Risks
The PUD documentation acknowledges the presence of potential radioactive emissions and the need for prohibitions against certain contaminants. However, the plan does not outline specific monitoring or enforcement mechanisms to mitigate these risks. This lack of transparency raises serious questions about the long-term health and environmental safety for residents, wildlife, and surrounding ecosystems. Given the scale of this development, robust safeguards must be established to prevent any radioactive or chemical contamination from impacting the community.
A False Front of Sustainable Farming
The Nutrient Farm PUD is presented as a sustainable farming initiative; however, when scrutinized, it becomes evident that this is little more than a ploy. Based on their track record, Nutrient Farm does not appear to have any background in farming, let alone sustainable agricultural practices. Instead, this project seems to be a profit-driven land development scheme under the guise of sustainability. The heavy emphasis on commercial and recreational activities over genuine farming operations underscores this point.
Additionally, the farm’s current operations provide further evidence of mismanagement at even a small scale. For example, cows frequently escape due to downed fencing, causing safety and liability concerns. Customers at the farm kiosk have reportedly been overcharged due to malfunctioning point-of-sale systems.
Moreover, feedback from past employees highlights the owners’ inability to effectively manage daily operations. If these issues are occurring at the current scale, it is reasonable to anticipate that the proposed large-scale development would be chaotic and poorly managed, with far-reaching consequences for the community.
Water Resources and Waste Management
The PUD proposes multiple on-site wastewater systems and relies on the Vulcan Ditch and Coal Ridge Pump systems for water. However, the fragmented water management strategy poses risks of contamination and overuse, potentially impacting downstream water quality and aquatic ecosystems. The potential for runoff from large-scale farming and processing activities could have far-reaching effects on the Colorado River and local water systems.
While I understand the potential benefits of sustainable development, the Nutrient Farm PUD, as currently proposed, presents significant challenges that must be addressed to protect our community and environment. I trust that you will prioritize the voices of Garfield County residents and take these concerns into account when considering the proposal.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]