To Whom It May Concern,

In this time of loosening EPA restrictions and corporate misuse of this pandemic to run roughshod over our environment, this is important to the people who live in this area.   

I have contacted the Gilpin County Commissioners and they have been very responsive to this dilemma. Xcel started a pipeline project in an area that is designated wetland. It is clear to me that they did no wetland, environmental impact or even basic engineering studies before they started this project. They have dug into a spring in the area that has long been known to be there. County Commissioner, Gail Watson, informed me that Gilpin County had no input into this project and the county was aware of the spring. It was approved by CDOT and PUC. I am sure at the behest of Xcel and the casino industry. To my knowledge this pipeline only benefits the casinos in Black Hawk, not the thousands of people who live up here.  

This spring, which they have breached, is vital to the water table in this area. Everyone up here relies on wells for their water. There are a lot of older wells that are shallow, which may be affected by this. I have attached a picture. The picture shows how much the breach grew in four hours. This area is located on Highway 119, around the 17 mile marker and South Beaver Creek Road in Gilpin County. In another act of idiocy, they have brought a pump, which is ineffective when dealing with a spring.  

I just received an email from Commissioner Ron Engels of the response from Xcel, which is stating that it is a result of last nights’ rain. This is highly unlikely as the pond is growing, which would indicate a breach of the spring. The area of which they are speaking didn’t even generate a pond during the flood of 2013.  

Thank you for bearing with my frustration and anger,

Joan Chamberlain
Gilpin County