Azusa council will reconsider new rock quarry proposal
By Daniel Tedford, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/21/2010 10:32:29 PM PDT
AZUSA - Council members voted unanimously late Monday night to reconsider a new rock quarry proposal, which will have a new public hearing on July 6.
The council also directed staffers to address their concerns and recommendation at that public hearing.
Council members decided they wanted to continue with a reconsideration process for an Azusa Rock Quarry mining proposal. They had the option of either accepting their earlier rejection, or going through with reconsideration.
In May, the city council rejected Vulcan Materials Co.'s request to exchange 80 acres of land permitted for mining on the most eastern end of its property for 80 untouched acres the company owns on the western end, which isn't permitted for mining.
Vulcan owns a 270-acre piece of land in Azusa, but is only permitted to mine 190 total acres.
The proposal faced strong opposition from neighboring Duarte and Azusa-based anti-mining group Save Our Canyon.
When the council rejected Vulcan's proposal - which Vulcan officials said included a new, more aesthetically pleasing technique to reshape the hillsides - city officials said that environmental measures weren't sufficient.
That being said, the council voted 3-2 to approve an environmental impact report on the project, which created the opportunity for a reconsideration.
The hope is a new plan would include changes regarding environmental safeguards, monitoring, and a more strongly worded development agreement.
"When you mention environmental safeguards and financial safeguards...like what? I would like to know," said Darrell George, Duarte city manager. "I look forward to seeing how these issues get addressed."
Some residents thought the council's rejection was the end of a long battle to prevent the mining operation from moving west and tearing down a ridge on the western end of Azusa Rock.
"It's disheartening. I just worry about Van Tassel Ridge and the school just below" the mining proposal, resident Ronnie Blackburn said.
Todd Priest of Vulcan Materials said that if the council decides to reconsider the project, his company would appreciate the opportunity to clarify and make any appropriate adjustments.
"We remain committed to this council and community to do the right thing," he said.
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