Jul 9 2010
Vulcan Materials Company, Western Division announced that the Azusa City Council has approved the company's Revised Conditional Use Permit, Reclamation Plan and Development Agreement for Azusa Rock. The new operating permit is the result of collaborative input from the City, community leaders and Vulcan Materials.
"We are pleased that the City Council approved the new plan for Azusa Rock," said Todd Priest, Vulcan Materials spokesperson. "Our company has a proven track record of working collaboratively with city officials, residents and civic leaders in the communities in which we operate. The plan approved by the City Council received broad support throughout the community."
Today's decision by the Azusa City Council, combined with their decision on May 17 to approve the project's Environmental Impact Report (EIR), allows the project to move forward. The approval of the EIR certified that the project identified, evaluated and addressed all potential environmental impacts.
"The Azusa City Council has charted a new future for Azusa Rock. No longer will there be large benches that can be seen throughout Azusa and portions of the San Gabriel Valley," said Priest. "The approved plan guarantees that no additional acres will be mined beyond our current permit, while ensuring extensive revegetation of the property and permanent access to Fish Canyon."
In a letter dated July 1, the State of California Department of Conservation, Office of Mining Reclamation, confirmed these project enhancements stating that this plan is "well thought out" and will provide "an environmentally superior alternative."
The 270-acre Azusa Rock site is located within the City of Azusa. The plan exchanges 80 acres of mining rights on the east side of the property for 80 acres of mining rights on the west side. Significantly enhancing the appearance of Azusa Rock, the project requires Vulcan Materials to replace the existing large benches with 12 to 24 inch benches that blend closely with the natural landscape. Additionally, the plan requires these small benches to be revegetated equal to 100% of the native plant coverage that currently exists on nearby un-mined slopes.
Source: http://www.vulcanmaterials.com/