Permitting struggle goes on
May 20, 2010 By: Pit & Quarry StaffReclamation isn't just a post-site, land-use consideration for quarry operators. In many cases, it's a critical permitting criteria. For instance, an ongoing permitting effort at Vulcan Materials' Azusa Rock Quarry in Azusa, Calif., failed a critical test when the city council voted 3-2 to reject Vulcan's request to open up an additional 80 acres for production. At issue was a reclamation plan for the site that officials from Azusa and the adjacent town of Duarte say doesn't go far enough. Under the new plan, Vulcan would have used a new method as part of its reclamation plan, a technique called micro-benching that would reshape the slopes into 30- to 50-ft. benches, similar to a Mayan pyramid. Vulcan spokesman Todd Priest, quoted in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, disputed the contention that the plan was not feasible. "Vulcan Materials has never nor would we ever submit a reclamation plan that is not fully capable of being implemented," he said. "The revegetation standard required under the proposed plan provides far more natural plant coverage than currently exists on the previously mined areas." The struggle for Vulcan at Azusa Rock is not over, and it is likely the plan will be tweaked and presented for a vote again in the near future. -- Mark S. Kuhar
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