In late April, the Loma Prieta Chapter Guadalupe Group provided comments to the San Benito County Planning Department about the Proposed Nash Road Quarry Reclamation Plan submitted to the County by the project applicant Sandman, Inc. Sand and gravel mining previously occurred at this location from about 1950 to 1990 but no reclamation activities have taken place, despite significant land disturbance throughout the site.
The Plan proposes re-initiation of mining in three phases: Phase One would mine to the thalweg (natural streambed level); Phase Two would mine two and a half feet below the thalweg; and Phase Three would mine five feet below the thalweg.
We have many questions and comments about the proposed Plan. These early comments focus on mining and reclamation activities and the process for approval of the Reclamation Plan. We will focus more on environmental impacts when a Draft EIR (Environmental Impact Report) is released in early 2025.
Here are some highlights from the letter and comments.
- Asked what permits are required, timing of permits, and whether there will be an opportunity for public comment.
- Requested a schedule for early reclamation of areas that are not designated for mining.
- Requested enhanced monitoring of reclamation actions including metrics of success, and specific actions to be taken if metrics are not met.
- Requested improved adaptive management of mining activities including monitoring starting in Phase One, and actions to be taken if adverse impacts are found.
- Requested more information about stockpiling of materials such as how and where they will be used or disposed of.
- Requested more information about operation of settling pond such as capacity, rate of inflow, and disposal of water and settled materials.
For more information or to get involved, contact Guadalupe Group Conservation Chair Katja Irvin (grg.conservation@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org).