San Gabriel Task Force Vulcan Rock Quarry

On Dec. 4, 2009 members of the San Gabriel Valley Task Force toured the Vulcan Materials Azusa Rock Quarry in Fish Canyon near the mouth of Azusa Canyon. The Azusa Rock Quarry, located in the City of Azusa, is a 'hard rock' mine which produces crushed rock to form aggregate materials used in construction. Mining in the area has occurred sporadically since the 1920's by a series of property owners. The Task Force will be evaluating the draft environmental impact report (DEIR) to be released soon for a proposed change in the permitted location of future mining and restoration of the property. The Vulcan Materials staff described the proposed changes and then led the group on a tour of the property. Vulcan Materials purchased the 270 acres in 1999 and along with that purchase a mining and restoration plan approved by the City of Azusa in 1988. That plan has allowed the company to mine the property east and west of Fish Creek. Under the old permits, the company can expand current operations on the east side of the canyon. Restoration would take place after mining ends in 2038 and permits 40-foot rises on the slopes. The old plan requires no further restoration of the older 30-40 foot benches-the scars locally known as the 'Aztec Steps'-that are currently visible for miles as a gash at the mouth of Azusa Canyon. Although vegetation grows on top of the benched areas between risers, plant growth cannot hide the 40 feet of exposed rock creating the scars visible for miles.

The company has proposed to cease mining 80 acres east of Fish Creek for 80 acres on the west side of the canyon. This would mean more efficient mining and increased rock production for the company and result in a less visible quarry. In return, the company proposes to use state-of-the-art restoration of the landscape, as mining occurs, with 12 to 24 inch benches called 'microbenching'. They would restore the older mined out areas and the 'Aztec Steps' with similar microbenching, starting after the plan receives approval. Hydroseeding would include seeds from plants in the area. The two foot risers would ultimately be obscured by vegetation over two feet high. The tour group had an opportunity to see a demonstration area where the new techniques were used and recently hydroseeded.

The current trail from Duarte that gives access to Fish Canyon and its waterfall requires a difficult climb of approximately 1000 feet up to a ridge by switchbacks and down into the canyon because the active mining area blocks access to the falls trail. This would need to be relocated if mining takes place in the western 80 acres. The location of the new trail has not been determined.

The City of Duarte and residents of the city near the mining are opposed to the new proposal and the impacts that might affect their city. The operations would take place in the City of Azusa. However, some Duarte residents may be approximately one-half mile from mining activities.

Company representatives explained that mining on 80 acres will occur. The question now is which alternative will result in the best environmental outcome for the region, the old plan which has been permitted or the new plan with modern restoration, The San Gabriel Task Force will be evaluating the impacts, submitting comments on the DEIR to City of Azusa, and supporting the best relocation of the trail into Fish Creek Falls.