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Board approves mine site report May 9, 2007 Supervisors tentatively approved an environmental impact report for the project and denied an appeal filed by a local environmental group. The Kaweah River Rock Company has been seeking approval for a 280-acre mine on land between the Kaweah River and Avenue 332 for several years. Kaweah River Rock officials argued Tuesday that the company's current gravel and sand mine on the St. John's River has become depleted and that local builders now have to get supplies from outside the area. A new mine will help lower the cost of building the county's infrastructure, company officials said. Representatives of a local environmental group called Valley Citizens for Water said the project could have adverse effects on the area's ground-water resources. A Tulare County Superior Court judge ruled last year that the project's original environmental impact report failed to address some of the possible impacts the project might have on the area. The newly revised environmental report adequately addresses concerns over the project's effect on air quality, ground water and flooding, said Whit Manly, a lawyer representing Kaweah River Rock. Yet one Woodlake resident said he still had concerns about the project. Del Strange said the quarry would be near an aquifer, which is a source for ground water. "While demand for water in our county continues to increase at an alarming rate, supplies areshrinking," he said. "That's why it is more important than ever to protect our water resources and use [water] wisely." Strange said the company should look to the nearby foothills for sand and gravel to avoid any possible risks to the aquifer system. Manly said using the foothills would have an even greater economic and environmental cost. Bruce George, general manager of the Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District, said he was originally concerned about the project, but now supports it because the mine will create a basin that can be used to store water. While Strange showed concern about the supply of water, others supported the project and said they are worried about the dwindling supply of sand and gravel for making concrete and asphalt.Having a local supply of sand and gravel is important for the economy of the county as it continues to grow, said Bob Keenan, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Tulare and Kings Counties. Supervisors tentatively approved the environmental impact report 4-0 vote. Supervisor Mike Ennis abstained from voting. "I am convinced that [concerns] have been adequately addressed," Supervisor Steven Worthley said. Worthley said county staff needs to review written comments submitted to the board Tuesday before the project could be formally approved, which he called a "formality." Julie Bigham, chairwoman of Valley Citizens for Water, said she will wait until the project isformally approved before the group decides what its next step will be in opposing the creation of the sand and gravel mine. For information on Kaweah River Rock Company, contact Dave Harrald at 564-3302
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