Vulcan, Azusa disagree over mining project
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
By Marianne Love, Staff Writer
Vulcan Materials Co. wants to expand mining operations on 80 acres at Azusa Rock above Foothill Boulevard, but city officials said the company first has to prove it has the right.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho said Tuesday representatives of Cal Mat Co., which does business as Vulcan Materials Co., were told there is a process to follow before more mining would be considered.
Vulcan officials say they have a vested right to mine the additional 80 acres at its 270-acre quarry on the border of Duarte.
This is a point of contention between the parties and a basis for a potential lawsuit, city and mining officials said.
To date, no evidence of vested mining rights has been produced by Vulcan, Carvalho said. She added a review of city records did not reveal any evidence of city approvals.
Steve Cortner, Vulcan's vice president of resources, said Vulcan submitted an application, but that it wasn't complete according to Azusa officials.
"We need to fill in more information, more exhibits, more property descriptions, legal descriptions on our property. In Azusa, an application isn't considered `submitted' until it is accepted,' Cortner said.
Vulcan has a conditional use permit with Azusa to mine until 2038 as long as it remains in compliance, but not on the 80 acres. The permit is up for review in 2013.
Carvalho said if Vulcan can't prove it had vested rights to mine, then the company has to go through the application and permit process, which would include a proposed development agreement and reclamation plan.
A reclamation plan would have to meet Azusa's requirements, be environmentally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
Vulcan will have to submit an application for a use permit and a development agreement that will go through an environmental review, public comment and hearings.
Marianne Love can be reached at (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2108, or by e-mail at marianne.love@sgvn.com.
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