Trabuco Canyon : Discussion Set on Plan for Sand, Gravel Mine

Homeowners in the area will meet tonight to discuss and organize opposition to a sand and gravel mine planned in the Trabuco Canyon riverbed by the Trabuco Aggregate Co.

In a letter to residents of the area, Eric K. Billings, an attorney for the Richard Billings Law Corp. in Santa Ana and an organizer of the meeting, warned that the proposed excavation would disturb residents with noise, vibration, dust and traffic. Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson’s Ranch, Trabuco Highlands and the exclusive Coto de Caza would be among those communities affected, he said.

The mine would cover about 290 acres, including parts of the Trabuco Canyon riverbed, the flood plain area and more than 100 acres of the Ty and Sakaida Wholesale Nursery. Sand and gravel dug at the mine would be transformed into such products as cement and asphalt.

A zoning change has been applied for and an environmental impact report is being prepared by the county Environmental Management Agency. The report was expected to be ready in mid-August, according to planner Dan Frike.

The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at 28 Calendula in Rancho Santa Margarita.