FILLMORE : Mining May Harm 2 Endangered Species

Gravel mining proposed in the Santa Clara River bed could harm two endangered species, a biologist from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told a Fillmore group recently.

Cathy Brown told the Valley Advisory Committee that the least bells vireo and the unarmored three-spine stickleback would be threatened by even a temporary loss of wetlands.

Five sand and gravel operations have been proposed in or near the Santa Clara River between Fillmore and Santa Paula, committee Chairwoman Mary Ann Berrington said.

A dozen other birds, reptiles and amphibians that live near the Santa Clara River also are candidates for endangered status, Brown said.

“If a large mining operation were permitted, they would have to replace wetlands during their operation,” Brown said.

“Restoration 20 years later is not appropriate, because the riparian habitat is so depleted.”

The Santa Clara River is the last large Southern California river not lined in concrete and includes 100 miles of “astonishing natural resources,” Brown said. Brown said wetland animals are declining throughout the nation because of encroaching development.

“Wetlands support the greatest density and variety of species,” Brown said. “Even little losses here and there are of great concern.”

In the past two years, Ventura County planners have processed four applications for new or expanded sand and gravel mining in the riverbed.

Planner Judith Ward said an environmental report on these projects is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

Two companies, Granite and Sespe Rock, submitted the four proposals.

A fifth application, by Southern Pacific Milling Company, is still undergoing revision, Ward said.

Vic Westerberg, a spokesman for Southern Pacific Milling, said the company is studying new ways to limit the effect on wetlands.

“We work very closely with Fish and Game and Flood Control,” he said. “It’s obvious we have to get the material from somewhere. The county needs it.”