FILLMORE : Proposal for Gravel Mine to Be Discussed

A proposal to start a sand and gravel operation west of Fillmore that has drawn criticism from area farmers will be discussed at a community meeting Wednesday night in the Fillmore Senior Center.

Some Fillmore residents have protested plans by Southern Pacific Milling Co. to mine 500 acres along Sycamore Road because of noise, dust, truck traffic and an asphalt plant to be included in the operation.

The meeting, sponsored by the Valley Advisory Committee, a local citizens group, begins at 7 p.m.

Committee Chairwoman Mary Ann Berrington said SP Milling requested the meeting to dispel rumors about the project.

She said the company’s presentation will be followed by rebuttal from a local rancher and public comment.

Farmers have been vocal in their protests because they say mining operations create dust, which inhibits plant growth and reduces fruit size and yield.

A spokesman for the local citrus protective district has said dust could also interfere with the work of beneficial insects, which area farmers rely on instead of chemicals to control pests.

Speaking for SP Milling, company administrator Steve Zacks said most of the mining would occur north of Sycamore Road along Boulder Creek, also known as Lord’s Creek. A four-acre site south of Sycamore would house permanent asphalt and concrete plants.

A third facility, for crushing rock, would operate only during the proposed 30-year period the area would be mined, Zacks said.

The company plans to work the land in 50-acre sections, removing existing citrus trees and replacing them after each area is mined.

Zacks said the company has cut the proposed 24-hour operation of the facility in response to neighbors’ complaints. Mining would take place only during daylight hours, while concrete and asphalt plants would run 16 hours a day six days a week, he said. Heavy trucking on California 126 would increase by about 500 round trips per day, Zacks said.

Judith Ward of the Ventura County planning division said the SP Milling application is in review. She could not predict when a required environmental study would begin. She characterized the company as responsive and cooperative.