FILLMORE : Council Likely to Try to Block Mining

The Fillmore City Council will attempt to prevent a major sand-and-gravel mining operation from setting up outside city limits by asking the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to change zoning laws, Councilman Roger Campbell said.

Campbell said he expects the council to pass a resolution Tuesday asking that mining operations be forbidden in areas zoned for agriculture.

A proposal from Southern Pacific Milling Co. to mine 500 acres west of the city has prompted the council’s concern. The land is now an orange orchard and is zoned for agriculture, as is the surrounding area.

The proposal drew criticism when it was made public in February. Farmers complained that mining did not belong near agriculture because dust from the operation would damage crops and make them vulnerable to insects.

Campbell promised to present “a graphic illustration of a mining operation in our beautiful Santa Clara Valley.” He said the council would urge major agricultural companies and other cities to pressure the Board of Supervisors to prohibit mining in agricultural zones.