FILLMORE : City Seeks to Block Sand, Gravel Mine

Seeking to prevent a proposed sand and gravel mine from operating west of Fillmore, the City Council voted Tuesday to request that Ventura County supervisors change zoning regulations, removing mining from a list of uses permitted in greenbelts. Council members have also said they will urge other cities in the county to follow their lead.

Council members said mining is not compatible with “the delicate agricultural environment already established in the Fillmore area” because citrus orchards are protected from pests and disease through the use of insects. Area farmers have said dust from mining would hamper the work of the beneficial bugs and upset a delicate balance that minimizes the use of pesticides.

The move was prompted by Southern Pacific Milling Co.’s proposal to mine 500 acres along Sycamore Road in the Boulder Creek area. Besides permanent asphalt and concrete plants, SP Milling has proposed a rock-crushing facility that would operate for 30 years.