Siting of Proposed Mine
* Re “Gravel Mine Is Necessary,” Jan. 21.
Your editorial fails to mention the fact that hundreds of new homes and a new elementary school are being built quite near the proposed site of Transit Mixed Concrete Co. (TMC). Being outside the city limits in no way prevents the contaminants of such a mine (noise from blasting, dust and traffic) from affecting the whole area. The reality is that development of homes in this area has increased steadily over the last 10 years, and that intense growth continues. Contrary to your editorial, there is no aggregate shortage. Existing reserves will last well over 25 years. Why adversely impact a developing area before there is a need?
As a final note, uncovered gravel trucks already leave the two freeway ramps at Soledad Canyon constantly strewn with gravel. A law was passed mandating covers on such vehicles but is now ignored. TMC and BLM [Bureau of Land Management] promises regarding mitigation are nothing more than lip service.
In the end, your editorial is simply false: Los Angeles County doesn’t need the gravel, and the people in the area don’t want it. The county and the city of Santa Clarita must act to protect local interests, because we know for certain that the federal BLM will not.
PAUL CERVANTES
Santa Clarita
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