Goal 5 Mineral Resources

Goal NR-5: Protect the economic viability of State-identified mineral resource extraction areas, while avoiding potential land use conflicts and minimizing adverse environmental impacts.

A variety of mineral resources have historically been mined in the Planning Area, including: stone, limestone, clay, fire clay, halite, and salt. The US Geological Survey has identified 11 past, present, or prospective mining sites within the Planning Area, including sites owned or operated by the American Salt Company, the Oliver Salt Company, East Bay Excavation Company, Ideal Cement Company, and the La Vista Quarry and Mill.

The State requires local jurisdictions to protect areas with economically significant mineral resources from incompatible development. In an effort to maintain availability of sand, gravel, and crushed rock for long-term construction needs, the California Division of Mines and Geology (under the authority of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975) has classified aggregate mineral zones throughout the state. The only designated mineral resource "sector" of regional significance in the Planning Area is the La Vista Quarry, located in the area east of Mission Boulevard and Tennyson Road. The goal and policies in this section focus on protecting State-identified mineral resource areas for future use, while also protecting urban development from the potential adverse effects of mining activities and operations. 

The City shall protect mineral resources in undeveloped areas that have been classified by the State Mining and Geology Board as having statewide or regional significance for possible future extraction by limiting new residential or urban uses that would be incompatible with mining and mineral extraction operations.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall require applicants for any new or expanded mining operation to demonstrate, prior to issuance of a conditional use permit, that the operation will not create significant nuisances, hazards, or adverse environmental effects on neighboring land uses.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall require mining operators to prepare reclamation plans and implement reclamation programs to restore land for alternative uses consistent with the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act once mining operations are no longer viable.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)