Friday, July 1, 2022

Ojai Quarry Amended Reclamation Plan and Sale

 On October 21, 2021, the Ventura County Planning Commission approved the Reclamation Plan Amendment (RPA; Case Number PL18-0136) prepared for the Ojai Quarry mining facility. This action by the Planning Commission became effective on November 2, 2021, since an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision was not filed within the 10-day appeal period specified by the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance. The decision to approve the RPA constitutes a final administrative action by the County of Ventura on the PL18-0136 application.

According to the Ojai Valley News, the Planning Commission;

approved changes to the plan requested by quarry owner Larry Mosler, and denied the appeal by environmental groups Los Padres ForestWatch, the Environmental Coalition and the Ojai Stop the Trucks! Coalition. Reclamation of mined lands is necessary to prevent or minimize adverse effects on the environment and to protect the public health and safety, and a plan for the process once mining operations have ceased is required by state law. In 2017, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors authorized mining operations at the quarry to continue until 2046. After operations cease, the site will be returned to open space. On June 25, Ventura County Planning Director Dave Ward approved changes to the quarry’s former plan, which would have required approximately 97,000 cubic yards of material to fill overexcavated areas at the quarry at 15558 Maricopa Highway. Under the amended reclamation plan, the existing ground surface in the overexcavated area will be allowed to constitute part of the final reclaimed surface, largely eliminating the need for backfill. On June 30, the appellants filed an appeal to Ward’s decision citing two grounds of appeal, the first stating the county’s decision was issued in error because ongoing violations of permit conditions exist regarding landscaping and viewshed protections along Highway 33.

 With this final regulatory hurdle removed, the quarry is now up for sale:

https://www.getdigsy.com/listing/1555-maricopa-hwy-ojai-ca-for-sale-454361/


In the news:

 County Planning Commission denies appeal of Ojai Quarry amended reclamation plan

Ojai officials oppose Ojai Quarry reclamation plan change


More:  Ojai Quarry


Reference:

Ojai Quarry Reclamation Plan Amendment - vcrma

Planning Commission meeting recording