Quarry impacts would be negative

Granite Construction’s proposed Liberty Quarry is a “no-win” for our area. The mountaintop quarry at 1300’ elevation would be in Riverside County but the steep approximately mile long, brightly lit quarry road would be blasted up the mountain at the I-15 Rainbow exit in San Diego County.

Quarry impacts would be negative for both counties. Blasting in the Elsinore Fault damage zone; deadly carcinogens from the aggregate crushing, asphalt, concrete batch and recycle plants; diesel emissions from double bottom aggregate trucks making 1600 truck trips up and down the mountain 20 hours daily and 6 days weekly and “flyrock” and dust are just a few. Fires from quarry explosives would be a danger particularly in the Santa Ana winds and the Santa Margarita River could be ruined by mining pollutant runoff. Area underground wells could be penetrated and research at the adjacent Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve would be negatively impacted.

Today the area’s clean air and pleasant environment draw families with young children, retirees and many on physician recommendation to move here. Visitors are increasing and the area currently has thriving businesses in tourism, agriculture, and medical research. We don’t need a huge, blasting quarry and if one is approved, experience has shown that others will follow.

Please join in opposition to the quarry on April 26 at 4 p.m. at the Riverside County Planning Commission meeting. It will be at the Rancho Community Church, 31300 Rancho Community Way in Temecula.

Laurenn Barker