Background
The CEMEX Rockfield Project includes two sites: the Quarry, located south of Lost Lake Park, and the Plant, located just south of Ball Ranch. Mining at the Quarry started in 1913.
A hole deep enough to fit this 43 story, 600 ft tall high rise is proposed for the San Joaquin River bottom. Photo Credit: Nicolas Janberg. Image accessed from Structurae .
Project Summary
The expansion includes the following changes:
- Extension of mining for 100 years.
- Change in technique from mechanical (digging) of sand and gravel to blasting hard rock and crushing it into gravel.
- Increase in depth of mine to 600 feet below ground surface (BGS)
For context as to the scale of 600 feet, we identified the San Francisco high rise depicted here. Located at 50 Fremont Center, the building reaches 43 stories into the San Francisco skyline and is 600 feet tall. If the CEMEX Rockfield Expansion Project moves forward, a hole deep enough to fit the entirety of 50 Fremont Center will scar the San Joaquin River bottom.
What is Next?
After the County receives all of the comments on the DEIR, it will take that information back and prepare the response to comments. We believe will take them at least 6-9 months to prepare, though it could take longer.
The County will then present the final EIR to the Fresno County Planning Commission, which will include the draft EIR and the response to comments.
The County will then present the final EIR to the Fresno County Planning Commission, which will include the draft EIR and the response to comments.
Your donation will directly support the Trust's work to oppose the project and advocate for protecting the San Joaquin River's wildlife, water quality, ecosystems, and recreational resources for generations to come.
