Geo Aggregates proposes five-year extension for 10 Mile Ranch quarry reclamation plan

In a recent Mendocino County Planning Commission meeting, discussions centered on the renewal and modification of the reclamation plan for the Parker 10 Mile Ranch quarry, operated by Geo Aggregates. The proposal aims to extend the existing hillside mining operation for an additional five years, located approximately eight miles north of Fort Bragg.

Dirk Larson, the project planner, provided an overview of the quarry's history and current operations. The site, which spans 622 acres, includes a mining area of about 15 acres. The quarry has been in operation since before the 1950s, with a use permit initially granted in 1993 for the extraction of up to 50,000 cubic yards of material. Over the years, the operation has undergone various modifications and renewals, with the latest reclamation plan approved in 2018.

A significant aspect of the current request is a partnership with the Nature Conservancy, which is undertaking a wetland restoration project nearby. The quarry operator has agreed to use overburden material from this project as fill for the quarry's final contoured slopes, thereby reducing transportation costs and enhancing the reclamation process.

The proposed modifications to the reclamation plan include creating a more gradual slope that aligns with the area's natural landscape. This approach not only aims to stabilize the site but also to restore it to a beneficial end use, such as wildlife habitat or open space, as outlined by the Surface Mining Reclamation Act (SMARA). The commission emphasized the importance of annual inspections to ensure compliance with reclamation standards and environmental protections.

As the quarry moves towards its eventual closure, the focus remains on effective reclamation practices, including erosion control and revegetation with native plant species. The commission's discussions highlighted the balance between ongoing mining operations and the commitment to environmental stewardship, reflecting the community's growing concerns about sustainable land use and resource management in Mendocino County.

The Planning Commission will continue to monitor the situation as the reclamation plan progresses, ensuring that the quarry's operations align with both regulatory requirements and community interests.