Forestville residents and advocacy groups urge county scrutiny over proposed Canyon Rock asphalt plant

Residents of Forestville and regional environmental and community groups used the board's public-comment period to oppose a proposed asphalt batch plant at Canyon Rock Quarry, raising ongoing permit compliance concerns, alleged unpermitted grading in areas proposed for the plant, dust and truck traffic impacts through downtown Forestville, and increased fire and public-safety risks from locating an asphalt plant in a forested area.

Speakers and claims

Several residents and community organizations summarized permit Sonoma inspection reports and notices of correction they said show a multi-year pattern of noncompliance by Canyon Rock including: unauthorized grading and clearing outside the reclamation-plan boundary, alleged destruction or filling of riparian areas and potential wetlands along the quarry's western boundary, repeated dust and track-out complaints, and operations conducted outside permitted hours.

Renee Cherkin, speaking for nearby residents, quoted Permit Sonoma's notice of correction: "this clearing and grading appears to be for the purpose of preparing the area for the asphalt batch plant which has not yet been approved by the county," and said the clearing included mature timber without a recorded timber-harvesting plan. Other speakers described seeing dust settle in homes and on vehicles, trucks leaving before permitted start times, and truck counts that community members said showed hundreds of commercial truck trips per day through downtown Forestville.

Why it matters: Residents said locating an industrial asphalt plant in a zone the state fire agency classifies as extreme fire hazard would elevate fire risk and complicate emergency response; they also warned that repeated dust, noise and odor would harm public health and local businesses that rely on outdoor dining and tourism.

County response and process

A county representative told the audience that the Canyon Rock asphalt proposal is undergoing a formal environmental review: technical documents are being prepared for a draft subsequent environmental impact report (DSEIR) expected for public review in fall 2026. The county representative said the application will be reviewed through the environmental process, then go to the Planning Commission for a hearing and ultimately to the board for a separate public hearing if necessary.

Staff contact and next steps

Permit Sonoma staff identified the project reviewer for technical questions as Stephen Shurke, senior environmental specialist and mining program coordinator, and provided contact information (stephen.shurke@sonoma-county.org; (707) 565-1900). Residents requested consistent enforcement of existing permit conditions and close scrutiny of Canyon Rock's compliance history as the county proceeds with project review.

Speakers (selected)

- Derek Trowbridge (Russian River Community Cares) - Juliana Martinelli (Forestville resident) - Renee Cherkin (Forestville resident) - Andy Cherkin (Forestville resident) - Erin Bridal (Forestville resident) - Sara Sharp Goldstein (Forestville resident) - Jim O'Donnell (Forestville resident)

Clarifying details

- Community-reported truck counts: community observers reported recent counts they said measured hundreds of commercial trucks leaving Canyon Rock per day; staff did not provide a county-verified truck-count during public comment. - Permit-history concerns: public commenters cited inspection reports and notices of correction dating back to 2018, and referenced a 2008 stipulated settlement tied to Canyon Rock's use permit, saying repeated notices and some stipulated compliance actions have followed. - Environmental review timeline: Permit Sonoma staff said a draft subsequent environmental impact report (DSEIR) was expected to be available for public review in fall 2026; Planning Commission and Board hearings would follow that environmental review.

What residents asked the board to do

Residents asked the county to hold Canyon Rock accountable for outstanding permit violations, to ensure unpermitted work is stopped or remedied, and to consider relocating heavy industrial uses such as asphalt plants to flatter industrial zones closer to freeway access instead of in a forested area with narrow roads and a higher fire risk.

Meeting context

- Engagement level: high public turnout from Forestville and West County residents at the public-comment period; no formal board action was taken on the proposal during this meeting. - Implementation risk: high (if the plant were approved, residents said truck traffic, dust and fire risks would be substantial; staff emphasized the project must complete environmental review).

searchable_tags:["Canyon Rock","asphalt plant","Forestville","quarry","permit compliance","air quality"],

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