FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno County supervisors are set to vote Thursday on a proposed mining expansion project by CEMEX that would span a century and expand operations along the San Joaquin River.
County leaders are expecting a large turnout for the hearing at the Fresno County Board Chambers as supporters and critics prepare to weigh in on the proposal. CEMEX says the project would benefit the community by creating jobs and generating revenue, while environmental advocates argue it would have negative impacts on wildlife and the surrounding area.
The Mexican-based mining company is seeking to expand its existing quarry site through the proposed Rockfield Modification Project.
According to the proposal, the project would be completed in two phases. Phase one would allow CEMEX to continue its current operations at its quarry and plant site off Friant Road near Willow Avenue. Phase two would allow the company to drill and excavate deeper along the San Joaquin River, reaching depths of up to 600 feet.
“I think any project that’s created in Fresno County needs to find ways to mitigate their impacts,” said Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig. “So projects need to be good neighbors to homes that might be nearby.”
The rock and gravel extracted from the site would be used for construction materials. CEMEX’s website states the project would create additional jobs and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue.
Opponents of the plan, including the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, have raised concerns about the potential effects of blasting and drilling.
“But the reality is that when you’re working with explosives and when you’re blasting rock, and rock is not all the same, and when you’re blasting, things can go wrong,” said Sharon Weaver, Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust.
Weaver also expressed concerns about impacts to wildlife near the project area.
“There are more wildlife resources around the area that people realize and all of that wildlife will be impacted by blasting and drilling,” she said.
Supervisors now have the final decision on the project’s future.
“We essentially have three options. We have option one to not approve the project. Option 2 is to approve the project,” said Supervisor Luis Chavez.
“Then also, there’s also the option of, you know, maybe having a hybrid approach where you try to balance some of the environmental concerns and issues and trying to see if you can mitigate that while also preserving good paying jobs,” Chavez said.
In a statement, CEMEX said it looks forward to presenting and participating in the county’s review process.
“Cemex remains committed to safe, responsible operations that respect the environment while providing the essential materials needed to build and strengthen our communities,” the company said.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
