The Madera Oversight Coalition is leading a campaign against the proposed Austin Quarry near the Madera Ranchos that is being supported by many Ranchos and Oakhurst residents. Sunday, September 4, more than a hundred protesters rallied at Hwy 41 & 145, the site of the quarry, wearing shirts that read “STOP Austin Quarry” and carrying signs.
The quarry was approved by the county Board of Supervisors in July, but it’s up for a final vote Sept. 12.
Vulcan Materials, the nation’s largest producer of aggregate, wants to open Madera County’s largest quarry ever just 3 miles east of Madera Ranchos, near the intersection of Routes 41 and 145. This is a 100-year project that will last the lives of our children and grandchildren.
NoAustinQuarry.org:
How Does it Affect Me?
- A new 400-foot deep, 258-acre hole blasted into our groundwater aquifer, drawing down wells for miles around
- Up to 3,848 new trucks dumped each day onto Routes 41 and 145, and twice as much traffic at rush hour
- 18-wheelers rumbling through residential areas day and night
- Constant dust and air pollution
- Property values falling by 20%
- No new jobs or tax revenue
What can I do?
Vulcan is trying to rush this project through, to keep you from being heard. The Environmental Impact Report came out in early July. Less than 3 weeks later, on July 19, the Planning Commission approved the project, 3 to 2. The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and take their final vote on Monday, September 12. There’s no time to waste!
- Download the EIR and learn about the project.
- Contact your County Supervisor and ask him to vote against Austin Quarry.
- Come to the final public hearing of the Board of Supervisors on Monday, September 12, at 9 a.m. Address: 200 W. 4th Street in downtown Madera.
Together, let’s keep Vulcan from destroying our community.
The Fresno Bee:
