Fallbrook, the open pit mine capital of the world

Fallbrook residents must become more informed about the enormity of the “Liberty Quarry” project Granite Construction is proposing and the impact it will have on our lives and our future generations.

Located atop the beautiful landmark pass to our valley, west of I-15 and at over a mile long and a thousand feet deep, the “Liberty Quarry” will become the largest open pit mine of its type in the entire United States. According to Granite Construction’s own disclosures this pit mine will operate 6 days a week from 4 a.m. to midnight for the next 75 years. There will be explosive blasting of rock throughout the weekday. Stadium type lighting will illuminate mining operations during our sleeping hours.

The mine site will be visible to thousands of Fallbrook area residents from their homes. It will include a rock crushing factory, cement manufacturing facility, and asphalt plant. Did I mention the new freeway onramp they are planning to build to expedite the over 1400 truck trips per day from the site? Dangerously fine lung and heart disease causing silica dust comes from the blasting and mining of solid granite rock. Granite Construction has applied for an exemption to mine during high winds.

In their ongoing media campaign, Granite Construction has stated that this enormous pit mine will have no more affect on the area than the opening of a Wal-Mart! The fact that this pit mine will be located one foot over our northern border should not comfort us. The negative effects this pit mine will generate, on our property values, traffic, air pollution and quality of life, will not cease at the political boundary of our county line.

We must understand that we have no say in its approval or disapproval. At least that’s what Granite Construction, the mining industry lobby, Senator Hollingsworth, Congressman Darryl Issa, Assemblyman Bill Horn and the Fallbrook Planning Commission would have us believe.

We will owe Temecula an enormous debt of gratitude if they are successful in stopping this huge project that will forever change the landscape, character and property values of Fallbrook.

Scott Millen