George Reed Inc did not respond to requests for a traffic study initially so the county again requested these documents to which George Reed responded on Dec 5th with some additional documentation. George Reed Inc representative Don Dane, scientific engineering consultant who complies with California Environmental Quality Act documentation for the rock mining company, approached the commission and spoke about the preparation of the mitigation efforts for the traffic impacts. Dane stated that he was waiting until he heard more public comment before preparing any environmental mitigation plans as an explanation as to why there had been no plans presented by the applicant George Reed, Inc. George Lambert, a Jackson Valley Resident told the commission that his concerns include that in no way can any environmental reports show the impacts of removing an entire hill and replacing it with a huge hole brimmed with trees.

The current quarry is what it is, it is, and looks like, a quarry stated Lambert. There is noise pollution associated with the sounds of crushing and conveyer belts echoing through the valley. Lambert also expressed concerns that a large gap has been opened between his property and Hwy 88 because of the removal of the hillside across from the Greenstone Winery. This has now created traffic noise at his home that was previously not heard. The amount of traffic Lambert states, by the applicants own admission, will increase dramatically. Also, he said, to be considered is the Buena Vista casino impacts as a cumulative effect on the Jackson Valley area. Traffic was a main concern of all residents of the area, as was the performance of a full environmental impact report requirement by the Planning Commission for the consideration of the approval of the project. New resident Bill May, stating that his new home will ready to move into around Easter of 2007, cited concerns about the disposition of wildlife on the property. “Its not quarry property- its horse country” states May.

May cites the Amador County Transportation Commission’s response to notification of the project with concerns of roadway condition mitigations. May cites the original use permit for the existing quarry which requires that George Reed maintain the roadway between the current quarry and Hwy 88. May states that if that is an example of how they will maintain the new portions of the road impacted by their haulers- it is unacceptable. Many other residents of the general area also approached the Commission stating that although they did not live close enough to receive notification of the planning commission’s hearing they still have concerns about what was characterized as the constant assault the Jackson Valley region, one of the prime agricultural areas of the county. Quarries, the Co-generation Plant, the fireworks plant and low income housing were all cited as assaults on the valley. Weight limits on the roadways were also discussed as was the noise, vibrations, dust and damage to local homes from blasting at the quarry.

The trainer of the Lost Trails Ranch located on Martin Lane spoke about the amount of dust that comes the way of the ranch after blasting as well the impacts of the sounds and vibrations to the valuable show horses at the ranch. The Planning Commission discussed the visual aesthetics and established after much discussion that the impacts are significant, as are the potential impacts to agriculture in the area, specifically the blasting impacts on air, horse production and training. Also, cultural and geological impacts were cited as concerns. Geological concerns and the lands ability to support a septic system were ruled less than significant impacts however ultimately the Planning Commission will require a full environmental impact report to be completed by George Reed, Inc, at least for the items considered significant impacts. After the draft is completed a public hearing will once again be held.