Email Derek Newland

To: Derek Newland
San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department

Dear Mr. Newland,

I am writing to formally comment on the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the proposed Lone Pine Canyon Road Quarry (MRP-2025-00002).

Based on the scale, duration, and nature of the proposed project, there is substantial evidence supporting a fair argument that the project may result in significant environmental impacts. Under CEQA, this requires the preparation of a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

1. Project Scale and Duration
The project proposes approximately 285 acres of mining operations with a projected lifespan of up to 148 years. This represents a large-scale, long-term industrial operation with the potential for irreversible environmental change. Such magnitude alone warrants comprehensive environmental review.

2. Wildfire Risk and Evacuation Safety
The project is located in a high fire severity zone and along Lone Pine Canyon Road, a critical evacuation route. Industrial activities—including blasting, heavy equipment use, and increased traffic—introduce additional ignition risks and may impair emergency evacuation. These represent potentially significant public safety impacts.

3. Biological Resources and Protected Species
The project area supports sensitive chaparral habitat and wildlife, including federally protected species such as golden eagles, big horn sheep and species of special concern such as the coast horned lizard and the kangaroo rat. The IS/MND does not demonstrate that adequate, protocol-level surveys were conducted. Impacts to biological resources may be significant.

4. Geologic and Seismic Hazards
The site is within an active seismic region influenced by the San Andreas Fault. The combination of deep excavation, slope modification, and blasting raises concerns related to slope instability, landslides, and increased risk during seismic events. These impacts have not been sufficiently analyzed.

5. Air Quality, Noise, and Public Health
Blasting, crushing, and hauling operations will generate dust, particulate matter, and sustained noise. These impacts are of particular concern for nearby residents and children and may result in significant health and quality-of-life effects.

6. Hydrology and Drainage
The project has the potential to alter natural drainage patterns and impact groundwater systems. Long-term mining operations pose risks related to erosion, sedimentation, and water quality that require detailed analysis.

7. Tribal Cultural Resources
Lone Pine Canyon is historically recognized as part of Indigenous travel and trade routes used by the Serrano and Cahuilla peoples. The IS/MND’s conclusion of “no known resources” does not adequately evaluate the broader cultural landscape or demonstrate meaningful consultation. Potential impacts to Tribal Cultural Resources are significant under CEQA.

8. Cumulative Impacts
When considered together—wildfire risk, seismic hazards, habitat loss, long-term industrial activity, and public safety concerns—the cumulative impacts of this project are substantial and cannot be adequately addressed through an MND.

9. Scenic Byway

Lone Pine Canyon is recognized as a scenic corridor valued for its natural beauty and visual character. The proposed quarry, including large-scale excavation, industrial operations, and associated infrastructure, would significantly alter the visual landscape and degrade scenic resources.

Under CEQA, impacts to scenic vistas and designated scenic corridors must be carefully evaluated. The scale and permanence of the proposed mining operations represent a potentially significant visual impact that cannot be adequately mitigated.

This further supports the need for a full Environmental Impact Report.

Conclusion

Given the evidence outlined above, the conclusion that impacts would be “less than significant” is not supported by substantial evidence. Under CEQA’s fair argument standard, the County is required to prepare a full Environmental Impact Report.

This project has the potential to cause lasting and irreversible impacts to the environment, public safety, and the Wrightwood community. A thorough, transparent, and comprehensive environmental review is not only appropriate—it is required.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, State]