agricultural, forest, and mineral resources

Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
AGRICULTURAL, FOREST, AND
MINERAL RESOURCES
4.2
INTRODUCTION
This chapter of the EIR includes a description of the existing agricultural, forest, and mineral
resources within Calaveras County. The Agricultural Resources portion of the chapter examines
how buildout of the Calaveras County General Plan will affect agricultural resources and
operations within the General Plan study area. The Forest Resources portion of the chapter
analyzes how buildout of the General Plan will affect existing forest land or land zoned
Timberland Production within the County. The Mineral Resources portion of the chapter
describes the mineral characteristics of the project site and evaluates the extent to which
implementation of the proposed project could affect the availability of locally and regionally
valuable mineral resources. The following information sources were utilized for this evaluation:
Mines and Mineral Resources of Calaveras County, California,1 the California Geological
Survey, the California Department of Conservation Office of Mine Reclamation (OMR), the
Calaveras County 2011 Report of Agriculture (Report of Agriculture),2 and the Calaveras
County General Plan Update, Agriculture, Forestry and Mineral Element.
An Agriculture, Forestry and Mineral Element, which addresses the conservation, management
and utilization of resource production lands, was prepared as part of the Calaveras County
General Plan Update. The Agriculture, Forestry and Mineral Element is consistent with the
requirements set forth in California Government Code Section 65302 and other applicable
sections.. The Element addresses requirements set forth in the mandatory Land Use,
Conservation and Open Space Elements required by the Planning and Zoning Law in the
California Government Code.
According to the Agriculture, Forestry and Mineral Element, resource production lands are key
to the preservation of the County’s rural character, which was identified as being of primary
importance to its residents. These resource production lands maintain the rural character of
Calaveras County while creating products and jobs. Resource production operations are a major
contributor to the economic engine of the County. This economic fact goes well beyond the sale
of food, fiber and minerals. Resource production lands play a major role in the growth of tourism
and the resulting restaurants, lodgings and stores. Equally important is this equation is the role
resource production lands play in providing the County and its residents with open space,
wildlife habitat, watershed protection, oak woodlands, recreational opportunities and food
security.
Prudent utilization of the County’s natural resources is needed to provide future generations with
affordable, locally available products in addition to opportunities to experience both the full
economic benefits and rural lifestyle resource production lands provide across a range of parcel
sizes. Traditional agriculture, including but not limited to cattle ranching and the recent growth
of wineries and vineyards, is subject to the cyclical nature of economic well-being. Agritourism
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 1
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
not only serves as a way of educating residents and visitors about local agriculture, but also
provides a partial solution to some of those economic pressures. The economic viability of many
segments of agriculture in the County is directly related to the success of agritourism and the
economic benefits it provides.
EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Agricultural Resources
The Agricultural Resources section of this chapter provides the following information: a general
description of existing agricultural operations in the Planning Area; a description of dominant
crops and trends in County agriculture; a discussion of Important Farmlands; and identification
of current Williamson Act lands.
Overview of Existing Agricultural Production
A wide variety of agricultural products are grown and produced in Calaveras County, which
contributes to the richness of the local and statewide agrarian tradition. Many fruit and nut crops,
including wine grapes, field crops, vegetable crops, apiary products, nursery crops, livestock and
poultry, and timber are part of the Calaveras agricultural industry. Cattle and calves are the
County’s leading farm commodity. This sector of the industry led the overall County total in
production value for the past 12 years, from 1999 through 2011. In addition to cattle and calves,
wine grapes and poultry are major contributors to County agricultural production. Timber is not
considered a farm product, but as an agricultural commodity, timber is considered an important
part of the agricultural industry in Calaveras County. Timber production in the County increased
significantly from 2010 to 2011 – 33,661 million board feet of timber were produced in 2011, as
compared to 25,679 million board feet in 2010.
In 2011, cattle and calves were Calaveras County’s leading farm commodity, with a value of
$7.6 million, which is an increase of 8.5 percent from 2010. Wine grapes were ranked as the
second most valuable farm commodity with a value of $2.916 million, which is a 6.5 percent
decrease from 2010. According to the Report of Agriculture, 2011 was a cool, wet year, which
reduced grape yields by 20 percent. Poultry was the third most valuable farm commodity with a
value of $2.894 million. The value of poultry decreased from 2010 by approximately 28 percent
due to lower prices and lighter weights of the birds.
According to the Report of Agriculture, the leading farm commodities are valued as shown in
Table 4.2-1. 2-1. The total 2011 agricultural production value, which includes the commodities
listed in Table 4.2-1 and field crops and timber, was $23,782,000.3
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 2
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
Table 4.2-1
Leading Farm Commodities – Calaveras County (2011)
Commodity
Cattle and Calves
Wine Grapes
Poultry
Walnuts
Nursery Products
Pistachios
Sheep and Lambs
Christmas Trees
Olives
Grain Hay
2011 Value
$7,600,000
$2,916,000
$2,894,000
$1,360,000
$300,000
$169,000
$155,000
$124,000
$116,000
$104,000
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. 2011.
Regional Trends in Farmland Use and Conversion
The total 2011 agricultural production value of $23,782,000 represents an approximately 9
percent increase from the 2010 gross production value of $21,695,800. The increase in
production from 2010 to 2011 was due primarily to the increase in amount of timber harvested in
the County over the amount harvested in 2010, as well as rising timber prices. From 2010 to
2011, timber production increased from 25,679 million board feet of timber to 33,661 million
board feet of timber, which corresponded to an agricultural production value increase of
$2,315,000 (from $1,830,000 in 2010 up to $4,145,000 in 2011). Other factors involved were an
increase in price for cattle and sheep, an increased harvest for the pistachio crop, and a modest
increase in the value of walnuts.
The amount of farmland in the County has remained consistent, as shown below in Table 4.2-2.
The County consists of approximately 663,000 acres of total land within the planning boundaries
and farmland consists of approximately 30 percent of this land.
Table 4.2-2
Overall Agricultural Production Trends from 2008-2011
Year
2008 2009 2010 2011 Production Value
(dollars)
$20,449,500 $20,332,000 $21,695,800 $23,782,000 All Farmland*
(acres)
201,026 201,026 201,026 201,026 Land in Agricultural
Preserves
(acres)
139,000 141,067 136,544 136,544 Land in Timber
Preserves
(acres)
77,300 77,300 77,300 77,300 Source: Calaveras County. Reports of Agriculture. 2008-2011.
*According to the Calaveras County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, the “farmland” category includes
rangeland, irrigated pasture, and fruit and nut crops (personal communication, November 8, 2012). Rangeland
comprises the majority of the farmland category in Calaveras County.
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 3
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
Agricultural Production
The Calaveras County Environmental Management Agency, Department of Agriculture
publishes a yearly report describing the agricultural economy of the previous year. This report
identifies recent changes in agricultural production and lists the top agricultural producing
sectors as ranked by agricultural production value. As noted previously, the number one
agricultural commodity in the County is cattle and calves. Table 4.2-3 shows the leading farm
commodities for the years 2008 through 2011. Table 4.2-4 shows the leading field crop
commodities for the years 2008 through 2011.
In addition to identifying the top agricultural production sections in relation to production value,
the Report of Agriculture also identifies the land acreage under production for various
agricultural commodity types. Table 4.2-5 shows the trends in agricultural land use by crop type
from 2008 to 2011 for several of the County’s top acreage uses. As shown in the table, wine
grapes have shown a consistent increase in acreage harvested, from 650 acres in 2008 to 900
acres in 2011. Cattle and calves have fluctuated between 2008 and 2011, but remain the
County’s top producing sector.
Table 4.2-3
Agricultural Production Value Trends 2008-2011 (Leading Farm Commodities)
Agricultural Commodity
Cattle and Calves
Grapes (Wine)
Poultry
Livestock & Poultry Products
Olives*
Walnuts
Christmas Trees
Nursery Crops
Apiary Products
Vegetable Crops
Sheep and Lambs
Miscellaneous**
2008
$6,122,000
$1,287,000
$3,102,000
$21,000
$49,000
$630,000
$112,500
$300,000
$82,300
$200,000
$91,300
$126,000
2009
$5,766,000
$3,360,000
$3,192,000
$21,000
$79,800
$876,000
$110,000
$300,000
$91,400
$200,000
$88,700
$175,000
2010
$7,002,000
$3,120,000
$4,042,000
$22,000
$105,000
$1,024,000
$120,000
$300,000
$91,000
$200,000
$106,000
$100,000
2011
$7,600,000
$2,916,000
$2,894,000
$25,000
$116,000
$1,360,000
$124,000
$300,000
$81,000
$225,000
$155,000
$204,000
* Includes fresh and oil
** Includes apples, berries, cherries, peaches, pears, pistachios, various nuts, etc.
Source: Calaveras County. Reports of Agriculture. 2008-2011.
Table 4.2-4
Agricultural Production Value Trends 2008-2011 (Field Crops)
Field Crop
Grain Hay
Irrigated Pasture
Rangeland
Miscellaneous*
2008
$28,000
$260,000
$3,201,000
$32,900
2009
$67,500
$260,000
$3,201,000
$30,000
2010
$100,800
$260,000
$3,201,000
$32,000
2011
$104,000
$260,000
$3,201,000
$32,000
* Includes legume hay, native hay, etc.
Source: Calaveras County. Reports of Agriculture. 2008-2011.
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 4
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
Table 4.2-5
Acreages Harvested by Commodity Type: Trends from 2008-2011
Agricultural
Commodity
Grapes (Wine)
Walnuts
Olives
Cattle & Calves
Sheep & Lambs
Grain Hay
Irrigated Pasture
Rangeland
2008
650
800
140
11,500 head
1,000 head
200
2,000
188,300
2009
800
800
140
11,300 head
1,000 head
300
2,000
188,300
2010
800
800
140
11,400 head
1,000 head
300
2,000
188,300
2011
900
800
140
11,000 head
1,000 head
400
2,000
188,300
Source: Calaveras County. Reports of Agriculture. 2008-2011.
Crop Type Distribution
Lands classified as Deciduous Fruits and Nuts account for the largest portion (acreage) of land in
agricultural production within the County and are generally found in the vicinity of West Point
and southwest of New Hogan Reservoir.
Certain areas of the County have greater densities of agricultural activity. The western part of the
County to the southwest of the community of Valley Springs and the New Hogan Reservoir is
characterized by a variety of crop types with olives and wine grapes predominating. South and
southeast of SR 12 are two areas with pistachios and cherries.
The southwestern portion of the County includes the Salt Springs Valley Reservoir and land to
the east. This region contains two identified crop types – olives and wine grapes. Crops in the
southeastern portion of the County, which covers the community of Murphys and extends
southwest toward City of Angels, primarily consist of wine grapes. Several large plots containing
apples are located west of SR 4 and south of Murphys. This area also contains small sections of
land with Christmas trees and olives.
Important Farmland
Calaveras County does not have important farmland data mapped by the California Department
of Conservation (DOC). Information about Prime, Unique, or other important farmlands is
currently unavailable for Calaveras County. However, given the rich characteristics of soils and
agricultural resources in the County, it is possible that some lands within the Planning Area meet
the various criteria for important farmlands.
Williamson Act Contracts
A Williamson Act contract represents agreements to restrict land to agricultural or open space
uses in return for lower than normal property tax assessments. Figure 4.2-1 provides the
locations of parcels within the Planning Area that have an active Williamson Act Contract or a
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 5
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
Williamson Act Contract in non-renewal status (Calaveras County Planning and GIS
Departments, November 2012).
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 6
El Dorado
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Map Design and Cartography
By Calaveras County GIS
San Andreas, California
Novembe r, 2012
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Feet
For planning purposes only.
All feature locations are approximate.
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Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
As shown in Table 4.2-6, below, an estimated 138,816 acres of land (21 percent of the total
County land) are currently under an active Williamson Act Contract. A total of 7,580 acres (one
percent of the total County land) are currently in non-renewal for Williamson Act contracts.
Table 4.2-6
Calaveras County Acreage under a Williamson Act Contract
Contract Status
Active Contract
Non-Renewal
Total
Acreage/Percent of Total County
133,405 acres/20%
7,534 acres/1%
140,939 acres/21%
Source: Calaveras County Planning and GIS Department, November 2012
Forest Resources
Forests in Calaveras County are an important natural and economic resource. Forest lands
provide opportunities for recreation, natural habitats, and timber production.
Forest Types and Habitats
Calaveras County has a diverse range of forest types and vegetation. Cover types in the County
include blue oak foothill pine, blue oak woodlands, montane hardwood, montane hardwoodconifer, and Sierran mixed conifer, Ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, and Douglas fir. Sierran mixed
conifer is dominated by Jeffrey pine and white fir, with incense cedar, ponderosa pine, sugar
pine, and red fir found as associated conifer species. The eastern higher elevations of the County
primarily consist of Sierran mixed conifer and large swathes of Ponderosa pine, red fir, and
lodgepole pine. Red fir and lodgepole pine are not traditionally used for timber production. The
eastern portion of the County contains approximately 145,641 acres of land with a zoning
designation that allows timber production.
Stanislaus National Forest
The Stanislaus National Forest was created in 1897 and covers approximately 900,000 acres
throughout Alpine, Calaveras, Mariposa, and Tuolumne Counties. This national forest covers
about 78,000 acres in Calaveras County (12% of the total land area). This is the only national
forest in the county. Elevations throughout the Stanislaus National Forest range from 840 feet to
11,570 feet. The forest supports a wide variety of wildlife and plant species due to the diversity
in climate, elevation, and geology. The Stanislaus National Forest contains approximately
325,000 acres of commercial forest land. The National Forest is also home to the Emigrant
Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness, and the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness (United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2005b; USDA 2007).
Timber Industry
The timber industry plays an important role in the agricultural sector, and the economy in
general, in Calaveras County. Trends for timber production are shown in Table 4.2-7, below. The
value and amount of timber production substantially increased from 2008 to 2011, and
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 8
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
production value of timber in 2011 increased by over 100 percent above 2010 production;
however, production value has not reached previous production levels (2004 and before).
Table 4.2-7
Timber Production Trends from 2008-2011
Year
2008 2009 2010 2011 Amount
(Million Board Feet)
33,000 16,165 25,679 33,661 Value (Dollars)
4,720,000 2,473,000 1,830,000 4,145,000 Source: Calaveras County. Reports of Agriculture. 2008-2011.
Mineral Resources
As discussed in further detail in Chapter 4.6, Geology, Soils, and Seismicity of this Draft EIR,
rocks in Calaveras County are divided into two major groups - the older Bedrock series and the
younger Superjacent series. The Bedrock series includes metamorphic rocks that were intruded
by large granitic masses and by smaller bodies of basic and ultrabasic rocks. Associated with the
intrusion of granitic rocks was widespread deposition of gold-quartz veins in the Mother Lode,
East Belt, and West Belt, as well as copper and zinc in the Foothill copper belt. Chromite
deposits were formed during the intrusion of ultrabasic rocks. The Superjacent series consists of
auriferous gravel, clay, sand, and volcanic rocks.
At least 26 minerals were produced commercially within the County. Gold, copper-zinc,
limestone, and limestone products account for the greatest contribution towards the County’s
total mineral production. Other mineral commodities that were produced in quantity include
silver, lead, tungsten, chromite, asbestos, quartz crystals, clay, sand, and gravel. Below are
descriptions of some of the most prominent mineral resources within Calaveras County.
Gold
Gold is the most well-known mineral commodity of Calaveras County and was the main
attractrant to early settlers in the area. Only minor amounts of gold are currently produced within
the County, although proprietary information derived from mining exploration activities
indicates that significant gold reserves still exist in the County.
Lode gold mines are grouped in three areas – the Mother Lode, East Gold Belt, and West Gold
Belt. The Mother Lode Gold Belt is a roughly 120-mile long system of gold-quartz veins and
mineralized schist and greenstone that extends from the town of Mariposa, north and northwest
along the State Route 49 corridor to northern El Dorado County. The East Gold Belt in Calaveras
County includes the communities of Sheep Ranch, Railroad Flat, and West Point, while the West
Gold Belt includes the communities of Hodson and the Salt Springs Valley.
The primary source of lode gold was from the Mother Lode belt, but appreciable quantities were
mined at West Point, Sheep Ranch, and Murphys in the East Belt and at Hodson in the West
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 9
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
Belt. The principal sources of lode gold were the Angels, Boston, Carson Creek, Carson Hill,
Collier, Gold Cliff, Gwin, Lightner, Madison, Mountain King, Royal, Sheep Ranch, Utica, and
Washington mines. By-product gold was recovered in quantity from the Foothill copper-zinc belt
at Copperopolis.
Large amounts of placer gold, which primarily occurs in river deposits, were mined in the
County as well. The primary sources of placer gold were surface placers mined during the early
gold rush days, and drift and hydraulic mines on Tertiary-aged channels in the Murphys, Douglas
Flat, Vallecito, Angels Camp, Mokelumne Hill, and San Andreas areas.
Limestone
The quarrying of limestone and the manufacture of cement by the Calaveras Cement Company
was the most lucrative segment of the mineral industry in Calaveras County; the plant closed in
1983 Not only did the cement plant account for the largest portion of the mineral output in the
County for many years, but the extensive limestone and dolomite deposits countywide form
some of the largest undeveloped reserves in the State. The extensive undeveloped limestone and
dolomite deposits are located in the Columbia, Murphys, Cave City, and Jesus Maria areas.
Currently many of the deposits are relatively inaccessible; however, depending on the demand
for limestone, dolomite, and lime products in California, Calaveras County deposits may
increase in importance as potential sources of raw material. Although limestone is a principal
constituent of cement, large quantities are also used in the manufacture of lime and beet sugar, as
metallurgical flux, and in the agricultural, glass and chemical industries. Numerous deposits of
marble are also found within the County, three of which have yielded small amounts of stone for
decorative facings and terrazzo.
Several limestone caves exist in Calaveras County, which range in size from small openings only
a few feet in extent to large caverns hundreds of feet in length and depth with numerous
passageways, rooms, and formations. Some caves are not well known, but others including
Mercer Caverns, Moaning Caverns and California Caverns are major tourist destinations. These
are more fully described in Chapter 4.15, Recreation, of this Draft EIR .
Copper-Zinc
Calaveras County was the principal source of copper and zinc in the Sierran Foothill copper belt.
Large amounts of copper were mined in the Foothill belt at Campo Seco and Copperopolis
during the 1860s and again during the two world wars. In more recent history, smaller amounts
were recovered as a by-product of gold mining in the Mother Lode and East Belt deposits.
Construction Aggregates
Aggregates are the primary mineral resources extracted today in Calaveras County. Aggregates
are low-value, heavy-weight building materials used in construction, including sand, gravel,
crushed stone and recycled concrete and mine wastes. Aggregates are mined and either used as
raw materials in construction or serve as composite materials in the production of concrete and
asphalt. The largest sand and gravel deposits are located in river gravels and hydraulic tailings in
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 10
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
the vicinity of the Calaveras River in western Calaveras County. Lightweight aggregate is
obtained from deposits of pumicite and rhyolite tuff mined from the Valley Springs Formation.
Clay
The Eocene Ione formation, the major source of raw material for the ceramic industry in northern
California, crops out in a belt of discontinuous patches along the western Sierra foothills. In
Calaveras County, the Ione formation covers an area of approximately four square miles and is
divided into an upper and a lower member. The upper member, consisting of clay and clayey
sand, is the main source of commercial clay.
Silica
Vast quantities of silica (largely in the form of quartz sand, but to a lesser extent in quartzose
gravel) are present in Calaveras County. Substantial amounts of silica sand are extracted for
manufacturing glass containers. The silica sand primarily originates from quartz mined at
Camanche from the upper member of the Eocene Ione formation, and at Carson Hill. Quartzose
gravel that was deposited in early Tertiary channel deposits is abundant in the County,
particularly in Chili Gulch where extensive accumulations of hydraulic mine tailings with a high
percentage of quartz pebbles, cobbles, and boulders are present. The most viable silica deposits
are at Carson Hill and Chaparral Hill, where massive veins of white “bull quartz” tens of feet
thick and several thousand feet in length exist. Another undeveloped massive quartz vein
approximately 100 feet long and 30 to 40 feet wide is located along the extreme southwest
border of the County on the Echandi Ranch.
Asbestos
Asbestos was historically produced in Calaveras County, primarily from sources in these general
areas: the Voorhees or American deposit located seven miles southeast of Copperopolis; the
Turner and Lloyd prospect located over three miles north of Copperopolis and the Angels Camp
deposit, east of SR 49; and several small prospects northwest of San Andreas, near Valley
Springs. The largest open-pit asbestos mine in the U.S. (57 acres in area and over 500 feet in
depth) operated between 1962 and 1987 about 5 miles southeast of the community of
Copperopolis. The open pit associated with the former asbestos mining operation is now utilized
as a landfill repository for asbestos-containing wastes and waste tires. Serpentine, the host rock
of chrysotile asbestos, is abundant in the western portion of Calaveras County. Potential hazards
associated with Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) are discussed in greater detail in Chapter
4.3, Air Quality, of this Draft EIR.
Chromite
The majority of chromite production within Calaveras County occurred during World War I.
Estimated chromite reserves in the County today are small, as many of the mines are reported to
be exhausted. Any future chromite production would depend upon new discoveries. The most
likely area in Calaveras County for potential chromite reserves is believed to be in the French
Creek area, five miles southeast of Copperopolis.
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 11
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
Lead
Small amounts of lead were produced in Calaveras County, mostly as a by-product of copperzinc mining in the Foothill belt. The Penn and Quail Hill mines were the primary producers.
Smaller amounts were recovered as a by-product of gold mining. In some East Belt gold ores,
lead is present in quantity and is associated with free gold, pyrite, and chalcopyrite.
Mining Operations
The State of California Office of Mine Reclamation (OMR) provides mine information to the
public and has an online mapping system, designed with geographic information system (GIS)
features, that identifies the mine name, location, commodity, and status. Figure 4.2-2 shows
existing mine locations in Calaveras County according to the latest mapping data, updated by
OMR in January 2012. At least quarterly, OMR publishes a list of mines regulated under the
Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) that meet the provisions set forth under
California’s Public Resources Code, Section 2717(b). The list is generally referred to as the AB
3098 list. Sections 10295.5 and 20676 of the Public Contract Code prohibit mining operations
not on the AB 3098 list from selling sand, gravel, aggregates, or other mined materials to state or
local agencies. For a mining operation to be on the AB 3098 list, the operation must meet all of
the following conditions:





The operation has an approved reclamation plan;
The operation has an approved financial assurance;
The operation has filed an annual report;
The operation has paid a reporting fee; and
The operation has had an annual inspection by the lead agency which reflects the
operation is in full compliance with the law.
The most recent AB 3098 list was published January 6, 2012. Table 4.2-8 presents a list of mines
using the OMR online mapping system, the mines’ identification number (Mine ID), name and
operator, main commodity, status, and whether or not the mine is on the most recent AB 3098
list. See Figure 4.2-2 shows the approximate location for the various mines throughout Calaveras
County.
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 12
Pr
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Draft EIR S
Setting Sec
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November 2
2012
Figure 4.2-2
Ca
alaveras Co
ounty Mine Locations
N
Source: Office
O
of Minin
ng and Reclam
mation Mines On
O Line Data base http://m
maps.conservation.ca.gov/mo
ol/mol‐
app.html, A
Accessed Junee 28, 2012.
Chapt
ter 4.2 – Ag
gricultura
al, Forest, a
and Minera
al Resources
4.2
2 - 13
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
Table 4.2-8
Calaveras County Mine Information
Mine ID
Description
Operator
Commodity
Status
91-05-0001
91-05-0002
91-05-0003
91-05-0004
91-05-0005
91-05-0006
91-05-0007
91-05-0008
91-05-0009
91-05-0010
91-05-0011
91-05-0012
91-05-0013
91-05-0014
91-05-0016
91-05-0017
91-05-0018
91-05-0019
91-05-0020
Snyder Clay Pit
Royal Mountain King Facility
Redhill Mine - Reclaimed
K.R. Mine - Reclaimed
John Hertzig Sand & Gravel
Robie Ranch Gravel
Teichert-Reed - Reclaimed
Valley Springs Clay Pit
Gnm #6 Shale Quarry
Quarry #7
All Rock - Exempt
Cataract Limestone Quarry
Wolin & Sons Aggregate
Hogan Quarry
Mccarty Pit
Alto Mine - Reclaimed
Carson Hill Rock Products
E.I.G. Mine
Jenny Lind Aggregate Quarry
Jenny Lind Tailing Pile
Removal
Snyder Clay Pit
John W. Hertzig
7/11 Materials, Inc.
Valley Springs Clay Pit, LLC
Lehigh Southwest Cement Company
Lehigh Southwest Cement Company
Lehigh Southwest Cement Company
Charles Larson Construction
Ford Construction Company, Inc.
Ford Construction Company, Inc.
Carson Hill Rock Products
-
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Active
Active
Inactive
Inactive
Active
Active
Inactive
Active
Active
Active
Inactive
Active
Active
Active
Active
Inactive
Active
Active
Active
On Current
AB 3098 List
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
-
Lode Gold
Active
No
91-05-0021
Sources:
OMR’s Mines Online (MOL), http://maps.conservation.ca.gov/mol/mol-app.html, accessed January 26, 2012.
OMR’s AB 3098 List, http://www.consrv.ca.gov/omr/ab_3098_list/Pages/index.aspx, accessed January 26, 2012.
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 14
Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
Endnotes
1
California Division of Mines and Geology. Mines and Mineral Resources of Calaveras County, California. 1962
Calaveras County Department of Agriculture. 2011 Report of Agriculture. 2011.
3
Calaveras County Department of Agriculture. 2011 Report of Agriculture. 2011, p. 11.
2
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 15