The Board of Supervisors granted a request by the George Reed/Jackson Valley Quarry company to expand mining operations under emergency guidelines set forth by the Governor of California – the third such request in three years. The controversial and much debated issue had been held over from last week’s meeting, where it was continued due to a lack of information. Both this weeks and last weeks debates centered on questions as to why the request actually constitutes a state of emergency. If granted, the new guidelines would significantly expand the company’s mining operations, allow it to surpass some CEQA guidelines, and allow for weekend work. According to Quarry representatives, the “emergency status” is ongoing depending on what provisions are needed in the ongoing repairs and construction of the levies on the Sacramento Delta. Although terms like “ongoing” and other language in the governor’s guidelines are debatable, County Counsel Martha Shaver agreed that it leaves open the possibility for future expansion. The debate also became an opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns over alleged impacts the Quarry operations have on the quality of life in the area. Residents who live adjacent to the Quarry spoke of potholes in the roads, noise disturbances and flying debris. The Board of Supervisors noted these concerns and the Quarry operators agreed to take whatever steps needed to ensure peace with their neighbors and cooperation with the County. In the end, the Board approved a motion for one final extension of mining operations for an additional 900 thousand tons, with the provision that the company be closely regulated by the planning department. The Board also noted that this would be the final such motion and they expected the company to prepare a new site for future expanded operations. The motion was approved unanimously, with Supervisor Rich Escamilla absent for jury duty.