BEGINNING OF THE END FOR THE “MAYAN STEPS” AND
       CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC TRAILS TO FINALLY BEGIN AT VULCAN
                                              FISH CANYON MINE     
    
With the final appeal exhausted in the lawsuit against the City of Azusa and Vulcan Materials Company over the relocation of mining from the east side of the existing Azusa Rock site to the west side, work will finally begin to remove the “Mayan Steps” and construct public hiking trails soon.

The project, which was approved in July of 2010, calls for a number of public benefits including the creation of a new public hiking trail and parking area as well as money for scholarships and open space. This new trail system will provide a safer and more direct link to the Fish Canyon Falls for all members of the public.

The City’s Environmental Impact Report, which was challenged by the City of Duarte, was upheld by both the State Superior Court and Court of Appeals on all issues including air quality, traffic, and visual impacts. City Manager James Makshanoff remarked, “It is now time for Vulcan to be given the honest opportunity to make good on the promises made during the public hearing process.”

The Azusa Rock quarry operations have been conducted at this site since the 1920s and within the San Gabriel Canyon vicinity since the mid-1800s. Following annexation of the Azusa Rock site and surrounding area into the City in November of 1956, the Azusa City Council adopted a Special Use Permit for the approximately 270-acre site. In 1988, the City approved a Reclamation Plan for the site in accordance with the requirements of the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act as well as a Conditional Use Permit establishing a 50-year term for mining (until 2038).