To: Zoning Administrator
From: Planning and Building Department
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Reapproval of Degnen-Hansen Pit SMARA permits (CA Mine ID #91-12-0028), Conditional Use Permit, Surface Mining Permit and Reclamation Plan
Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 207-036-001
Record No.: PLN-2025-19193
Bridgeville area
Reapproval of 15-year term of Degnen-Hansen Pit SMARA permits, CA Mine ID #91-12-0028, for a total of 25,000 cubic yards of material over 15-years.
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Zoning Administrator:
1. Adopt the resolution (Attachment 1), which does the following:
a. Finds a Mitigated Negative Declaration was adopted for the original project, a Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration was adopted for the renewal, and no further environmental review is required; and
b. Finds the proposed project complies with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance; and
c. Approves the Conditional Use Permit, Surface Mining Permit and Reclamation Plan as recommended by staff, subject to the conditions of approval (Attachment 1A).
Body
DISCUSSION:
Project Location:
The project is located in the Bridgeville area, on both sides of Kneeland Road, approximately 6.2 miles north from the intersection of State Highway 36 and Kneeland Road, on the property known as 32353 Kneeland Road.
Present General Plan Land Use Designation:
AG (Agricultural Grazing)
Present Zoning:
AE-B-5(160) (Agriculture Exclusive, minimum 160-acre parcel size); TPZ (Timberland Production)
State Appeal:
Project is not appealable to the California Coastal Commission.
Major Concerns:
None
Monitoring Required:
Annual Compliance Monitoring.
Environmental Review:
A Mitigated Negative Declaration was adopted in 1994 for the original permit approval and a Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration (SMND) was adopted in 2010 for a 15-year permit renewal. The SMND included mitigation measures that along with the original conditions of approval were incorporated into the project and are, in effect, part of the project that is being considered for this 15-year reapproval request. These measures have been and will continue to be in force and monitored annually by County Planning staff. There are no changes in operations, law, or the environment that warrant further environmental review.
Executive Summary:
Reapproval of Degnen-Hansen Pit (CA Mine ID #91-12-0028) Conditional Use Permit, Surface Mining Permit (CUP-03-093XX/ SMP-03-93XX) and Reclamation Plan for a 15-year term for continued quarry mining operations. Mining permits were issued in 1994 for the extraction of a total of 25,000 cubic yards over a 15-year period, then reissued in 2010 and the 15-year term expired prior to submitting the renewal application. The proposal is for the extraction of a total of 25,000 cubic yards as frequently as annually over the next 15 years. There are no proposed changes to the previous approval. The permit term is 15 years and would expire on August 21, 2024.
Background information on the Degnen-Hansen Pit operation
The quarry rock is currently used to maintain and repair County roads in the Bridgeville region. The quarry mainly contains mostly greywacke and sandstone deposits. Operations include extraction, processing, stockpiling and transporting. Material is mined by ripping with a bulldozer, separating with a bulldozer and permanently stockpiled for use on road maintenance and other projects. In the event localized greywacke boulders are encountered, small-scale separation with charges may be performed. No permanent or semi-permanent facilities have been constructed at the quarry and none are planned or required. The typical types of equipment to be used include: front-end loader, bulldozer, excavator and dump trucks. Activity in the quarry will continue to be intermittent. Project frequency of operation is expected to be several times a year for periods ranging from a few days to a few weeks; duration and intensity of activities depend on demand. Final reclamation includes final grading, drainage improvements, restoration of surface soils and revegetation to reclaim the land consistent with agriculture and timber harvesting.
The project is subject to extensive local, state and federal regulations. In any given year, project extraction volumes, locations and methods will be submitted by the applicant for approval by local, state and federal agencies, including the County of Humboldt, Department of Fish and Game and Office of Mine Reclamation.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Board. The project was referred to responsible agencies and all responding agencies have either responded with no comment or recommended approval or conditional approval.
Tribal Consultation: The project was referred to the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria and Northwest Information Center at Sonoma State University (NWIC) and no new or modified conditions were proposed
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The project was referred to responsible agencies and all responding agencies have either responded with no comment or recommended approval or conditional approval. (Attachment 1A)
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Zoning Administrator could elect to add or delete conditions of approval. The Zoning Administrator could deny approval if unable to make all the required findings. Staff has concluded the required findings in support of the proposal can be made. Consequently, staff does not recommend further consideration of these alternatives.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Resolution
A. Recommended Conditions of Approval
B. Reclamation Plan
C. Site Plan
Applicant / Agent:
Humboldt County Department of Public Works
Danith Davis
1106 Second Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Owner:
Hansen-Degnan Properties <https://humboldt-prod-av.accela.com/portlets/owner/ownerList.do?mode=list&module=Planning&spaceName=spaces.humboldt.pln202519193>
<https://humboldt-prod-av.accela.com/portlets/owner/ownerList.do?mode=list&module=Planning&spaceName=spaces.humboldt.pln202519193>615 Main
Sausalito, CA 94965
Please contact Joshua Dorris, Senior Planner, jdorris@co.humboldt.ca.us or 707-445-7245 if you have questions about this item.