Calaveras County · 2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury

Calaveras County Planning Department: Are We Running Out of Rock?

Examines surface-mine administration, inspection and enforcement practices, financial assurances, long-term mineral-resource planning, and public risks from abandoned mines.

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Civic questions related to this report

These questions use this report as their supporting source and lead to public Pol.is conversations.

Mining Oversight & Public Safety

How should the County balance mineral-resource needs with accountability and safety?

What should an annual public report tell the Board and residents about every surface mine under County jurisdiction?The report finds that the Planning Department did not regularly update the Board, which is the SMARA lead agency, and recommends scheduled reports covering inspections, mine status, financial assurances, and recommended administrative actions.How should inspection findings, violations, deadlines, penalties, and corrective actions be tracked publicly?The report finds violations were not appropriately recorded or brought to the Board for enforcement and recommends clear inspection findings, Board notification, and use of corrective actions or financial penalties when warranted.What independent review should the County require for mine maps, disturbed acreage, and reclamation cost estimates?The report finds inspection records lacked reliable scaled mapping and that operator-provided technical information received minimal internal review; it recommends comprehensive maps, photo documentation, licensed preparation, and qualified County review.How should the County assess future sand, gravel, and aggregate needs while tracking its General Plan mineral goals?The report finds no comprehensive comparison of permitted production with future needs and no regular tracking of mineral-management objectives; it recommends a geological supply assessment, progress tracking, an advisory committee, and a County Geologist.What should residents and first responders be able to learn and report about abandoned mines?The report finds the County lacked a current shared inventory and public reporting or mitigation guidance, and recommends an internal database plus a public process for reporting locations and finding hazard resources.