LA leaders: Step up oversight of quarry
It is imperative that we add the proposed expansion of the Lehigh-Permanente quarry to the work plan for the Los Altos Environmental Commission.
This limestone quarry and cement plant in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains above our community is a major polluter in our valley, and its poor environmental stewardship especially affects our town and our neighbors. Santa Clara County, including our representative Joe Simitian, has proven a disastrous overseer and regulator of this plant and mine, which has already been considered for Superfund pollution status.
Santa Clara County cannot be relied upon to secure our interests. Lehigh has already severely damaged Permanente Creek right under the county’s nose. Also right under the county’s nose, it has illegally destroyed large swaths of woodland forest and the ridgeline between the quarry and our beloved Rancho San Antonio – all in violation of its existing agreement with the citizens of Los Altos and Santa Clara County.