San Rafael Rock Quarry

Operating Conditions Summary

VOICING YOUR CONCERNS:

It is very important that residents of the Point San Pedro Road corridor make themselves heard about how Quarry operations affect their lives.  If you believe the Quarry is violating the interim operating conditions, or if the Quarry is operating in a manner that negatively affects the enjoyment of your home and neighborhood (whether or not it is violating the interim operating conditions), please inform:

Eric Steger, Senior Engineer
Marin County Department of Public Works
Marin Civic Center
3501 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael, CA  94903
Phone: 499-6528
Fax: 499-3799
E-mail: ESteger@co.marin.ca.us

Please provide Mr. Steger some detail about the noise (or other problem) that the Quarry is creating, such as the general noise level, the type of sound made and whether the noise is intermittent or continuous.  An example of a complaint that would contain sufficient information is provided below.  And please copy your e-mail or letter to the Coalition Quarry Committee at dcrutcher@sprcoalition.org. Also, please submit any comments to the SRRQ Committee using the form provided on the Committee page.

SAMPLE COMPLAINT (showing sufficient level of detail of your problem):

Mr. Steger:  Well after 10 pm last night [insert date] the noise coming from the Quarry site was extraordinary, making it hard to sleep.  First, there was a constant, persistent, rumble (apparently coming from their rock crushers), with intermittent sounds of revving motors, and the beeping of backup trucks.  Also, for a brief time, there were smacking sounds every few seconds as if two objects were being brought together (sounded sort of like a whip cracking).  This morning at 6:00 a.m. it was still going on.

My understanding is that the operating conditions for the Quarry prohibit this sort of noise.  Please look into whether the Quarry is complying with its operating conditions.

INTERIM OPERATING CONDITIONS:

Many residents along the Point San Pedro Road corridor have asked about the operating restrictions that currently apply to the San Rafael Rock Quarry.  Although various laws and rules apply to restrict how the Quarry operates, the Order by Judge Sutro on July 15, 2004, (as amended on August 9, 2004), provides for "interim operating conditions" that will apply at least until the Quarry's operating permit is amended.  That Order contains the following operating restrictions:

1. The crushing plant may not operate on Saturdays or Sundays.  The crushing plant makes a loud, constant, grinding sound.  It's hard to miss. 

2. From May 1 through November 30, the crushing plant may not operate before 7:00 a.m. nor after 10:00 p.m.

3. From December 1 through April 30, the crushing plant may not operate before 7:00 a.m. nor after 5:00 p.m., though the 5:00 p.m. cutoff may be extended to 10:00 p.m. for up to 30 days during these months.

4. The Quarry may perform maintenance on up to 15 Saturdays per calendar year (never on Sunday) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

5. Barges may not be loaded after 10:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m.

6. Gates and access for contractors and other non-employee traffic may open no earlier than 7:00 a.m.

7. Noise measured at the Quarry's property line is limited to 60 DBA (up to 70 DBA intermittent).

8. Trucks leaving the Quarry shall leave at 2 minute intervals during peak periods.

9. Blasting must occur between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 pm., Monday through Friday, and never on State holidays, and with at least a 36 hour notice posted on the Quarry's website.  Resulting vibrations beyond the Quarry property is limited to 0.5 ips.

10. Excavation, grading, hauling and/or loading soil and rock outside the Quarry bowl must be suspended when wind gusts exceed 25 mph as measured at the top of the Quarry bowl.

11. All trucks leaving the Quarry must first be washed down.

12. The Quarry must sweep North San Pedro Road no more than twice per day, as approved by the City of San Rafael.

13. The quarry shall not permit more than 250 truck trips in or out of the quarry property per day, and no such trip shall have a capicity exceeding 25 tons. (By Order of the Court, dated 4/16/04)