Overview
The Blaisdell Material Source, operated by Gutierrez Canales Engineering, PC, is seeking approval for a Reclamation and Closure Plan for an aggregate mine site located northeast of Yuma in Yuma County. This proposed material source will serve as a supply of aggregate materials for construction operations and commercial use.
This reclamation plan is a required component under Arizona State Law (A.R.S. § 27-1201 et seq.) and outlines how the site will be stabilized and reclaimed once mining operations have ceased. Mining operations at this site are currently estimated to continue for a period of 25 years.
Key Details
- Yuma County Assessor Parcels: 182-21-007 and 182-21-008.
- Mine Size: The site encompasses approximately 183.4 acres, including a 2.1-acre access road. Approximately 109.9 acres will be disturbed by the mine operation.
- Location: Situated northeast of Yuma, the site is accessed from the south via Gowan Milling Parkway and Rifle Range Road, located east of US Highway 95.
- Operator: Gutierrez Canales Engineering, PC (GCE).
- Regulatory & Engineering: Gutierrez Canales Engineering, PC.
- Technical Consultant: Jill Himes, Himes Consulting LLC.
- Design & Survey: Stadler Design Group, LLC.
- Land Status: Privately owned land held by the Mark & Marisol Kelland Trust.
- Current Land Use: Current onsite use includes active mining, processing, off-road vehicle use, and open space.
- Current Zoning: This site is zoned Heavy Industrial (HI) under the Yuma County Zoning Ordinance.
- Biological Setting: The site consists of lower Colorado subdivision Sonoran Desertscrub, dominated by creosotebush and sparse cacti. Wildlife in the project vicinity includes bighorn sheep, mule deer, and various desert avian species.
- Planned Activities: Operations include excavation, screening, crushing, stockpiling, loading, and hauling of aggregate materials. The facility also features an asphalt hot plant and equipment parking.
- Timeline: Mining operations are anticipated to continue for a period of 25 years, until approximately 2051.
- Surrounding Area: Nearby uses include industrial, agricultural, and active mining operations. The closest residential structure is located approximately 0.85 miles southwest of the nearest proposed excavation area.
Reclamation Plan
Reclamation Plan for Review
In accordance with A.R.S. § 27-1271(B)(13), this serves as official notice that a proposed Mine Reclamation and Closure Plan has been submitted to the Arizona State Mine Inspector’s Office.
Arizona law requires this notification be provided to residential property owners located within a one-half mile radius of the aggregate mining operation. This plan is a mandatory component of the state’s regulatory framework to ensure all aggregate mine sites are professionally closed and restored once mining activities are complete.
Questions?
Please send any questions to:
david@w3planning.org or call at 928-830-0217.
Arizona State Mine Inspector Process
- ASMI will review the plan for technical accuracy and completenes.
- Plan will be sent to qualified engineers who are experts in the field of mine reclamation and they will perform a technical review on the plan.
- Once all comments from the qualified engineers are addressed as part of the technical review, a public meeting will be scheduled by ASMI, where technical comments will be taken from the public in consideration of the plan.
- If all requirements are met, the plan will be approved and the reclamation plan will become a requirement for the mine once it is no longer feasible for mining.
- The Arizona State Mine Inspector will provide public notice of the meeting in accordance with Arizona State Law.