West Valley Mayors Support County Move to Explore Acquisition of Lehigh Plant
CUPERTINO; LOS ALTOS; LOS ALTOS HILLS; PALO ALTO; and SUNNYVALE, CA – On February 15, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will consider a referral from Supervisor Joseph Simitian that would direct County staff to explore options for the acquisition and closure of the Lehigh Cement Plant and Quarry property located in Santa Clara County.
The Lehigh facility is located on 3,510 acres, primarily within unincorporated Santa Clara County. Portions of the Lehigh property extend into the incorporated cities of Cupertino and Palo Alto. Large-scale mining and manufacturing began on the site in 1939.
Supervisor Simitian’s referral recognizes that dramatic changes in the County over the last 80 years, including increased understandings of the negative health impacts of the mining and the development of residential communities near the plant, warrant a reevaluation of the plant’s continued operation. His referral would allow the County and West Valley cities to consider how to transition to new land uses that would benefit the surrounding communities. Separately, Supervisor Simitian has asked County staff to provide more information on the long history of environmental violations at the Lehigh Plant.
Speaking on their own behalf, leaders of the surrounding communities express strong individual support. Mayors Darcy Paul of Cupertino, Anita Enander of Los Altos, George Tyson of Los Altos Hills, Pat Burt of Palo Alto and Larry Klein of Sunnyvale voiced their individual support for Supervisor Simitian’s proposal.
“This is about much more than the potential cessation of commercial activity on the site. It is about identifying possible uses that would be beneficial to our communities far into the future,” stated Mayor Enander.
“In my view, the County’s action for consideration will be met with widespread public support from our residents,” stated Mayor Tyson.
“I have placed on our Council Agenda for February 15 an item to consider supporting this referral, which I hope that the Board of Supervisors will approve earlier that day,” added Mayor Paul.
Mayor Burt stated, “Although the City of Palo Alto has not formally deliberated on this referral, environmental health is a city priority. I support furthering this important conversation, and believe that viewpoint is reflective of our communities.”
Mayor Klein noted, “Lehigh’s proposed expansion of the quarry heightens the need to immediately explore other long term uses for the cement plant and quarry property, for the health and benefit of our entire South Bay community.”
While the current reclamation plan for the site contemplates full reclamation of the site by 2032, Lehigh is seeking a reclamation plan amendment that would permit expanded operations and would extend the reclamation timeline. The proposed referral would allow the County to consider open space and other uses for the site instead of allowing an expansion of mining operations.
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