Take action for the San Joaquin River | American Rivers

American Rivers

American Rivers

San Joaquin River, California | Parkway

San Joaquin River Threatened by 600-Foot-Deep Blast Mine

The San Joaquin River, the primary water source for over 30 million Californians and nearly half of California’s $61 billion agricultural economy, is currently threatened by a proposed blast mine dangerously near communities.

CEMEX, a gravel mining and cement producing company, is pursuing a 100-year permit for the creation of a 600-foot-deep blast mine along the San Joaquin River, just outside of the city of Fresno and adjacent to Lost Lake County Park and the San Joaquin River Parkway, threatening drinking water quality for the surrounding region, ecosystems in the immediate vicinity of the mine and far downstream, and several nearby endangered species. If approved, this project would stall completion of the restored San Joaquin River Parkway by 100 years.

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors must reject CEMEX’s proposal to expand their operating permit to create a 600-foot-deep blast mine.

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The final public comment period for the site’s approval will open in Spring 2026 following the release of the final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), marking a critical opportunity for public input. Community members do not need to wait. American Rivers and our partners are urging communities to share their opposition to the project now.

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Supervisor

Garry

Bredefel

Fresno County Board of Supervisors

Supervisor

Luis

Chavez

Fresno County Board of Supervisors

Supervisor

Buddy

Mendes

Fresno County Board of Supervisors

Supervisor

Nathan

Magsig

Fresno County Board of Supervisors

Supervisor

Brian

Pacheco

Fresno County Board of Supervisors

Dear Fresno County Board of Supervisors,

As a concerned constituent, I urge you to reject CEMEX’s application for an expanded permit to create a 600-foot-deep blast mine along the San Joaquin River. A mine of this size, large enough to fit the entire Golden Gate Bridge in the future pit, has the potential to cause devastating damage to the region’s drinking water quality, to ecosystems surrounding the mine and far downstream, and several nearby endangered species.

If approved, this project would also stall completion of the restored San Joaquin River Parkway by 100 years, sending a distinct message to Fresno County residents that their wellbeing and the promise made to them to establish a beautiful, natural greenway in their community are not important to their local government.

To build the mine, CEMEX proposes to divert water from the San Joaquin River to the quarry site, exposing the water to hazardous materials; the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation points out that CEMEX has no right to this water, and that they have no plan for treating the polluted water before returning it to the river.  The depth of the mine and the need to continuously dewater the pit may have devastating impacts on drainage patterns, river flow, and groundwater recharge; not to mention impacts to recreational use and nature access. Fresno’s majority working-class residents stand to suffer most from these impacts. What’s more, the Fresno metro area already has nearly 200% more gravel than what is needed for the next 50 years from existing local mines, according to the California Geological Survey.

The wellbeing of Fresno County residents and the San Joaquin River, the primary water source for over 30 million Californians and nearly half of California’s $61 billion agricultural economy, are at risk if this project is approved. Please vote to reject CEMEX’s EIR and permit application, and to safeguard the health of the communities that elected you.

Sincerely,

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