The Morris Ravine Mine is a glass-grade silica sand mine currently operating in an 80-acre footprint. For nearly 15 years, VESTRA has assisted the operator with permitting and regulatory compliance issues associated with mining operations. Because the mine is located in an area of historic gold mining and above tributaries to the Thermalito Diversion Pool, primary concerns associated with the project center around wate- quality issues related to mercury and sediment reduction. VESTRA has facilitated water rights applications, overturned California Department of Fish and Game protests to the water rights, and coordinated numerous biological evaluations of rare and endangered species.

VESTRA staff completed mitigation and monitoring programs, Report of Waste Discharge and a Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, and helped the client amend existing use permits. All issues are being addressed efficiently with positive outcomes.

Because of VESTRA's past performance, VESTRA was contracted to conduct a feasibility study evaluating potential expansion alternatives for nearly 2,500 acres controlled by the mining company. The feasibility study included visual, archeological/cultural, wildlife and botanical surveys, hydrology, landuse and zoning, air quality, transportation, and geologic assessments involving an extensive subsurface exploration program to evaluate potential reserves. Additional activities included Reclamation Plan development, CEQA compliance, and Use Permit Applications.

The facility, when completed, will include a slurry pipeline, sand sorting and processing facility, closed-loop wastewater processing system, sand dryers, and rail spur loading and transfer area to process an estimated 500,000 tons of aggregate materials per year. Coordination efforts will include work with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, State Water Resources Control Board, Water Rights Division, Regional Water Quality Control Board, Butte County and the City of Oroville.