Massive rock quarry proposed near Temecula is rejected

The Riverside County Planning Commission on Wednesday rejected a proposal for a massive rock quarry near Temecula that was strongly opposed by the city and the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians.

The commission voted 4 to 1 against Granite Construction’s plan for a 414-acre rock quarry operation on a mountain that looms over Interstate 15, a peak the Pechanga say is within one of the most sacred sites for all Luiseno people. Granite officials said they will appeal the decision to the Board of Supervisors.

Photos: Quarry plan meets resistance

Five public hearings have been held on the proposed project.

Granite's proposed Liberty Quarry would mine an estimated 270 million tons of granite from the mountain over the next 75 years, supplying concrete and asphalt to fast-growing northern San Diego County and southwest Riverside County.