Answers to the questions we heard most during review, updated to reflect what was approved.
You may have heard
The facts
Various factors influence property values, and no consistent evidence supports the claim that quarrying reduces them in neighboring areas. Our strategies (increased setbacks, open space, and protected wooded areas) can benefit many neighbors.
You may have heard
The facts
We share the community's concerns and prioritize minimizing impacts. Dust and noise control measures include noise suppression mufflers on all machinery, Teflon-coated aggregate chutes to reduce noise, structural noise berms installed as a natural barrier, dust suppressed by recycled water from the on-site pond, and full adherence to the Lassen County Noise Ordinance and MSHA standards.
You may have heard
The facts
Electricity, heat, and transportation account for about 73 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Mining and construction together account for roughly 10 percent. Nearly all (90 percent) of processed aggregate will go to nearby job sites, and shorter hauls save money and reduce emissions. A 100,000-ton local project saves $2.2 million and more than 1,400 metric tons of CO2 compared to hauling from Reno, Nevada.
You may have heard
The facts
We are fully compliant with DOT requirements and adhere to the California Highway Patrol's Basic Inspection of Terminals program, which inspects our trucks regularly for safety and emissions. Our team conducts a 57-point visual inspection daily and makes repairs in-house. Skyline Road has high visibility, two lanes in each direction, and our site is the only entrance and exit on the stretch between stoplights (approximately one mile).
You may have heard
The facts
Local aggregate is a win-win for job creation, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. It keeps construction projects on time and within budget, supports economic growth, and reduces the greenhouse gas emissions and costs from long-distance hauling.
You may have heard
The facts
The 460-acre site is located 1.5 miles east of State Route 139 (off Skyline Road), northeast of Susanville. Processing areas are within the southeast portion of the site. There are no scenic highways or rivers in the project vicinity. Proximity is 6/10 mile east of Lassen Community College, 7/10 mile northeast of the Lassen County Fairgrounds, and the nearest residence is approximately 1/2 mile west. There are no other residences within a one-mile radius to the north, east, or south. In addition, roughly 300 acres will remain unmined as an additional buffer.
You may have heard
The facts
We take the safety of our team and surrounding neighbors seriously, and to date have never had an accident or fatality at one of our sites. We received a 2023 Caltrans Partnering Gold Award and a 2021 U.S. Dept. of Labor MSHA Certificate of Achievement in Safety for 13,200 employee hours without injury.
You may have heard
The facts
The 1/2 mile of stream that flows within the mining boundary will remain undisturbed. A buffer of up to 500 feet will be maintained throughout the life of the mine, in compliance with strict environmental protection regulations.
You may have heard
The facts
Equipment will be inspected daily to prevent harm to animals. Speed limit signs will be posted on access roads. Any new fencing will follow deer-friendly specifications to preserve habitat. The site will be kept clean and free of materials that could attract wildlife.
You may have heard
The facts
We estimate mining all aggregate materials will take roughly 50 years across five phases, creating multi-generational economic benefits for the community.
You may have heard
The facts
The project spent five years in CEQA review, with a full Environmental Impact Report, a unanimous Planning Commission recommendation, and a 5-0 Board vote.
You may have heard
The facts
Most construction jobs are short-term by nature, so our ability to continually bid and secure new projects ensures long-term employment and career development. The Skyline quarry is estimated to produce aggregate for approximately 50 years, creating multi-generational employment opportunities in Lassen County.
You may have heard
The facts
The site has 65 feet of underground solid rock, making commercial or residential development unviable now. Once thoroughly mined, the land will be ready for development. After operations cease, machinery and materials will be removed, and the site re-vegetated with a native dryland pasture seed mix. The retention pond will remain to support cattle and wildlife. This process is highly regulated to ensure proper rehabilitation.
You may have heard
The facts
Hat Creek Construction & Materials has a signed Memorandum of Agreement with the Susanville Indian Rancheria, and both parties are aligned moving forward. Cultural, historical, and tribal resources are one of ten mitigation categories in the project's 78 EIR requirements.
You may have heard
The facts
At the county's request, Hat Creek conducted a permitted test blast on Monday, July 20, 2026, of approximately 30,000 tons, approved by the Lassen County Sheriff's Office. Seismic monitors were placed at the property lines closest to Lassen Community College and Banner Lassen Medical Center. The monitors recorded no measurable vibration, and the county received no complaints. Seismic monitoring will continue at sensitive property lines throughout operations.
