THE GRAVEL TRUCK THREAT
Up to 800 MORE gravel trucks per day may soon be a permanent fixture in our beautiful Ojai Valley unless something is done immediately!
The opening / expansion of several major mining operations in the Cuyama & Lockwood Valleys will require transportation, via large piggy-back trucks, of hundreds of loads each day. Route 33 is the “preferred” road for these operations as it is relatively unmonitored and may be a slightly shorter alternative.
While the Stop the Trucks! Coalition recognizes the importance of mining available gravel, it opposes the increased truck traffic through the Ojai Valley that will result from the opening of new mining operations.
WHAT IS THE THREAT?
Our health and safety – the trucks pass four schools and our local hospital.
Our air quality – diesel fumes are highly toxic and a known carcinogenic especially to children and the elderly.
Our economy – based largely on tourism, agriculture, and education.
>Driver’s safety – non-truckers and truckers, alike – Rt. 33 is a winding and aging highway, never built to withstand these trucks and their loads
(in fact, the tunnels are not wide enough for two of these trucks to pass at the same time).
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE?
Yes, Highways 5 and 126 are established routes for heavy trucking.
No one involved in this benefit is against independent truckers. In fact, we are concerned for driver safety. The mines can use safer and more environmentally sound alternatives, and that’s what we’re arguing for.
