Mining Workshop Scheduled in Lake Elsinore Tuesday

The city of Lake Elsinore will hold an Oct. 4 workshop intended to update officials and residents about mining activities in the community.

The “Mining Workshop” scheduled for 6 p.m. at the will provide a review of mining laws and regulations, as well as background information about mining activities in the city. (Click here to read the full agenda.)

The workshop is aimed at the city's planning commissioners, who normally meet every other Tuesday. The public is welcome to attend.

During the workshop, city staff is expected to discuss Lake Elsinore’s lead-agency status over mining. The city currently oversees mining operations in Lake Elsinore, but that role is being questioned by state officials.

saw state mining officials criticize the city for lax oversight of mining operations. During the hearing, the State Mining and Geology Board granted the city six months to become compliant with its responsibilities as Lead Agency under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.

Since that time, The complaint accuses the company of discharging sediment-laden runoff into U.S. waterways. (Click here to download the complaint from the state.)

Pacific Clay owns approximately 1,400 acres in the city. The company, which mines clay and aggregates, also has a brick manufacturing plant at its Lake Elsinore site.

Both Pacific Clay and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board have agreed that the company will be hit with the $40,000 fine. Under the agreement, Pacific Clay has also waived its right to a hearing.