Commission reapproves Monument and Russ quarries, adds CARB compliance condition

The Humboldt County Planning Commission reapproved mining activity at two sites previously on the consent calendar — the Monument Quarry and the Russ Quarry — and added an explicit condition of approval that fleets and off‑road equipment used at the sites comply with California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations for off‑road and heavy‑duty vehicles.

Commissioner Curiosi requested an explicit restatement of CARB rules in the permit conditions after noting state off‑road rules and the county’s low‑population extension timelines. County staff agreed that compliance language could be included, and the commission adopted the reapprovals with the CARB‑compliance condition added. Roll‑call votes were unanimous on the items.

What this does: The quarry operators retain previously approved extraction allowances (the Monument Quarry’s permitted total was unchanged); the new condition emphasizes statewide air‑quality standards and signals county intent to expect compliance by equipment operators.

What it does not do: The action does not impose immediate fleet replacement schedules beyond CARB requirements; staff noted that strict immediate compliance could be impracticable and that county permitting will reflect state timelines and extension mechanisms where applicable.