David Long and his wife have lived in Grantville for 26 years. Each day, for as long as they can remember, they wipe black soot from their counters, which flies into their home from the large rock quarry on Mission Gorge Road. They are always dusting. On certain days, as the soot settles in their home, the Longs inhale the thick, acrid smell of tar when the rock quarry mixes the asphalt.
These are just some of the effects of the blasting felt by residents living west of the nearly 100-year-old rock quarry bordering the communities of Grantville, Allied Gardens and San Carlos.
Residents say the Mission Gorge Rock Quarry has been mined for decades with little to no relief or attempts to mitigate the impacts. Residents report feeling their homes shake, being covered in dust, and hearing the noise from the blasts constantly.
One resident, who bought their home in 2005 and wished to stay anonymous, was hopeful when they were told the quarry would be closing in the coming years. But the years came and passed, and the quarry remains in operation; a generator-like noise emanates from the quarry into their home.
In addition, the resident says artwork regularly falls off the walls and breaks, and her windows are compromised due to the shaking from the blasting.
The site, long owned and operated by Superior Ready Mix, is now owned by Vulcan Materials, which bought the quarry in 2024. Vulcan Materials spokesperson Jack Bonnikson told Times of San Diego that the company is dedicated to working with neighbors and the agencies that oversee the quarry.
“Our track record shows our commitment to safe and responsible operations. We take great pride in being a part of the San Diego communities where we operate and appreciate feedback from our neighbors. We will continue to operate safely and in compliance with all regulations.”
However, some residents fear for their safety after hearing that the new owners may be planning to increase the blasting area.
Renee Lee, a resident of Grantville, said that Vulcan Materials plans on moving the blasting 300 feet closer to homes on Mission Vista Drive. Moving the blasting closer to homes causes safety issues, like debris from the blasts hitting people or their homes.
Another resident, Kirk Reilly, filed a civil case against Superior Ready Mix Concrete LP on Sept. 18, 2020. Superior Ready Mix owned the quarry before Vulcan Materials. The case is still pending.
