MCKEON SIGNS UP FOR FIGHT VS. MINE CONGRESSMAN ASKS FEDS TO RECONSIDER.

Byline: Heather MacDonald Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - U.S. Rep. Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon joined county and city officials Thursday in asking the federal government to reconsider its approval of a 56-million-ton gravel mine planned for Soledad Canyon following the discovery of the arroyo toad along the banks of the upper Santa Clara River.

The Republican congressman called the discovery of the endangered toad an important development in regard to the planned Transit Mixed Concrete mine.

``I am requesting that (this matter be) investigated thoroughly and completely so that no stone is left unturned,'' McKeon said in a letter to federal officials. ``I believe it will be in the best interest of the community that a complete understanding of this project and its impacts be made clear.''

Last week, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said the reports on the environmental impact the mine would have on the Santa Clarita Valley were inadequate, and called for additional studies.

Santa Clarita officials have long contended that the environmental studies underestimated the profound effect the mine would have on the Santa Clarita Valley.

The two divisions of the Department of the Interior, the federal Bureau of Land Management and the federal Fish and Wildlife Service, will decide whether additional environmental studies are needed in light of the surprise discovery of the endangered toad tadpoles by a city biologist on May 25, said spokeswoman Jan Bedrosian.

Representatives from Azusa-based TMC said measures are already in place that will protect the arroyo toad.

The BLM owns the mineral rights to the 460 acres south of the Antelope Valley Freeway between Agua Dulce Canyon and Soledad Canyon roads, outside the city limits.

Federal officials approved plans for the mine 11 months ago after a 10- year review process. Under federal law, county officials may only impose reasonable environmental protections on the mine. The city is appealing that approval and challenging it in court through two separate lawsuits.

In April, the Board of Supervisors rejected the company's current plan to mine the Soledad Canyon hillside, agreeing to consider a long list of proposals submitted by city officials designed to address their environmental concerns. The board is expected to take up the issue again on Aug. 28.