A mining company has announced plans to restore portions of a foothills area carved out by its operations, but the proposal must still be approved by Azusa city leaders.

Introduced last year, the proposal offers to restore the scar in the east side of the mountains - known to residents as the “Mayan steps” - to its natural appearance.

Vulcan Materials Co. would use a technique known as micro-benching to restore the area, a process that would take five to seven years.

“We will be signing the Reimbursement Agreement with the city of Azusa in early April,” Jim Gore, manager of Vulcan’s Western Division permitting and governmental affairs, said. “Shortly thereafter, prior to filing our application, we will participate in a pre-application meeting with the city to discuss its scope.”

Last week, Azusa City Council members approved an agreement with Vulcan that would ensure that costs associated with reviewing any applications will be covered by Vulcan and not the city.

Officials stressed that the agreement does not guarantee approval of the plan, which involves the immediate reclamation of the east side of the Azusa quarry in exchange for mining the west side.

“Azusa is my No. 1 priority, but I’m looking at what’s beneficial for the whole region,” said Azusa mayor Joe Rocha. “We have to consider all options.”

Under a conditional use permit held by Vulcan, reclamation does not begin until the permit expires in 2038. Duarte residents are concerned because Vulcan wants to mine the side that faces their city. Karen Herrera, Duarte’s deputy city manager, said Azusa alerts its western neighbor when mining issues are on meeting agendas.

“We appreciate that cooperative spirit,” she said. “Because Duarte doesn’t control the mining, all we can do is monitor it and express our concern during the process.”

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