County to consider controversial Cottonwood Sand Mine

Published: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 3:02 pm

San Diego County to Weigh Controversial Sand Mine Proposal

San Diego County's Planning Commission is set to decide on the proposed Cottonwood Sand Mine, a project that has sparked significant debate within the Rancho San Diego community. The commission will consider the project on Wednesday.

The proposal involves a 10-year sand mining operation, with an additional two-year reclamation period. The project aims to extract 4.3 million cubic yards of material, with approximately 3.8 million cubic yards intended for market use.

The Stop Cottonwood Sand Mine Committee, which has opposed the project since its initial proposal in 2018, is expected to voice its continued concerns. The committee argues that the open-pit sand mining operation is incompatible with the established residential character of Rancho San Diego, which includes nearby homes, schools, and businesses. The committee also contends the project is inconsistent with the County General Plan and Community Specific Plans.

Residents have raised concerns about potential impacts, including increased traffic, noise, air pollution from mining activities, and the visual impact on the neighborhood. The proposed mine would be located on the site of the Cottonwood Golf Course, across from Cottonwood Two County Park.

Developers, Cottonwood Cajon, LLC, have stated that the project would dedicate 150 acres of permanent open space, create wildlife corridors and trails, and provide a local source of construction sand. They also claim the project would help offset rising construction costs and generate numerous jobs.

Mine operations are planned for Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m., with trucking operations scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

The County Planning & Development Services has recommended that the planning commission deny the project.

BNN's Perspective:

The Cottonwood Sand Mine proposal presents a complex challenge. While the potential economic benefits, such as job creation and reduced construction costs, are noteworthy, the concerns of local residents regarding environmental and quality-of-life impacts must be carefully considered. The Planning Commission faces a difficult task in balancing these competing interests and making a decision that serves the best interests of the entire community.

Keywords: Cottonwood Sand Mine, San Diego County, Rancho San Diego, sand mining, planning commission, open pit, traffic, noise, air pollution, construction, jobs, open space, County General Plan, Community Specific Plans, Cottonwood Golf Course

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