Graniterock seeks permit amendment to solidify Wilson Quarry future

Aromas – Today Graniterock submitted a permit amendment request for its Wilson Quarry to the San Benito County Planning Department. The permit amendment aims to solidify the long-term sustainability of a critical local source of affordable construction materials.

The proposed amendment will allow the company to continue its carefully managed reclamation activities within the current permit footprint. Aggregate from the Wilson Quarry, located in Aromas, stretches local tax dollars for roads, schools, water supply, and other infrastructure projects across San Benito County and the tri-county region.

The amendment seeks approval from San Benito County to extend the placement of reclamation material to an area adjacent to the current placement site and located entirely within its existing use permit boundary. This newly available area represents 5% of the Wilson Quarry site.

The amendment involves no new truck traffic, haul routes or changes to aggregate production levels. Nor does it involve any expansion of the Wilson Quarry, which continues to be powered by 100% renewable energy, including two solar arrays located onsite.

The end-use of the reclamation area will remain revegetated open space, consistent with the quarry’s long-standing reclamation plan.

“For 125 years, the Wilson Quarry has helped build the foundation of our region,” said Graniterock CEO Peter Lemon. “This permit amendment allows us to continue responsible reclamation within our existing boundary while maintaining an affordable, local supply of construction materials that our communities and customers rely on.”

The Wilson Quarry is a cornerstone of the local economy, providing over 100 jobs, and 75% of San Benito County's aggregate production tax. Graniterock is the county's second largest property taxpayer and in 2024 contributed 11% of all sales tax collected in San Benito County.

Anchored by the Wilson Quarry, Graniterock supports more than 300 local vendors and small businesses across San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. And 540 Graniterock employees live in the tri-county region, including 103 in San Benito County alone. 

Owned and operated by Graniterock since 1900, the Wilson Quarry continues to play a vital role supplying essential infrastructure throughout the local region and San Francisco Bay Area, including highways, airports, local schools and major water and flood protection projects. Its materials have reduced transportation impacts by providing an affordable local supply for projects that would otherwise depend on imported aggregate.