SU0006291 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

U i The following section discusses the specific ehvironmental issues and proposedtasks for each environmental parameter that may be affected by the project.' The.following list of environmental issues may be expanded or reduced depending on the results of the public responses received during the NOP comment period and scoping meeting, if requested. Aesthetics/Light and Glare Project-related excavation.and"�reclamatlon activities will impact 1127 acres on the 1,9'45 acre site. This section of the EIR will evaluate the impacts of-.the Project-on aesthetics, including generation.of light pollution'and glare, on surrounding properties'and the nighttime environment. MBA will summarize all Sari Joaquin County and Caltrans policies related to the protection of visual resources and landscape screening. MBA will characterize the visual landscape and vistas, focusing on views from Highway 88, Highway 12, and nearby local roadways and adjacent residents: Based on our initial review, State Route(s) 88 and 12 are not designated by Caltrans as scenic highways. MBA will prepare a description of visual conditions during excavation and following reclamation from up to four vantage points. No visual simulations are proposed as part of this effort. MBA will prepare a narrative description of the possible appearance of each of the proposed alternatives and the manner in which the Project may affect vistas or alter visual characteristics of the larger project area. Land Use and Planning The proposed ruining site is located in northeastern San Joaquin County and is currently used for cattle grazing, with a portion (474 acres) used for a large chicken farming operation. The project site is designated under the San Joaquin County General Plan as Agriculture (AG) and zone as AG-80. The proposed mining is a conditionally permitted use in the AG-80 zone with an approved Quarry Excavation permit. MBA proposes to review the reclamation plan for compliance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), the County's General Plan, and the County's Development Title and Zoning Code. This section will serve as a reference for project regulatory compliance as it pertains to land use and mining reclamation. Several agencies have regulatory authority over surface mining and reclamation activities. SMARA requires site reclamation following surface mining operations to minimize water quality degradation, flooding, erosion, sedimentation, and damage to aquatic habitat (SMARA Sections 2722 and 2733). For example, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) regulate waste discharge requirements, which are required for any project that may discharge waste or threatens to discharge waste that may affect waters of the State (California Water Code Section 13260)_ Likewise, the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) has regulatory authority regarding fish and their habitat. The EIR will provide an evaluation of applicable plans and policies based on actions outlined in the project description to determine whether the Project would conflict with policies adopted for the purpose of mitigating significant environmental effects. The impact analysis will also identify potential land use conflicts that may arise as a result of issues discussed in other sections of the document (e.g., dust impacts, groundwater impacts, etc.). The land use section will summarize any such issues and cross reference them to other sections of the document. Agricultural Resources A reconnaissance of the site perimeter indicates that portions of the project site are currently used for livestock grazing and a poultry ranch. MBA will evaluate the potential for the Project to impact these agricultural resources_ Portions of the project site are currently under one or more Williamson Act contracts. MBA will determine the status of these contracts (e.g., active, non-renewal, etc.) as part of the EIR. The project site is designated