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Analysis Background During the environmental review for this project,several potentially significant environmental impacts were identified. Based on this, the applicants were given the option of either preparing additional detailed studies, addressing each impact, or preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The applicants were also advised that if they elected to prepare additional studies rather than an EIR and if the studies and subsequent staff review concluded that the project would indeed have significant, unavoidable, adverse impacts, then the CEQA Guidelines would require that either an EIR be prepared (and subsequent Statements of Overriding Considerations be made) or the project be denied. In this case, the applicants chose to prepare additional studies, which included the following: a biological survey, a hydrologic study simulating performance of the percolation ponds, and a cultural resource survey. These studies were submitted and reviewed by the Community Development Department and Public Health Services, who concluded that the project would likely have significant environmental impacts relative to ground and surface water quality, and public health and safety. General Plan Consistency The proposed percolation ponds are inconsistent with several General Plan policies and objectives,which are identified and discussed below. Growth Accommodation Objective 4 'To protect the public. existing and planned land uses,and the environment from natural and development J hazards." Public Health Services has stated that during the flooding of 1983, water was observed boiling up from beneath the soil on the project site. Also, there is the potential for the levee to fail and the site to be flooded. In both cases, the ponds could fail, ultimately exposing the public to sewage contamination. Growth Accommodation Policy 10 'Development shall be compatible with adjacent uses." Development of the percolation ponds may be incompatible with surrounding uses - specifically, the Oakwood Lake Resort directly to the south, particularly with respect to odors, and possible contamination of the aquifer supplying water to Oakwood Lake. Growth Accommodation Policy 13 'Development shall not jeopardize public health and safety." As stated previously, public health and safety may indeed be compromised in the event of flooding and subsequent pond failure. San Joaquin County SA-93-42/Crossroads Ventures J Community Development Page 6