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SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS IDENTIFIED IN THE INITIAL STUDY Water The proposed quarry will relocate an existing creek (Hospital Creek) in the southwest corner of the project site. The creek will be relocated further south along the southern boundary of the site to increase the mining footprint. In a telephone conversation with Dan Gifford of The Department of Fish and Game on January 29, 2002, Mr. Gifford stated that the relocation of Hospital Creek would require a 1600 permit (Stream Alteration Agreement) from the Department of Fish and Game. The San Joaquin County Department of Public Works indicates that the relocation of the stream may have a potentially significant impact on storm drainage. The applicant also proposes to use groundwater and recycled water for the quarry water supply at a rate of approximately 3.8 million gallons per day. The quarry will rely exclusively on well water until silt ponds are established. Once the silt ponds are established recycled waters will be collected from the silt ponds and used for washing the sand and gravel. The amount of well water used will be reduced to 25 percent. The expected life span of the quarry will be 60-years, therefore, the use of well water is expected to be continuous for 60 years. In a letter dated January 23, 2002, the San Joaquin County Environmental Health Division required that the potential impacts to the existing wells on neighboring properties be addressed, especially, impacts to water level, water quality, water quantity and existing groundwater levels of the project area. It is not known at this time what impacts this continued pumping might have on other wells in the vicinity. This is a potentially significant impact. Earth The soil on the site consists of the following types: Zacharias gravelly clay loam, Zacharias clay loam, Vernalis clay loam, Capay clay, Cortina gravelly sandy loam. The San Joaquin County Important Farmland Map shows the soil as "prime farmland" and "farmland of statewide importance." The parcels located in Stanislaus County are also considered prime farmland. Upon completion of mining the project site is proposed to be reclaimed to open space or agriculture. Two of the parcels, APN's 265-010-15 and 16, are currently under Williamson Act Contract and to remain in contract must be reclaimed to prime farmland when the quarry operation ceases. In a letter dated January 29, 2002, the Department of Conservation indicates that the conversion of prime farmland to open space as indicated by the applicant would be a significant impact. The Department of Conservation also indicates that a projects conflict with Williamson Act contract is considered a significant impact. The remaining 532 acres are not under Williamson Act contract, however, they are listed as "prime farmland" and "farmland of statewide importance". If they are reclaimed to open space after the mining operation ceases it would result in a significant loss of Agricultural land. This is a significant environmental impact. The impact can be partly mitigated by paying an agricultural mitigation fee. The loss of agricultural land cannot be mitigated to less than significant if the land is reclaimed to open space as proposed. Notice of Preparation 2 PA-0200065