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wells on neighboring properties be addressed, especially, impacts impacts to the existing _ 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. — 2a., b., c 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." Upon completion of mining the project site is proposed to be reclaimed to open space. Two of the parcels, APNs265-010-15 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 a mitigation fee to the American Farmland Trust. To date no Reclamation Plan has been received, so the Community Development Department cannot further evaluate this proposal. The loss of agricultural land cannot be mitigated to less than significant is the land is reclaimed to open space as proposed. The excavation of the sand and gravel deposits will involve extensive modifications to the site. The applicants are proposing to have temporary slopes of/4 to 1, which exceeds 1:1 as specified in the San Joaquin County Development Title Section 9-1415.3(k)(5). In order to exceed the 1:1 slope the applicant must provide the Community Development Department with a slope suitability study. The Development Title Section 9-1415.3(k) requires that all slopes over fifty feet in height shall be terraced. The applicant is proposing that final slopes have a full-engineered 2:1 slope without the required terracing. County standards for slopes are designed to reduce the likelihood of erosion and mudslides. The Community Development Department has requested additional information in order to address this request. This is a potentially significant impact. Also, as previously explained in the discussion on water, the applicant is proposing to relocate Hospital Creek to increase the area that could be mined. Grading and mining in the area could alter the stream flow on a permanent basis. This is a potentially significant impact. 2