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DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION <br /> S T A T E O F C A L I F O R N I A <br /> January 29, 2003VIA .Cn� <br /> • F RMATION MAILED Lon?AX: (209) 468-316m�/1/yE�e�u�003 <br /> CON <br /> OFFICE OF MINE /l`UCN/ <br /> RECLAMATION <br /> Leanne Mueller, Associate Planner <br /> Planning Division <br /> 801 K STREET Community Development Department <br /> Po6 09-06 <br /> 1810 East Hazelton Avenue <br /> SACRAMENTO <br /> _ CALIFORNIA Stockton, CA 95205 <br /> 95814 <br /> PHONE Dear Ms. Mueller: <br /> 916/323-9198 <br /> FAX Initial Study and Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Impact <br /> 916/322-4862 Report-RMC Pacific Materials, Inc., Vernalis Quarry, Application No. <br /> TDD QX-01-02, Environmental Impact Report No. PA-0200065 <br /> 916/324-2555 <br /> The Department of Conservation's Office of Mine Reclamation (OMR) has <br /> INTERNET <br /> consrv.ca.gov reviewed the Initial Study and Notice of Preparation (NOP) for an <br /> Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Vernalis Quarry Aggregate <br /> Mining Project. OMR staff conducted a site visit with the lead agency on <br /> GRAY DAVIS January 10, 2003. <br /> GOVERNOR <br /> We recommend that the following issues be evaluated in the DEIR so that the optimal <br /> alternative can be identified and developed in the approved reclamation plan. <br /> ➢ The DEIR should evaluate potential impacts, discuss alternatives and provide <br /> mitigation to prime agricultural land, especially those under Williamson Act <br /> Contract as required by §3707(a), (b), (c) and (d). Mitigation for the withdrawal of <br /> prime agricultural land production through the formation of pit slopes should be <br /> discussed. Compatibility with Government Code section 51238.2 should be <br /> examined, in particular the placement of a redi-mix and a batch plant on or in <br /> proximity to Williamson Act contracted land. <br /> ➢ Potential impacts to sensitive species, and wildlife habitat should be evaluated in <br /> the DEIR. The revised plan must describe a mining and reclamation schedule <br /> that provides for completion of mining on each segment so that reclamation can <br /> be concurrent or phased (SMARA 2772). Mitigation measures and/or <br /> alternatives to the relocation of Hospital Creek must be discussed. <br />