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4. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 4.3 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES — The suitability of the local soil resource plays a crucial part in the determination of the Department of Conservation's (DOC's)farmland classification. The land capability classification system3 (LCC)developed by the USDA,Natural Resource Conservation Service(NRCS),rates each of the soil types within each respective County in relation to its associated limitations for _ crop management. A soil rated as Class I would have few limitations whereas a soil rated as Class VIII could have severe limitations that,in most circumstances, would preclude it from commercial crop production. Figure 4.3-2 provides the LCC for soil resources covering the project site assuming a readily available supply of irrigation water. As depicted in Figure 4.3-2, the project site is primarily comprised of soil types with LCC ratings of I,II and III, with soil depth(or depth to a root-restrictive layer)being the primary limitation to crop production. Based on these classifications,it may be concluded that the soil resource within the immediate project area presents few limitations to agricultural production. REGULATORY CONTEXT Statewide Regulation California Land Conservation Act — Under the provisions of the Williamson Act(California Land Conservation Act 1965, Section 51200), landowners contract with the County to maintain agricultural or open space use of their lands in return for reduced property tax assessment. The contract is self-renewing, however,the landowner may notify the County at any time of the intent to withdraw the land from its preserve status. Withdrawal involves a ten-year period of tax adjustment to full market value before protected open space can be converted to urban uses. Consequently, land under a Williamson Act Contract can be in either a renewal status or a non-renewal status. Lands with a non-renewal status indicate the owner has withdrawn from the Williamson Act Contract and is _ waiting for a period of tax adjustment for the land to reach its full market value. Non-renewal and cancellation lands are candidates for potential urbanization within the next ten years. In 1994,the Williamson Act was amended to include specific language regarding"conditional compatibility"(Government Code Section 51238.1), mining compatibility (Section 51238.2)and grandfather provisions (Section 51238.3). Government Code Section 51238.2 specifically addresses surface mining of Williamson Act-contracted lands. The requirements of Section 51238.1 and Section 51238.2 restrict the types of uses that may be allowed on Williamson Act lands. I 3 Land Capability Classification—Capability grouping depicts,in general,the suitability of soils most kinds of field crops. The groups are made according to the limitations of the soils when used for field craps. The capability system is grouped according to three(3)levels including,capability class,subclass,and unit. Capability Classes are designated by the Roman Numerals and are designed to indicate a progressively greater limitation and/or narrower practical use according to a corresponding increase from i to Vlll. Capability Subclasses are designated by the small letter and give an indication of the main limitation associated with the soil type(i.e.,e-erosion,w-wetness,s-shallow,c-climate). Capability units are soil groups within subclasses and suggest the chief kind of limitation. Generally Capability Class 3 or less are considered Prime Farmland according to the California Department of Conservation. RMC Pacific Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project 4.3-4 ESA/203015 Administrative Draft EIR March 2004