SU0004094 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

4. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 4.3 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES • Convert Prime Farmland,Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance, as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the FMMP of the California Resources Agency,to non-agricultural use; ift • Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract; • Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, ` could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural uses; or • Impair agricultural productivity or use of neighboring areas. IMPACT ANALYSIS Impact 4.3.1: Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in the conversion of Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance. This would be a significant _ impact. As described previously in the setting discussion, agricultural lands within the proposed mining _ area meet the qualifications for Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance(DOC, 2000). In general,these classifications are used for lands that have been used for irrigated agricultural production at some time during the four years prior to the mapping date(2000). Active agricultural production(orchards)occurs over half of the project site with the remaining acreage currently not under production. Given that no new permanent development(e.g.,residential,commercial,etc.)is proposed as part of the project,no absolute conversion of Prime Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural use would occur,as the land base would still be available for agricultural usage ►. following completion of the project and final reclamation. Although the majority of the project lands can ultimately be reclaimed to agricultural use,the pit sides would require the completion of 2:1 engineered-slopes along the perimeter of the mining area and would remain after the completion of mining. As cultivation is not feasible on these steeper slopes,the Proposed Project would result a net reduction in the agricultural land. Under a worst-case scenario,it is estimated that the Proposed Project would result in the permanent loss of approximately 140-acres of existing farmland. Of this total,it is estimated that approximately 113-acres would consist of Prime Farmland,20.5-acres of Famdand of Statewide Importance, and 6.3-acres of Farmland of Local Importance. As these lands would no longer be available for cultivation,this net reduction in the available farmland base is considered permanent and significant under CEQA particularly given the context of considerable conversion of prime farmland within the County. There is a general trend of decreasing agricultural land acreage in California(refer to Table 4.3-3), and the Proposed Project would result in a reduction of agricultural land in San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. When considered in conjunction with the substantial growth pressures currently being experienced in urban centers to the north, the Proposed Project would RMC P�ific vernalis Quany Mining and Reclamation emjw 4.3-9 ESA/203015 Administrative Draft Erg M=h 2004