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4. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 4.3 AGRICULTURAL.RESOURCES -- contribute to the cumulative loss of agricultural lands. This is considered a significant and unavoidable impact of the Proposed Project. To help offset cumulative effects to local and regional agricultural resources,the applicant shall implement the prescribed mitigation. Mitigation Measure 4.3.1: The applicant or successors-in-interest shall be responsible for funding of an agricultural land easement through the American Farmland Trust(or other suitable organization). The fees paid shall he used for the sole purpose of purchasing, - holding,and/or maintenance of agricultural land conservation easements. Significance after Mitigation: Even with the payment of agricultural mitigation fees,the — Proposed Project would permanently take farmland out of production and therefore would still result in significant and unavoidable adverse effects on local and regional agricultural resources. Impact 4.3.2: The Proposed Project would not significantly conflict with the existing agricultural zoning of the subject properties nor with the provisions of an existing Williamson Act contract. This would be a less-than-significant impact. — A review of San Joaquin County's General Plan indicates that quarries are considered a permitted use that can occur in the Agricultural zones provided there are mineral resources. The batch plant and asphalt plant are considered accessory uses to the quarry. As shown in Table 4.3-2,the project site is currently under the provisions of the Williamson Act (Contract No. 77004; Preserve No. R-69-CI). Two of the four parcels (approximately 3 acres)under the existing contract are — currently undergoing the non-renewal process and are projected to expire in 2005. These parcels (known as Parcel A) will be the site of the relocated residence. As previously indicated, Chapter 9-1810 of the San Joaquin County Ordinance, indicates that quarry operations are a permitted use under the Williamson Act,provided that the subject land is rehabilitated for agricultural use [Section 9-1810.3(b)(1)(W)]. Therefore,the Proposed Project would not significantly conflict _ with existing zoning or with the provisions of an existing Williamson Act contract, and the impact is considered less-than-significant. Mitigation Measure: No mitigation is required. Impact 4.33: Mining activities have the potential to result in off-site impacts to adjacent agricultural lands. This would be a potentially significant impact. — Active mining operations conducted during the life of the project have the potential to have a long term detrimental effect on adjacent agricultural operations. Off-site impacts could result from — dust obstructing sunlight and coating leaves in adjacently vineyards, modification of frost patterns due to the creation of new water bodies(e.g., silt ponds), and air emissions from increased traffic RMC Pacific Vemalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Pmjmt 4.3-10 ESA/203013 Administrative Draft E02 March 2004