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5. ALTERNATIVES Air Quality Under the No Project Alternative,there would be no new emissions sources or change in existing emissions sources from agricultural uses at the project site. The air quality impacts of the No Project Alternative would be less than those associated with the Proposed Project. Geology and Soils/Mineral Resources Under the No Project Alternative,there would be no immediate impacts to the site geology, topography,or soils. Agricultural cultivation would continue on the site and there would be some soil erosion associated with agricultural activities. However,there would not be issues with slope _ stability and the potential for excessive soil erosion with this alternative. The Geology, Soils and Seismicity impacts of the No Project Alternative would be less than those associated with the Proposed Project. Hydrology and Water Quality Under the No Project Alternative,existing on-site water wells would continue to be used for residential and agricultural irrigation purposes. Under the Proposed Project the on-site water wells would be used for mining processes in addition to silt ponds. The potential to alter groundwater flows,deplete groundwater levels,and contribute to local and regional groundwater overdraft would be lessened with the No Project Alternative. The addition of impervious surface areas and the storage of hazardous materials associated with mining would not occur and impacts to water quality would be less. The potential for hydrology and water quality impacts under the No Project Alternative would be less than under the Proposed Project. _ Biological Resources Under the No Project Alternative,impacts to biological resources from existing agricultural activities could still occur. However,the potential for on-site impacts to biological resources under the No Project Alternative would be less than those associated with the Proposed Project _ due to the lack of substantial physical changes to the site. Cultural Resources The No Project Alternative would allow continued agricultural use of the property. The potential for damage to archaeological and historic resources from deep excavations that could occur under the Proposed Project would not occur. Hazards and Hazardous Materials — Agricultural chemical use associated with the current agricultural practices on the site would continue under the No Project Alternative. The Proposed Project would involve the installation and use of above-ground fuel storage tanks,and the storage and use of hazardous materials associated with mining. New types of hazardous materials would be brought onto the site with the Proposed Project. Potential hazards associated with mining pits would not occur with the No RMC Pacific Vernalis Quauy Mining and Reclamauon Project 5-8 FSA/203015 Admmistiative Draft©R March 2004