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CHAPTER 1 Introduction 6. 1 .1 Overview This Environmental Impact Report(EIR)for the Cemex Vernalis Quarry Mining and 6. Reclamation Project(proposed project) (SCH#2002122122),formerly known as the RMC Pacific Vernalis Quarry, was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)and CEQA Guidelines(California Code of Regulations,Title 14).1 The County of San This Joaquin is the lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed project and has the principal responsibility for approving the project. As described in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15121(a),an EIR is a public information document that assesses potential environmental effects ~ of a proposed project,as well as identifies mitigation measures and alternatives to the project that could reduce or avoid adverse environmental impacts.CEQA requires that state and local government agencies consider the environmental consequences of projects over which they have discretionary authority. The EIR is an informational document used in the planning and decision-making process. It is not the purpose of an EIR to recommend either approval or denial of a project. r The procedures required by CEQA"are intended to assist public agencies in systematically identifying both the significant effects of proposed projects and the feasible alternatives or 6' feasible mitigation measures which will avoid or substantially lessen such significant effects (Public Resources Code Section 21002)."As a general rule, "public agencies should not approve projects as proposed if there are feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures available rm which would substantially lessen the significant environmental effects of such projects." However, "in the event specific economic,social,or other conditions make infeasible such project alternatives or such mitigation measures,individual projects may be approved in spite of one or more significant effects thereof(ibid.)." i Stated differently,under CEQA,a lead agency must make certain determinations before it can approve or carry out a project if the EIR reveals that the project will result in one or more significant environmental impacts. r The lead agency must"certify"the Final EIR.According to the"CEQA Guidelines," "certification"consists of three separate steps. Prior to approving a project, the lead agency shall certify that(1)the Final EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA; (2)the Final EIR LI Cemex acquired RMC Pacific after the initial release of the Draft Environmental Impact Report. 1 1. Cemea Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project ESA/203015 Final Emironmental Impad Report June 2008 L