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CHAPTER 2 Executive Summary 2.1 Introduction The RMC Pacific Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project site includes approximately - 688 acres of land that is regionally situated east of Koster Road, South Costa Ranch Road, and the Delta-Mendota Canal, south of Blewett Road, and approximately two miles east-northeast of the Highway 580/14ighway 5 interchange(refer to Figure 3-1, Regional Location Map). Of the 688 acres, approximately 590 acres is located within San Joaquin County and the remaining approximately 98 acres is located in Stanislaus County. The mining operation,as proposed, would consist of sand and gravel extraction and the processing of construction aggregates on property owned and leased by the applicant.The application proposes active mining for 26 to 60 years and the reclamation of all disturbed land in - phases, resulting in an ultimate end use of agricultural land and open space. The proposed mining operation would consist of the extraction of 1.7 to 4.0 million tons per year — of aggregate materials(sand and gravel)over a 26- to 60-year time period. The operation will be open pit, sand and gravel harvesting and processing. A mining plan was developed based on him reviewing over 35 soil borings completed on the project site. Maximum mining depths will vary from 88 to 116 feet below ground surface,depending on the groundwater level. No mining will occur in the groundwater aquifer. In addition to the mining operation,the project would include a processing plant and office facilities. Land uses in the area of the Proposed Project are governed by the San Joaquin County General ` Plan, the Stanislaus County General Plan,and the San Joaquin County and Stanislaus County Zoning Ordinances. Under the Proposed Project, no changes in land use designations are proposed,and mining activities are allowed under both the San Joaquin County General r Agriculture land use designation and the Stanislaus County Agriculture land use designation. 2.2 Issues of Concern A Notice of Preparation of an EIR (NOP)for the Proposed Project was circulated for a 30-day public review period beginning December 23, 2002, and ending on January 23, 2003. The notice was circulated to the public, local, state and federal agencies, and other interested parties to inform responsible agencies and the public that the Proposed Project could have significant r effects on the environment and to solicit their comments. RMC Pacific Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project 2-1 ESA 1203015 Draft Environmental Impact Report May 2006 r