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5.11:SOILS • Result in substantial soil erosion • Be located on expansive soil,as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (International Code Council,1997),creating substantial risks to life or property The following sections describe the anticipated environmental impacts on agricultural production and soils during project construction and operation. 5.11.2.2 Farmland Conversions The proposed LEC project site is adjacent to farmland in an area generally zoned for agricultural use. The project site currently consists of ruderal grass and weeds, and is zoned for public utility use and power generation. While the agricultural lands along the proposed gas pipeline route may potentially be under one or more Williamson Act contracts,the pipeline installation will not represent a farmland conversion to a non-agricultural use. The pipeline installation is actually a temporary impact because the land above the gas pipeline will be restored to its pre-construction use. The pipeline will be installed deep enough to allow future cultivation (including deep ripping). Furthermore,the topsoil removed during pipeline excavation will be stockpiled and used to restore the land to its original condition before construction. For these reasons,the LEC project will not result in the conversion of any agricultural land to a non-agricultural use. 5.11.2.3 Jurisdictional Wetlands Based on the field surveys by a qualified biologist/wetland scientist,there are no wetlands present on the proposed LEC project site or along the proposed natural gas pipeline alignment. A canal immediately south of the proposed LEC site and Laydown Area C was observed to contain wetland plants,such as tule (Schoenoplectus acutus) and cattail (Typha latifolia), and drains west to White Slough and is likely a jurisdictional"waters of the U.S.;" however,no activities are planned within the canal. Further east,between I-5 and North Thornton Road, agricultural ditch runs east to west along the south side of the proposed gas pipeline alignment,but not expected to be impacted by the proposed project. During the biological survey,this ditch was dry and had been cleared of vegetation with herbicide treatments. No direct link was observed between this ditch and the waters of the U.S. on the west side of I-5;therefore,this ditch was not considered likely to be a jurisdictional waters of the U.S. No other potential jurisdictional waters of the U.S. or wetlands were observed along the proposed gas pipeline route. Therefore,the proposed LEC will not impact jurisdictional wetlands or other waters of the U.S. Section 5.2,Biological Resources, addresses this topic in greater detail. 5.11.2.4 Soil Erosion during Construction Construction impacts on soil resources can include increased soil erosion and soil compaction.Soil erosion causes the loss of topsoil and can increase the sediment load in surface receiving waters downstream of the construction site.The magnitude, extent, and duration of construction-related impacts depends on the erodibility of the soil;the proximity of the construction activity to the receiving water; and the construction methods, duration, and season. Because conditions that could lead to excessive soil erosion are not present at the LEC project site,little soil erosion is expected during the construction period. In addition,best SACI371322I082330009(LEC_5.11_SOILS.DOC) 5.11-7