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1..0 INTRODUCTION PROPOSED PROJECT The San Joaquin County Community Development Department has determined that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required to study a request for zone reclassification from AG-40 (General Agriculture - 40-acre minimum) to PD (Planned Development), development of a major subdivision, cancellation of ft Williamson Act contract on 336.5 acres and excavation and extraction of 1,600,000 cubic yards of sand and clay from the site. The underlying project, known as Buckeye Ranch, is a 26- unit development,an 18-hole private golf course, a private equestrian center, enhancement of two lakes and a 720-acre nature preserve. The project site is located in northwestern San Joaquin County approximately five miles northwest of Lodi. Access to the site is via Lake Forest Road. EIR REQUIREMENTS Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., the purpose of an EIR is to provide objective information to public decision-makers and the general public regarding potential environmental effects resulting from the proposed project. CEQA requires that where a project is to be carried out or approved by more than one public agency, one agency shall be responsible for preparing the EIR. This agency is called the Lead Agency. San Joaquin County Community Development Department is the lead agency for this EIR. The proposed Buckeye Ranch development is considered a "project" as defined by CEQA Guidelines(14 California Code Regulations, Section 15378). The Guidelines require preparation of an EIR when the lead agency determines that there is substantial evidence on record that a project may have a significant effect on the environment (Guidelines, Section 15064). The County planning staff has made such a determination. EIR PROCESS As lead agency, San Joaquin County staff prepared an Initial Study that was circulated to local, regional, state and federal agencies and other interested parties. After the Initial Study was prepared,County staff determined that an EIR would be required for the proposed project and identified the major environmental issues to be addressed. These issues include: geology/soils, water resources, land use and planning policy, loss of agricultural land, traffic/circulation, noise, air quality, biotics, cultural resources and public services. The Initial Study found a number of issues not to be significant and requiring no further 1-1