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4.1 LAND USE AND PLANNING POLICY containing prime soils are not in agricultural production,but are covered by existing riparian vegetation and woodland. The non-prime soils on-site are in use as grazing land. The soils on Buckeye Ranch share three major characteristics: slow permeability, underlying hardpan and low erosion potential. Most of the soils, subsoils or claypans have a high clay content and are subject to seasonal shrinking and swelling. Limitations include 1)low permeability,of particular concern for septic systems and irrigation, and 2) shrinking and swelling which could cause structural damage to buildings and roads that are improperly designed. Chemical Applications Agricultural operations usually include chemical spraying for pest control and fertilization. The types of chemicals and applications are directly related to the type of crop. Chemical use could have an impact on future residents. For example, sulphur is used in viticulture. When this chemical is applied near residences,the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner's office often receives complaints because of the chemical's odor and fallout from aerial application. Residue of the chemical, when it falls on the surface of swimming pools, heightens the residents' perception of the use of the chemical and potential hazards associated with it. Uninformed residents often equate odor and fallout with a health hazard. Because the prevailing winds are from the west, agricultural operations west of the site would have a greater affect on residents than others. Currently, land to the west and north is in irrigated pasture, which requires no chemical spraying. Land to the east and south is in vineyard uses. Surveys of local growers indicate that fertilizer, sulphur and weed spray are applied to the vineyards, either by aerial spray or through irrigation. Williamson Act Lands The project site and the majority of parcels in the project vicinity are currently under Williamson Act contracts. Non-contract land is concentrated south of the Mokelumne River and Jahant Road(Figure 4.1- 3). The Williamson Act allows landowners to enter into an agreement with the County whereby the property owner agrees to maintain the land in agriculture or open space for a period of at least ten years. In exchange, the landowners are allowed a reduction in property taxes for the subject parcel. The Williamson Act allows a property owner to apply for cancellation of the contract at any time. Approval of the cancellation is made by the County Board of Supervisors,based on a series of findings,discussed below under impacts. Under the cancellation process,the property owner is subject to financial penalties for canceling the contract prematurely. 4.1-9