Laserfiche WebLink
6.0 ALTERNATIVES <br /> Air Quality <br /> This alternative would avoid the construction and operational impacts of the project. <br /> If the site were used for more intensive agricultural use, such as a vineyard,construction impacts <br /> associated with the leveling of the site would have temporary dust and PM-10 impacts similar to <br /> that of the proposed project. Typical agricultural sources of pollutants(unpaved road dust, waste <br /> burning, pesticide spraying) would intermittently occur on the site. <br /> Water Resources <br /> This alternative assumes that the site will continue to be used for agricultural purposes and Tracy Lakes <br /> would remain unimproved. No additional demand on the local aquifer or diversions of Mokelumne River <br /> streamflow will occur. The flood elevations and flow dynamics will remain the same. No increase in <br /> nitrate loading to groundwater will occur, and there will be no major site disturbance that could generate <br /> soil erosion problems. <br /> Biological Resources <br /> Present conditions would continue with the one major exception that as a result of preliminary <br /> development activities, 43 13 acres of prime mature foothill riparian woodland, associated brush <br /> understory and ecotone habitat which includes potential Swainson's hawk nesting habitat,have either been <br /> destroyed or disturbed. Poaching and vandalism activities would continue to occur and cattle grazing <br /> would reduce the foraging value of the grassland. Leveling of the Iand property to convert grazing <br /> land to agricultural production would remove treble all foraging habitat and disturb nesting sites for <br /> the Swainson's hawk,a state-listed endangered species. It is unlikely the Department of Fish and Game <br /> would permit complete conversion of this site unless adequate mitigation for the loss of habitat is <br /> provided. <br /> Public Services <br /> There would be no demand on school services or solid waste collection. Police and fire protection <br /> services would continue as currently exists. <br /> Cultural Resources <br /> Damage to the surface archaeological remains of the Tracy Lakes complex has already taken place due <br /> to clearing and grading for the proposed roads and golf course. At this stage of planning,the no project <br /> alternative is the only acceptable alternative for these highly significant sites providing the property <br /> continues to be used for grazing purposes. Leveling of the land for agricultural purposes would destroy <br /> 6-2 <br />