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8.2 RESPONSES TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST <br /> 1 . The responses in this section address potential environmental impacts which could be incurred <br /> under land application of the production wastewater as spray irrigation to approximately 200 <br /> acres. The discussions to follow will address those items that were marked as having Less Than <br /> Significant Impact. <br /> III. GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS. Would the proposal result in or expose people to potential <br /> impacts involving: <br /> b) Seismic ground shaking? <br /> The are lies in a zone of active seismicity. The proposed project only deals with the root <br /> zone or plowing zone, which does not change the overall geologic structure or stability of <br /> the site. <br /> f) Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from evacuation, grading, <br /> or fill? <br /> During the period when discing or plowing occurs, the soils will be temporarily more <br /> susceptible to wind or water erosion on-site. When that operation is complete and a new <br /> crop is established and maintained, the wind and water erosion potential will be less than <br /> significant. The net, long term effect will be a decrease in wind and water erosion. <br /> h) Expansive soils? <br /> On slopes of 8-30%, the Calla-Carbona complex soils have a slow permeability, high water <br /> capacity, and high shrink-swell potential. Runoff is rapid, and the hazard of water erosion <br /> is moderate or severe. Vegetation must be maintained to protect the soils from erosion. On <br /> slopes of 2-8%, Carbona clay loam are similar to the Calla-Carbona except that runoff is <br /> slow, and the hazard of water erosion is slight. <br /> The proposed sprinkler and drip irrigation systems are suitable for the soils. They permit an <br /> even,controlled application of water, help to prevent excessive runoff, and minimize the risk <br /> of erosion. All tillage should be on the contour or across the slopes. Returning crop residue <br /> to the soil and regularly adding mulch improves fertility, minimizes crusting, and increases <br /> the rate of water intake. <br /> IV. WATER. Would the proposal result in: <br /> a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface <br /> runoff? <br /> The introduction of mulch into the root zone of the soil will increase the soil absorption rate <br /> and make the heavy clay soils more amenable to root growth for future crops. Standard soil <br /> amendments are used for this purpose in agricultural operations. No change in the <br /> topography proposed, so there is not change in the drainage patterns proposed. <br /> The total amount of land which drains through the Musco parcel is about 4 sections,or about <br /> 2,500 acres. The Musco irrigation project would be about 200 acres (8% of the watershed) <br /> in size upon completion. With the proposed irrigation project,the soil would likely be <br /> moister in the rainy season due to ongoing irrigation but also would have an inherently <br /> -14- <br />