COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO CALIFORNIA
Control No.: PLNP2010-00264 Type: GPB-RZB-UPB-REB-DGB
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS – COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: STONERIDGE QUARRY GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, REZONE, USE PERMIT, RECLAMATION PLAN, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
CONTACT: Jeff Gamel, Senior Planner, 874-5835; [email protected]
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NOS.: 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045 and 065.
LOCATION: The project site is located approximately three miles south of US Highway 50, and 25 miles east of the City of Sacramento in eastern Sacramento County, California. More specifically, the project site is located approximately 1.5 miles south of White Rock Road, and 500 feet east of Scott Road, in the unincorporated Cosumnes community planning area of Sacramento County (Supervisor District 5: Don Nottoli)
APPLICANT: ENGINEER: Angelo G. Tsakopoulos Cunningham Engineering 7423 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Suite 10 2940 Spafford Street, Suite 200 Carmichael, CA 95608 Davis, CA 95618 Attention: Pete Dwelley Attention: Steve Greenfield
OWNER: REPRESENTATIVE: Angelo G. and Katherine Tsakopoulos Law Offices of Gregory D. Thatch 7423 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Suite 10 1730 I Street, Suite 220 Carmichael, CA 95608 Sacramento, CA 95811 Attention: Angelo G. Tsakopoulos Attention: Gregory D. Thatch
STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
REQUEST: 1. A General Plan Amendment to the General Plan Land Use Diagram to remove the Resource Conservation Area (RCA) land use designation from 410 acres of the 1,360+ acre property and to add the Aggregate Resource Area (ARA) land use designation to 619 acres of the property.
2. A Rezone from AG-80 (Agricultural) to AG-80 (SM) (Surface Mining Combining) for 619 acres of the 1,360+ acre property.
3. A Use Permit to allow quarry mining and processing of materials including an aggregate processing plant, hot-mix asphalt plant, ready-mix concrete plant, construction materials recycling and dimension stone workshop on 619 acres of the 1,360+ acre property for a term of 100 years.
4. A Reclamation Plan to reclaim and reuse the 619 acres as a lake (quarry pit) and future grazing and habitat uses (aggregate processing area).
5. A Development Agreement between the applicant and the County of Sacramento (County).
ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT: DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
Overview: The Applicant proposes to develop a hardrock quarry on property currently utilized for grazing land. Associated with the Quarry will be a processing facility that will include an aggregate processing plant, hot-mix asphalt plant, concrete batch plant, construction materials recycle plant, and a dimension stone workshop (cut and polish large slabs of material). The maximum proposed annual aggregate production during the project life would be six million tons per year. The applicant proposes that the mining would continue for up to 100 years through seven mining phases. A total of approximately 353 million tons of aggregate material would be mined over the life of the project. Excavation within the quarry pit area would be an average depth of 350 feet below the original grade. At the conclusion of the aggregate production, a three-year final reclamation phase would extend the total project lifespan to 103 years. The proposed post-mining land use for the project site would be a lake (quarry pit) and grazing and habitat uses (aggregate processing area).
Summary of Significant Issues: Hardrock Mining: The proposal would be one of two modern hardrock (quarry) mining operations to be approved in the County. The Teichert Quarry, located adjacent to the project site, was approved by the County Board of Supervisors (Board) on November 30, 2010. Operational controls and project conditions are included that mitigate for potential impacts from quarry activities. One of the significant issues is the permit length. Other mining operations in Sacramento County, including the recently approved Teichert use permit, have terms of 25 years. JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 2 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
In this case, the applicant is requesting a permit term of 100-years. A Development Agreement (DA) is proposed along with other entitlements to allow this proposed mining operation. If the 100-year term is permitted, the attached DA will require periodic reviews every 25 years. Therefore, two options are recommended by staff for the permit length.
Consistency with Resource Conservation Area: The proposed mining site is located outside of the Urban Services Boundary and within one of the County’s designated Resource Conservation Areas (RCA). As such, the project represents a significant change of planned land use for the area. The area has been contemplated in recent past County public discussion for continued agriculture, habitat preservation, and open space. However, the RCA is generally coincident with the State designated Mineral Resource Zone (MRZ)-2 for which evidence substantiates the existence of important aggregate deposits. The removal of the RCA designation, in order to permit the project, is a reasonable and appropriate trade-off. The applicant has agreed to mitigation requiring permanent protection an amount of land equal to the footprint of the quarry. Conservation easements will be provided in the general vicinity of the project.
Open Space: The unincorporated area south of White Rock Road is an important natural resource and open space area for the County. Much of the land in this area is in private holdings and used for cattle grazing, and by definition qualifies as open space. The County has long expressed an interest to maintain intact habitat areas by establishing natural open space linkages through conservation easements and other means to ensure the long-term preservation of natural resources in this area. The applicant has agreed to mitigation requiring protection of an amount of land equal to the footprint of the quarry via conservation easements in the general vicinity of the quarry. Exhibits attached to the Development Agreement (DA) show that these easements will connect to conservation easements identified for the adjacent Teichert property in a manner so as to create a contiguous open space corridor south of White Rock Road having an overall length of approximately 2.5 miles. In addition, the mining will provide a revenue source to support continued ranching operations consistent with the long-term open space goals for this area.
Cumulative Truck Traffic Impacts: The three large hard rock quarries planned for the eastern County, plus a number of other planned/proposed projects in this area, will contribute to future significant, cumulative traffic conditions. The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) examines worst case traffic conditions and identifies fair share mitigation responsibilities for necessary roadway improvements and ongoing roadway maintenance. A subsequent analysis, known as the East Sacramento Region Aggregate Mining Truck Management Study (Truck Management Plan) is being prepared to examine likely or “reasonable” conditions. The project
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conditions and DA contain appropriate provisions to mitigate cumulative impacts, and to require participation in a Truck Management Plan adopted by the Board.
Development Agreement: The staff and applicant have agreed to enter into a DA to vest the rights of the project in exchange for voluntary public benefit items that go beyond the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mitigation requirements. The DA is an integral part of the staff recommendation. As noted above, the public benefit items contained therein support opening the eastern County to mining, while providing additional revenue to support continued ranching operations consistent with long-term open space goals. In addition, the DA will provide a coordinated program for regional open space, habitat and recreation conservation consistent with the agriculture, open space, and resource protection goals outlined in the various General Plan elements.
Other CEQA Impacts: The DEIR concludes that specified impacts to aesthetics, agricultural resources, biological resources, cultural resources, traffic, air quality, land use, and climate change would be significant and unavoidable. The staff supports a determination that the benefits of the project will outweigh the unavoidable adverse effects and that a statement of overriding considerations should be adopted by the County in support of the project.
CPAC Recommendation: The Cosumnes Community Planning Advisory Council (CPAC) met on March 23, 2011, April 27, 2011, and again on August 24, 2011, to hear the project. The CPAC recommended APPROVAL of the project by a vote of 4-0. Their recommendation included the use of 5-strand barbed-wire fencing around the quarry perimeter, a similar non-profit foundation structure for both the County- wide open space funding and the Cosumnes area project funding, continued participation in the Truck Management Plan, and serious concerns for potential conflicts between the future public trail and adjacent agricultural uses.
Recommendations: Staff is recommending APPROVAL of the proposed project, but with two options for the term— that is, either a term of 25 years or a term of 100 years with periodic reviews every 25 years at which time the Board of Supervisors could consider certain limited modifications to the conditions of approval.
I. Location Map 5 II. Project Analysis 6 III. Staff Recommendations 30 IV. Attachments 94 V. Exhibits 94 VI. CPAC Referral 95
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I. LOCATION MAP
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II. PROJECT ANALYSIS
A. Adjacent Land Uses and Zoning:
Existing Land Use Zoning Designations Subject Property Agriculture – grazing land AG-80; General Agriculture (80-acre minimum) North Agriculture – grazing land; AG-80; General Agriculture White Rock Road; Folsom (80-acre minimum) Sphere of Influence (SOI) South Agriculture – grazing land AG-80; General Agriculture (80-acre minimum) East Agriculture -- grazing land AG-80; General Agriculture (80-acre minimum) West Agriculture – grazing land; AG-80; General Agriculture Scott Road; Prairie City Off- (80-acre Minimum); and AG- Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park 80 (SM); General Agriculture (80-acre minimum w/SM Combining) B. Aggregate Mining in the County of Sacramento: Aggregate mining is a critical support land use for virtually all economic growth in any given region. There is a direct correlation between population growth and aggregate consumption, and it is important to have a convenient and low-cost source of aggregates. Aggregates are used in many forms of construction and construction products, including ready-mix concrete, asphaltic concrete, stucco, roadways, foundations, buildings, infrastructure, airports and levee improvements. The State Department of Conservation (State DOC) estimates that seven tons of aggregate material annually per capita is necessary to meet the state’s current construction needs and 100 tons is necessary to construct the average home.
Historically, aggregate mining has occurred within and adjacent to the American River. Over the last 40-50 years, mining has shifted to the alluvial deposits of the historic river terraces south of the current channel in the general vicinity of properties occurring along Jackson Road. Teichert Aggregates, Granite Construction Company and others have mined several hundred acres in this area. According to the State DOC, aggregate reserves associated with these alluvial deposits are nearly exhausted and expected to last for only another five to ten years under ideal market conditions (i.e., less than 50 million tons remaining of significant available permitted alluvial deposits in the unincorporated County).
Possible alternative locations for construction aggregates include mining dredger tailings such as those that are found on the Aerojet property, south of Highway 50. These dredger tailings are limited in that there is only approximately 10-15 years of
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supply (approximately 100 million tons), and they are of much lower quality, which requires a higher degree of processing to achieve a merchantable product. Another alternative is recycling of aggregate materials such as those salvaged from roadway improvement projects or construction demolition. The larger aggregate producers conduct recycling operations at their main processing plants, but recycling amounts only to a small portion of the overall aggregate material processed and ready for sale (approximately ten percent (10%) of the total current County-wide aggregate production). Out-of-County sources include the goldfields of Yuba County (which also include dredger tailings) and the alluvial deposits along Cache Creek in Yolo County, Coon Creek in Placer County, and a hard rock quarry in Amador County. However, the longer the distance to import aggregates, the greater the impacts to traffic congestion and air quality, roadway maintenance and construction costs.
Within the last four to five years, the County has received three applications for hardrock quarry mining in the eastern portion of the County, in an area east of Scott Road and south of White Rock Road. The Teichert Quarry application was approved on November 30, 2010, and the Milgate Quarry application is still pending. This is a new method of mining for the County. Hardrock quarrying in the east area is the next likely area of mining as there are large deposits of high-quality rock located in the area. It is also an area in which urbanization has been prohibited to date, and is not planned at this time. The potential impacts of hardrock mining can be mitigated through project conditions and CEQA mitigation measures such as those identified herein for this project. In exchange for opening up this area to this new type of mining, staff is proposing a program established through the use of development agreements with each operator that will help balance short-term private interests with long-term public interests.
Below are some key distinctions in the methods of mining associated with alluvial deposits and hardrock quarries:
Hardrock deposits are denser and much deeper than alluvial deposits, so there is more tonnage available within a smaller surface area. As a result, the amount of land impacted for the same tonnage can be significantly less as compared to the volume extracted.
Excavation of hardrock involves blasting to loosen and break up the rock, as compared to “stripping” the layers which is the method used for alluvial deposits.
Processing of hardrock generates lower emissions, involves less wash water, and has less waste material than with alluvial deposits.
Hardrock products are more varied due to the ability to control rock size, and include large slabs that can be cut into countertops and building products.
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Hardrock reclamation is different because the pits are smaller in surface area and generally much deeper. Furthermore, reclamation of hard rock quarry operations is generally limited to the end stages of operation, while reclamation of alluvial sites can occur incrementally throughout the mining process. The hardrock applications received to date propose reclamation to grazing, habitat, and water storage.
C. Aggregate Permit Terms in Sacramento County: The Stoneridge Quarry DA, as drafted, will vest the applicant with the right to mine the property in accordance with the approved mining plan and mining methods for up to 100 years, and an additional three years to reclaim the property once mining has been completed. The applicant has indicated that the extended term is needed given the availability of aggregate material and significant investment for the infrastructure, mitigation, and support facilities necessary in order to conduct and complete the mining. It should be noted that the requested term is significantly greater than the term granted by the County in the past for other mining permits, which typically range from 10-25 years. Other jurisdictions in northern California also limit mining permits to 20-30 years (see attached survey, Exhibit 23). Fresno and Placer Counties have each granted permits for quarry mining for up to 40 years. Madera County has granted a permit for quarry mining for up to 50 years. Monterey County appears has granted a permit for quarry mining for up to 100 years.
The traditional 25-year permit term has been based on the General Plan horizon of 20 to 25 years because it is difficult to anticipate and predict future development patterns and environmental circumstances for the County beyond the General Plan horizon.
The DA is intended to vest the applicant the right to operate subject to County codes, ordinances and resolutions, rules and regulations, and building improvement standards in effect at the time of execution of the DA in exchange for public benefits.
In addition, that there is a greater investment to be made for hardrock quarry mining, particularly in remote areas of the County. The necessary infrastructure to support mining on this scale, including processing facilities and roadway improvements which can amount to millions of dollars, are far greater than those necessary to permit mining of alluvial aggregate resources closer to developed urban areas. Other mining operations in the County are somewhat different than this proposal in that they are much smaller in scale and some, like the recently approved Teichert Quarry mine, have an off-site processing plant that is already established nearby and can be accessed with a conveyor system. Therefore, while a 25-year permit duration is more typical for recent mining approvals in Sacramento County, a longer use permit could be acceptable if the terms in the DA allow for a robust periodic review every 25 years.
Given the 100-year request, staff has worked closely with the applicant on terms for a periodic review. Provisions in the draft DA will provide for a periodic review every 25 JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 8 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
years to ensure that changes in environmental regulations and technological practices are recognized and, if necessary, required for the continued mining by new conditions or mitigation measures, provided those changes and practices are generally applicable to all other aggregate mining operations within the County. New conditions may be imposed to address resulting impacts to public health or safety, or if it is determined that the operation in and of itself poses a public hazard or public nuisance to the community. In addition, after 25 years, any new development not related to the specific terms that are vested (i.e., right to mine, including the maximum amount of aggregates per year, location and maximum depth of the pit) would have to comply with Countywide regulations such as building codes, and public improvement standards in effect at the time of construction. The periodic review as it applies to zoning code requirements would pertain solely to mining operational elements such as hours of operations, blasting practices and lighting, and not to development standards associated with the location of the physical development of the quarry pit or related processing facilities. The Board of Supervisors may impose conditions that are generally applicable to all other aggregate mining operations within the County via the changes in the future zoning code.
D. Background and Relation to the Teichert Quarry: In 2005, Granite Construction Company submitted the Walltown Quarry application (Control No. 05-0953). The Granite application was unprecedented in terms of the size and scale of the operation (i.e., a proposal to mine 353 million tons of material over a 100-year term, and resulting in a 350-acre pit area with a maximum depth of 400 feet). In 2010, Granite Construction withdrew the application, and the property owner opted to continue the entitlement process under the name of the Stoneridge Quarry. The Stoneridge Quarry is identical to the Walltown Quarry in terms of the proposed physical location, size, scale, reclamation, and operational characteristics.
On November 30, 2010, the County Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the Teichert Quarry application for a hardrock quarry to mine 135 million tons of material over a 25-year permit term, resulting in a 260-acre pit area with a maximum depth of 200 feet. The Teichert Quarry is located to the west and adjacent to the Stoneridge Quarry. Both mining operations will share a common access (currently unimproved County right-of-way) to White Rock Road, a distance of approximately one mile.
The Teichert Quarry approval also included a Development Agreement (DA) for the project. That DA contains three main components: a cents-per-ton fee for mined material, a multi-purpose trail dedication, and participation in a truck management study. Initially, $400,000 will be collected in two payments and will be used to fund rangers and maintenance for the American River Parkway. A non-profit foundation is proposed to be established to administer the money collected from the cents-per-ton fee and funding will be provided for other open space and recreation purposes throughout the County, with ten percent (10%) reserved for projects in the Cosumnes area. Teichert also agreed through the DA to dedicate a corridor of at least 150 feet in width JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 9 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
for construction of a multi-purpose trail. The trail corridor would run from White Rock Road to the south boundary of the Teichert property, a distance of approximately 1.5 miles, and the dedication will occur after the County has adopted a plan showing a precise alignment of the trail. There is no timeframe for completion of the master plan or construction of the trail. Finally, Teichert agreed through the DA to comply with any truck routing redistribution measures and fair share funding or construction of additional noise or air quality measures that may be adopted by the Board as part of an implementation program for the East Sacramento Region Aggregate Mining Truck Management Study (Truck Management Plan).
Because of the magnitude of these quarry applications and anticipated development in the adjacent jurisdictions of Folsom and Rancho Cordova, the Board in 2007, established a proactive application coordination process known as the East County Quarry Coordination Process (ECQCP) intended to precede but not replace the subject public hearing process. The ECQCP involves various key stakeholders including the three quarry applicants, representatives from the Cities of Folsom and Rancho Cordova, El Dorado County, Deer Creek Hills, and the Cosumnes CPAC. Other parties have been invited to meetings that cover specific issues. Although the quarry applications themselves are being processed separately, this coordination process was created to help facilitate a comprehensive approach by various agency representatives, land owners and aggregate operators to various issues identified during the CEQA process that are potentially more regional in scope. The major focus of the ECQCP has been on the issue of truck traffic and haul routes.
Following the release of the Teichert DEIR in 2008, Folsom officials raised the issue of potential incompatibilities between the proposed quarry and future contemplated development in the Folsom Sphere of Influence (SOI) area north of White Rock Road, related primarily to truck traffic through the SOI area. In early 2009, an agreement was reached between the following parties to jointly fund the “East Sacramento Region Aggregate Mining Truck Management Plan” (AKA: the Truck Management Plan): Sacramento County, El Dorado County, City of Rancho Cordova, City of Folsom (the city partnered with the Folsom SOI landowners to fund the study), the Connector JPA, and the three quarry proponents. The planning process was intended to provide more detail for the CEQA traffic mitigation, and further studies have been conducted regarding projected market demand based on historic trends and growth projections, likely haul routes and travel times as influenced by regional growth patterns, and identification of alternative routes that could provide for greater distribution of truck trips. This process is discussed further in Section I of this report.
E. Proposed Mining Plan: The 100-year life of the project will include seven phases of mine development. A maximum of six million tons of aggregate material will be mined per year, for a maximum total of 353 million tons over the life of the permit. The initial phase of the mining (years zero to five) will include the removal of the overburden material and the construction of perimeter screening berms and planting of screening JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 10 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
landscaping. Mining will begin within the quarry pit area on 33 acres located at the far, southern end of the pit. This initial phase of the mining will also include construction of an internal access bridge over Carson Creek that will link the processing area to the quarry pit, and construction of a public access road within existing unimproved County right-of-way of approximately one mile in length from White Rock Road to the plant entrance (assuming that Teichert Aggregates has not already constructed this roadway). The initial phase of mining will also include construction of an aggregate processing area that will include a portable aggregate processing plant (maximum capacity of four million tons per year), a hot mix asphalt plant (maximum capacity of two million tons per year), a concrete batch plant (maximum capacity of two million cubic yards per year), and a construction materials recycle plant (maximum capacity of one million tons per year). Phase II of the mining (years five to ten) will include construction of the permanent aggregate processing plant, construction of the dimension stone workshop (cut and polish large slabs of material), and mining within the quarry pit area on an additional 42 acres located at the far southern end of the pit. Phases III-VII will expand the mining to additional acres and depths within the quarry footprint. Mining of the quarry will be conducted to an average depth of 350 feet below existing grade, with a maximum depth of 400 feet. Existing elevations on the property range from a low of 240 feet mean sea level (msl) along the west boundary to a high of 476 feet msl along the east boundary. The floor of the pit will be level and at zero feet msl.
Prior to any mining activity, vegetation will be removed in the immediate work areas and topsoil removed and stockpiled until needed to revegetate portions of the site, which is consistent with the reclamation plan. The remaining overburden (i.e., soil and other weathered aggregate material above the hard rock deposit not suitable for sale) will be removed and stockpiled separately from the topsoil. The exact quantity of overburden material produced during the project is unknown at this time, but is estimated to be approximately 1.6 million cubic yards. Initially, the overburden will be used to construct berms around the perimeter of the pit, including a 6-foot high safety berm and naturalistic-appearing mounds of 10-60 feet in height along the west and south sides of the quarry. These mounds or berms will be vegetated with redwood and maple trees (note that mitigation contained within the DEIR requires the use of native vegetation) and will act as a visual and noise buffer. Excess overburden material that is not needed for final reclamation will be sold as construction fill.
Mineral reserves consisting of either quartz diorite (estimated to be approximately 274 tons) or slate (estimated to be approximately 79 tons) will be removed from geologic formations on the project site using a combination of drilling, blasting, and heavy-duty excavating equipment. Due to the nature of the hardrock minerals on the site, drilling and blasting will be required. All blasts will occur during daylight hours on regular business days only (not weekends or federal holidays), and twice per week during high production periods. The transportation, storage, and handling of explosives and the associated hazardous substances will be performed or supervised by a licensed explosives expert. Bulldozers or similar excavating equipment will complete the JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 11 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
process of removing the aggregate for processing after blasting. A portable crushing plant will be constructed within the quarry pit to reduce some of the larger rock for further processing. Blasted rock will be loaded onto haul trucks or onto a conveyor and transported to the adjacent aggregate processing plant area.
Two existing, on-site production wells are intended to serve the proposed quarry. These wells are 430-450 feet deep and are capable of producing 600-825 gallons per minute (gpm). Studies have shown that the groundwater is relatively good quality and suitable for a variety of industrial uses. A ten-acre process water pond and a nine-acre stormwater detention pond will be provided adjacent to the processing area to provide the on-site water supply needs. It is anticipated that the various elements of the aggregate processing including screening, washing, concrete and asphalt production, and dust control throughout the larger operation will consume approximately 800 acre feet/year. The wash water will be continuously recycled and the pond(s) will be supplemented by the wells, as needed. It should also be noted that very little washing is needed for hardrock mining as three percent (3%) or less of the mined material is associated with fine materials that need to be separated or washed from the finished product.
Proposed mining operating hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (16 hours per day) and from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday (nine hours per day). Blasting would occur two to three times per week and be limited to the daylight hours Monday through Friday. Processing and maintenance would take place seven days a week, 24 hours a day, although hours of the processing operations could be limited depending if residences are constructed within 1,000 feet of the mining site. Truck load-out and hauling would correspond with mining hours, although the proposal also includes trucking operations on a 24-hour basis, Monday through Saturday for up to 120 days during the calendar year in order to accommodate contracts requiring late- night roadwork. Note that the Teichert Quarry was granted the ability to conduct trucking operations for up to 90 days during the calendar year, under these same circumstances; however, Teichert has a processing plant located on Grant Line Road that is not subject to any restrictions on the hours of operation. Since these quarries adjoin one another, and the Teichert Quarry is linked to the Grant Line Road processing facility via conveyor, a slight increase in the late-night operations was felt to be reasonable. The applicant will also have the option to request temporary authorization (no more than 14 days/nights within any 30-day period) from the Zoning Administrator for additional late-night operations, as does the Teichert Quarry.
A lighting plan has been prepared that identifies the location and type of lighting fixtures that will be used for the project. The identified lighting is a low-level, minimal lighting plan intended for safety only, rather than general illumination purposes. Lighting is equipped with shields that concentrate the illumination downward such that no direct lighting is cast off of the site. The direct source of the lighting (bulb, filament, tube, etc.) will not be visible off-site and lighting will be installed no higher JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 12 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
than 30 feet above the ground on poles and/or structures. In addition to lighting attached to the processing plant and related structures, the lighting plan shows approximately 57 freestanding light standards, each a maximum of 30 feet in height, spaced at least 200-500 feet apart along the internal access road and surrounding the processing plant area. The rolling topography and mature oaks characteristic of this area will help provide natural screening for the project site, and the setbacks from the nearby public streets will also help reduce any impacts. In addition, the applicant is proposing berms and landscaping along portions of the aggregate processing plant area and quarry pit.
The project would employ approximately 100 people to perform necessary work related to mining, processing and administrative functions. Employees would be skilled workers in the construction materials industry (e.g., heavy equipment operators, maintenance personnel, and support staff).
F. Proposed Reclamation Plan: The proposed end use for the quarry can be defined primarily into two distinct categories – those areas that will be used for seasonal grazing and wildlife habitat, and the pit area that will be allowed to fill naturally with the inflow of groundwater. The initial phase of the proposed reclamation will be to salvage the uppermost eight inches of the soil profile from those areas that will be disturbed for site improvements or mining activities. This soil will be stockpiled for the ultimate reclamation once mining has been completed. The stockpiles will be vegetated with grass seed to provide protection from erosion and will be identified by appropriate signage. A lower soil profile containing subsoil and weathered rock (i.e., the layer directly above the aggregate intended for mining) will be salvaged and used for perimeter berming for noise reduction and screening. The perimeter berms which vary from 20-60 feet in height and are several hundred feet in width and will occur primarily on the west side of the quarry and along the north boundary of the aggregate processing area. Oak tree mitigation will occur on these perimeter berms.
Most of the reclamation activities will occur over a 3-year period once mining has been completed. All of the aggregate processing facilities, including buildings, will be removed from the site. These areas will be graded, or in some cases, decompacted by ripping to a depth of two feet. The previously salvaged topsoil will be spread over the areas to be reclaimed to a depth of at least 12 inches. Revegetation design is based upon vegetation that occurs in settings analogous to this site and consistent with the surrounding environment. A grass mix containing several species is identified, and the goal is to achieve at least eight species per monitoring station. Vegetation will be monitored for a minimum of five years following treatment, or until performance standards are met. Test plots will be used to document success in attaining performance standards. Invasive weeds will be monitored and measures will be implemented to control their spread if the weeds exceed a certain percentage of the revegetation cover. A Grazing Management Plan has also been prepared and measures
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will be implemented to control grazing in certain areas depending on the forage production capabilities.
Mining of the quarry will be conducted to an average depth of 350 feet below existing grade, with a maximum depth of 400 feet. Existing elevations along the perimeter of the pit vary from 330-410 feet msl. A series of benches will be constructed around the sides of the pit for safety and slope stability. These benches will vary from 90 feet in height at elevations below 170 msl and 45 feet in height at elevations between 170-270 feet msl. Above 270 feet msl, for the upper elevations of the pit, slopes having an angle of 3:1 or gentler will be created. Geohydrologic modeling suggests that ground water will fill the 275-acre pit to an elevation of 120-130 feet msl within approximately 50 years and to approximately 170 feet msl at some time between 100-200 years. The lake is projected to reach equilibrium at 180 feet, but that could take another 200 years and final capacity is considered to be 54,000 acre feet. Therefore, only the benches and slopes above 170 feet msl are proposed for reclamation with topsoil and vegetation. There are currently no plans for future use of the lake, but it could be used for recreation, water storage, or flood control, and may be dependent on future development needs in the eastern County.
G. Aesthetic Impacts: The DEIR indicates that the project will result in an irreversible change in the landforms for the area and a new source of light and/or glare that does not currently exist. These significant aesthetic impacts are also cumulative when considered in combination with the other quarry proposals and the Folsom SOI proposed development. From certain vantage points, particularly at higher elevations (e.g., El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and points along Scott Road) the project will be visible. No feasible mitigation has been identified to reduce these impacts to less than significant levels.
The applicant has proposed several measures to help reduce these impacts, including the berms and landscaping along portions of the aggregate processing plant area and quarry pit. The identified lighting is a low-level minimal lighting plan intended for safety only, rather than general illumination purposes, and is shielded such that no direct lighting is cast off of the site. These measures are incorporated into the recommended conditions of approval. In addition, the applicant has prepared several photo simulations from various angles surrounding the project site (see attached Exhibit 18). The location of the quarry and processing area on the site is in one of the lower elevations, and designed to take advantage of the rolling topography in order to shield most of the operation from view. The photo simulations demonstrate that the visual appearance of the area from the viewpoints should not be significantly altered with addition of the project.
H. Hydrology Impacts: The project site is unique in that Carson Creeks flows through the site, and Area 41, a 550-acre designated Superfund site is located nearby. Proximity to Carson Creek and the adjacent Superfund site is a particular concern in that the JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 14 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
proposed depth of the mining will result in a decline or downdraw cone for the surrounding groundwater table. Not only could flows in the adjacent creek be drawn into the quarry, but contaminated groundwater from the Superfund site could migrate towards the quarry. What makes this particularly complicated is that the bedrock in this area is highly fractured, and it is not known to what degree groundwater movement will be influenced by these fractures.
As a basis for identifying the project’s impact on the area’s surface and groundwater conditions, a detailed water balance analysis was conducted. According to this analysis, the various elements of the aggregate processing including screening, washing, concrete and asphalt production, and dust control throughout the larger operation will consume approximately 800 acre feet/year. The project’s water usage will be satisfied by 318 acre feet/year (197 gpm) of groundwater inflow to the quarry pit from the water table as the pit is excavated to greater depths, 358 acre feet/year (222 gpm) of rainfall on the project footprint, 87 acre feet/year (54 gpm) of moisture contained within the mined materials, and 304 acre feet/year (189 gpm) of additional make-up water pumped from on-site wells. Of these numbers, approximately 270 acre feet/year will be lost to evaporation and seepage into the soil. It should also be noted that very little washing is needed for hardrock mining as three percent (3%) or less of the mined material is associated with fines that need to be separated or washed from the finished product. In addition, the quarry will have a ten-acre process water pond so that wash water can be recycled, and the quarry will have the capability to store additional water (up to 500 acre feet) during the winter months. There are no plans to discharge water from the project, but if this becomes necessary (e.g., should more than 318 acre feet/year enter the quarry pit), a permit would be required from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and a 13-acre water treatment area has been identified.
Groundwater in this area contains elevated levels of arsenic and other metals that are naturally occurring constituents in the bedrock formations. The settling ponds will be tested on a regular basis consistent with the requirements of the Waste Discharge Permit issued by the RWQCB. A series of monitoring wells will be established north of the adjacent Teichert Quarry to monitor the groundwater movements on the Superfund site. A setback of at least 150 feet will be maintained from Carson Creek, and the only development proposed for the creek will be a single crossing for the internal access and conveyor system. Gauges will be placed in the creek at various locations upstream and downstream of the quarry to measure any change in water flow levels. The data from these monitoring efforts will be submitted to the County in an annual report. According to the DEIR, a remediation action plan may need to be prepared, a groundwater treatment process, or the mining plan itself revised to address any impacts to groundwater. Any impacts to adjacent wells, such as those located on the adjacent Payen Ranch, will need to be monitored and mitigated either by drilling deeper wells, relocating the wells themselves, or by providing an alternative source of water. JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 15 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
I. Noise and Vibration Impacts: Major noise sources identified for the project include blasting, aggregate crushing and screening activities, truck load-out, and off-site truck traffic. A noise analysis prepared for the project and set forth in the DEIR looked at 6 different scenarios using data from other quarries and various combinations of atmospheric conditions (wind speed/direction, seasons, temperature and humidity). Several sensitive receptors were evaluated, including the Barton and Payen residences, both located approximately one mile from the edge of the quarry pit.
The mining and blasting are proposed Monday-Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and mining only (no blasting) is proposed on Saturdays, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aggregate processing, truck haul-out, and maintenance are proposed on a 24-hour basis to support Caltrans and other public agencies that require night road work. The blasting and associated vibrations depend on several variables including amount of the charge, number and depth of the blast holes, timing of the blasts, and geology. In each scenario, the worst-case noise levels at nearby sensitive receptors was no greater than 42 Decibel (dB) (Barton residence), and well below the General Plan daytime/nighttime noise performance standards. Blasting vibrations are typically insignificant, measured off-site at a distance of one mile from the blasting source as substantiated from data gathered from similar quarry operations. However, the south portion of the quarry is located approximately 30 feet from the Payen Ranch property line. As such, and according to the studies contained in the DEIR, noise and vibrations from blasting will be an annoyance to anyone within several hundred feet of the property line. While there are no residences or structures on the Payen Ranch within this radius, cattle ranching activities may be disrupted during blasting. Although mitigation contained within the DEIR requires a blasting program and reporting based on a set of performance standards, the quarry should be setback from the Payen Ranch at least 150 feet as a matter of “good neighbor policy”, which is consistent with setbacks provided for the Teichert Quarry. The recommended condition provides the option for the applicant to obtain an easement from the Payen Ranch that could provide a more suitable buffer for continued cattle operations.
J. Truck/Circulation Impacts: In addition to the Stoneridge Quarry and the Teichert Quarry, which was approved in November 2010, there is one other hard rock quarry applicant (Milgate Quarry) in the immediate area that is being processed by the County, plus a number of other planned/proposed projects that will contribute to future cumulative traffic impacts. The DEIR prepared for the project examines worst-case traffic conditions including:
The number of truck trips and their dispersion on the road
Overall vehicular congestion and level of service on roadway segments and at intersections
The ratio of trucks and autos JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 16 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
Safety issues including interactions with schools, residential uses, and pedestrian corridors truck routing
Roadway maintenance and repair
The DEIR mitigation measures require the applicant to contribute on a fair-share basis to identified roadway and road bed improvements, as well as make ongoing contributions to roadway maintenance and repair. However, full funding of needed improvements is not certain, and there is no identified phasing or priority for many of the identified improvements.
Working with the County Department of Transportation (SacDOT), the applicant prepared a staged traffic mitigation plan based on the total amount of “fair share” capacity improvements identified in the DEIR. Staging the roadway improvements will result in fully constructed priority improvements that are linked to production levels. If improvements are already in place (funded and constructed through other sources) once production levels trigger these improvements, the plan will allow funding to be redirected to the next priority improvement on the list. As a result of this approach, however, certain needed improvements identified in the DEIR will remain unfunded.
Through a collaborative process involving various County departments, El Dorado County, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, the Connector JPA, and the three quarry mining applicants, a subsequent work effort has been identified that will provide more decision-making information related to truck traffic management. On May 12, 2009, work began on the Truck Management Plan, and has focused on truck traffic issues beyond capacity concerns as examined in the DEIR. These concerns, which pertain to what has been labeled as “quality of life” concerns, are not CEQA concerns and instead involve relations between local jurisdictions. A market demand of 13.5 million tons of aggregates per year was selected by the TMP stakeholders group as a reasonable production level for 2030, based on market area and development projections. The TMP group also selected the 30th highest day of the year for truck volumes in the design of roadway improvements, as a more reasonable assumption, rather than using a worse-case scenario. This is an important distinction as the DEIR examined worst-case traffic conditions, based on the maximum production of 19 million tons per year, and recommended certain roadway improvements and/or fair-share contributions to those improvements to mitigate for the worse-case scenario. The agreed-upon staged traffic mitigation plan included in the recommended conditions of approval is based on the total amount of “fair share” capacity improvements identified in the DEIR, and thus fully mitigates the CEQA traffic impacts.
Studies indicate that timing of the roadway improvements is dependent on future development, especially development in the Folsom SOI area. However, due to the uncertainty as to the timing of this development, identification of appropriate triggers for roadway improvements has proven to be problematic. Additional work has been JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 17 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
done by the Folsom SOI landowners and Granite Construction Company to identify noise and air quality impacts to future land uses from quarry truck traffic. The studies released to date indicate that air quality impacts from the additional trucks is below accepted thresholds and should not adversely impact land uses within the Folsom SOI. However, the studies also indicate that noise impacts from the additional trucks will require mitigation to achieve the accepted thresholds. The suggested mitigation could take varied forms including greater setbacks from the roadways, higher noise walls along the roadways, or a redesign in land uses planned along these roadways.
Several basic truck access scenarios have been reviewed by the TMP group. These access scenarios provide various degrees of connectivity to Highway 50 and to the south via Grant Line Road. The stakeholders group decided to prohibit access to Scott Road south of White Rock Road based on the fact that this section of Scott Road is designated as a Scenic Corridor, and policies in the General Plan discourage any widening or straightening of the roadway. Further, it was demonstrated that truck travel to the south using this route would be infeasible due to the high cost for needed roadway improvements, environmental constraints, and increased travel time.
The TMP stakeholders group has recently focused its attention on a dedicated truck route to Highway 50 from White Rock Road. This dedicated truck route would be a 2- lane facility constructed within the center median of Prairie City Road and separated from the outside lanes of travel by 18-34 feet of landscaped berms. It would be constructed at grade at its intersection with both White Rock Road and Highway 50, but in between would be constructed below grade so as to travel beneath Easton Valley Parkway. The cost for this improvement is estimated at $27 million and is in addition to the mitigation included in the DEIR prepared for the project. Due to the significant construction costs associated with this improvement, the stakeholders group has yet to reach consensus on how to equitably share these costs.
To date, the quarry representatives have offered to contribute seven cents per ton for all mined material within a designated area (roughly between Highway 50 on the north, Sunrise Boulevard on the west, Jackson Road on the south, and the County Limit Line on the east) for the term of the permits. The seven cents per ton is based on one-half of construction cost for the dedicated truck route referenced above. The fund will be used for quality of life improvements related to truck traffic (e.g., sound walls, and additional setbacks and landscaping) and/or other transportation related improvements such as a dedicated truck. All new, extensions of operation, and renewals of mining operations within this designated area would be required by the applicable jurisdiction to participate in and provide funding for this purpose. Funds would be collected by the County, and distributed to each of the affected jurisdictions based on the relative quarry truck distribution through each jurisdiction. This proposal assumes that all quarry trucks would be allowed unrestricted (free flow) use of all roadways within the designated area.
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Both the Cities of Folsom and Rancho Cordova agree in concept with the above proposal by quarry representatives, except that they have requested that the contribution be increased to 12 cents per ton for all mined material within a designated area for the term of the permits, and that thresholds be established for the number of quarry trucks using certain roadways. The 12 cents per ton is based on one-half of both the construction cost and financing for the dedicated truck route referenced above. Folsom has proposed that quarry trucks be allowed to use Scott Road-East for access to Highway 50 until the volume of quarry trucks reaches the equivalent of 500 daily trips on the 30th highest day, or until substantial development occurs within the Folsom SOI along Scott Road-East, whichever occurs first. In addition, Folsom has proposed that upon 500 daily quarry truck levels being reached each on Scott Road-East, Prairie City Road, and White Rock Road east of Sunrise Boulevard, or substantial development occurs within the Folsom SOI along Scott Road-East, whichever occurs first; separate truck lanes be constructed on Prairie City Road, and once complete, all quarry trucks accessing Highway 50 be diverted to Prairie City Road. Rancho Cordova has proposed a maximum of 500 quarry trucks on White Rock Road east of Sunrise Boulevard and that no quarry trucks will be allowed on White Rock Road west of Sunrise Boulevard, or on Centennial Road, Douglas Road or Kiefer Boulevard within the city limits.
Regular meetings of the TMP stakeholders group continue to occur, and the goal of the group is to reach consensus on a plan before the end of the year. The applicant has agreed to comply with any truck routing redistribution measures and fair share funding or construction of additional noise or air quality (quality of life) measures that may be adopted by the Board of Supervisors as part of an implementation program for the plan.
K. General Plan Consistency: The east county area falls outside of the Urban Planning Area (UPA) and Urban Services Boundary (USB) of the County General Plan. The area is designated on the County General Plan Land Use Diagram as a “Resource Conservation Area” which signifies it as “an area with special resource management needs” for which programs for resource protection are to be developed while recognizing the validity of the underlying agricultural land use designation. Resource management, protection and conservation are common themes for the east county area. Surface mining by its very nature is not compatible with resource preservation. Thus, if a property is to be utilized for aggregate mining, the RCA overlay is no longer compatible under the General Plan. The Board has great discretion as to whether and how to amend its general plan. A general plan amendment to remove the RCA designation may be denied if the Board determines that the proposed change would be adverse to the public interest.
The project, when considered in combination with other pending quarry proposals, has the potential on a cumulative basis to conflict with the General Plan. The conflict is due to the unprecedented size, depth, permit term, amount of material to be mined and associated infrastructure (i.e., truck traffic, lighting, blasting and processing facilities) for these quarries. The resulting impacts will extend beyond the property boundaries JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 19 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
and could forever change the character of the east county. The nature of the quarries themselves potentially conflict with agriculture, open space and resource protection goals as described below. There is strong support of the DA for the project as a means to balance short-term private interests with long-term public policy. The DA is an integral part of the staff recommendation, and the public benefit items contained therein support opening the eastern County to mining, and will provide a coordinated program for regional open space, habitat and recreation conservation consistent with goals outlined in the various General Plan elements.
Several General Plan elements such as the Land Use, Agriculture, Conservation, Open Space, and Scenic Highways, are particularly relevant in this case to evaluate project consistency. Each of these elements is discussed below.
Land Use Element: The Land Use Element, while the central focus of the General Plan, provides general policy for the distribution and intensity of land uses within the unincorporated area during the planning period (generally 20 years), and is intertwined with many other General Plan elements which contain more detailed policies. A land use diagram provides a geographical illustration of future land use patterns for the County. The majority of the east county area is designated as a combination of General Agriculture and as RCA on the Land Use Diagram. It is not unusual for mining to be located on properties containing the General Agricultural designation and there are numerous examples. What could be perceived as inconsistent with this element is the nature of the project itself. As indicated above, hard rock mining is new to the County, and some of these quarry applications propose mining for up to 100 years, and are unprecedented in terms of their size and scale. However, the on-site processing facilities and conveyor systems will be the only accessory uses to the proposed quarry. There will be no ancillary facilities such as the manufacturing of concrete pipe and roofing tiles or bagged rock products intended for retail markets, and thus, the project will not introduce or encourage unwanted industrial activity in an agricultural area.
Policy LU-74: The tables entitled “Zoning Consistency Matrix” (Table III.5) and “Interim Zoning Consistency Matrix” (Table III.6), are the official guide for determining consistency between zoning and the adopted General Plan Land Use Diagram. However, it must be recognized that there will not always be a one-to- one relationship between existing zoning and the Land Use Diagram, as historical use of the property and scale considerations of the Diagram will also be given consideration in determining consistency with the General Plan.
A matrix that identifies consistency between zoning and the General Plan Land Use designations, as is required by state law, is included in the Land Use Element. While the Zoning Code requires that the SM combining zone be added to the base zone, thereby providing regulations for the mining operations itself (i.e., permitted uses and applicable development standards), the matrix does not identify consistency between the SM combining zone and the RCA, meaning that the SM combining zone is not JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 20 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
allowed in an RCA designated area. For this reason, the project must include a General Plan Amendment to remove the RCA designation. Initially, the applicant had proposed to remove the RCA designation from the entirety of the property (i.e., the 960 acres that are designated as RCA of the 1,360-acre property). The applicant subsequently revised the application to request removal of only that portion of the RCA corresponding to the grading for the quarry (i.e., 410 acres of the 619-acre quarry grading area). This revised request is reasonable and appropriate in that the applicant has also agreed to mitigation requiring permanent protection of an amount of land equal to the footprint of the quarry via conservation easements in the general vicinity of the quarry.
Agricultural Element: The goal of the Agricultural Element is to maintain the County supply of agricultural lands and promote their agricultural productivity, and to support farming and related industries as a strong and viable sector of the economy. Several tools are available to discourage the conversion of farmland, including establishing strategic urban growth management areas such as the UPA and USB, promoting Williamson Act contracts, using zoning to retain agricultural land holdings in units large enough to guarantee future and continued agricultural viability, and adoption of a right-to-farm ordinance.
The east county does not qualify as prime farmland, and ranchers in the area have indicated that the poor soil provides marginal grazing value, and thus large tracks of land are needed to support ranching operations. The majority of the land in this area is currently used for agricultural purposes, primarily for domestic livestock grazing. Some minor areas are used for other agricultural production, including commercial vineyards. A few non-agricultural uses are already located in the area such as the Boys Ranch facility (currently closed due to funding constraints), the Kiefer Landfill, and the State of California’s Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area. What could be perceived as inconsistent with the element is that the project will result in conversion of agricultural lands, and could promote the further encroachment of non-agricultural uses to the area. However, mining in fact, is specifically identified in this element as an alternative industrial use to be encouraged to help broaden opportunities and income for farmers and ranchers so that historic agricultural operations can be preserved.
Conservation Element: The goal of the Conservation Element is to manage and protect several important resources, including water, soil, mineral, vegetation, wildlife, and cultural resources, for use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Also, the element addresses the inherent conflict between public use and enjoyment of these resources and the potential harmful effects to the environment. A balance must often be struck between these resources.
In 2010, the State Mining and Geology Board (State Board) reclassified 414 acres of the project site (AKA: the Wilson Ranch) from MRZ-3 to MRZ-2. The new mineral resource classification is intended to describe an area where adequate information (e.g., drill records) indicates that significant mineral deposits are present or where it is judged JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 21 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
that a high likelihood for their presence exists. The executive officer’s report to the State Board (CGS Special Report 214) states that aggregate test results indicate the presence of aggregate materials on these properties which meet the specifications for a variety of construction aggregate uses up to and including PCC-grade aggregates, and further that the aggregate resources present on these properties exceed the minimum threshold value of $17.38 million established by the State Board. The report also notes that potential urban encroachment in this area constitutes a threat to the intended mining of the mineral resources on these properties.
Policy CO-41: Apply the Aggregate Resource Area (ARA) combining land use category to additional areas as subsequent studies determine them to contain mineral resources which are feasible and appropriate for mining. The ARA combining land use category shall not be a prerequisite to Surface Mining (SM) combining zoning in conjunction with proposed surface mining.
The primary goal of the State mineral land classification is to help ensure that the mineral resource potential of lands is recognized and considered in the land-use planning process. The General Plan’s Conservation Element (Policy CO-41) states that the ARA combining land use designation shall be applied to those areas where studies have shown them to contain valuable mineral resources. The primary purpose of the ARA designation is also to recognize and consider those potential mineral resources in land use decisions. This is especially important in the County in that as other known mineral resources are depleted, and this is expected to occur within a few years, it will become critical to preserve and manage known resources for economic recovery and regional growth. In this case, application of the ARA designation to the project site is recommended not only because of the known quantity and quality of the aggregate resource, but also because there are policies that intend to recognize and minimize any mining-related impacts to wildlife, streams, and scenic values.
Policy CO-154: Voluntary cooperative agreements shall involve those lands within the Resource Conservation Areas that contain moderate to high value habitat, exhibit likely habitat restoration potential, or provide foraging opportunities.
The RCA designation which covers much of the east county area is meant to broadly identify areas with special resource management needs, and areas that potentially qualify for a cooperative agreement between landowners and the County. The language in the element states that not all lands designated as RCA contain appropriate values to participate in the program. The east county area is identified as an area containing important natural resources, however, the RCA is intended as a management tool (not a regulatory tool) to help preserve and enhance natural values in conjunction with existing agricultural uses. While these values have been well maintained under the stewardship of ranchers in this area, staff has explored several options for cooperative and voluntary conservation agreements between land owners and entities that would preserve and enhance these values in perpetuity (Policy CO-154). Some of JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 22 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
the more notable efforts for the east county area include the 2002 East County Open Space Study, acquisition of the Deer Creek Hills Preserve, and the pending South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan.
Mining by its very nature is not compatible with resource preservation. Hence, if the project is approved, a General Plan Amendment is necessary to remove the RCA designation from the property (i.e., 410 acres of the 613 acres proposed for grading associated with the proposed quarry mining). In doing so, it must be determined that the community’s need for open space is being met by other programs. Staff contends that removal of the RCA on a piece-meal basis could impair the ability of the County to preserve and enhance natural resources, particularly in an area where the County has long expressed an interest for open space and resource protection. In this case, the removal of the RCA will be off-set by the mitigation requiring that the aggregate operator protect an amount of land equal to the footprint of the quarry pit and processing area via conservation easements in the general vicinity of the project site. Recommended conditions of approval require dedication of 613 acres of land as a conservation easement, and exhibits attached to the staff report and DA identify two areas that the applicant has agreed in concept to dedicate as conservation easements to satisfy this mitigation measure. These exhibits also identify a corridor connecting to the conservation easements identified for the Teichert property (i.e., shown on exhibits within the Teichert Quarry DA) for an overall distance of approximately 2.5 miles south of White Rock Road, consistent with the above General Plan policies.
Open Space Element: Open space is defined broadly as any land or water area which is essentially unimproved and devoted to the preservation of natural resources (e.g., rivers and coastal beaches), managed production of resources (e.g., forestlands, estuaries or mineral deposits), areas suited for park and recreation purposes (e.g., areas with outstanding scenic, historic and cultural value), areas that require special management and regulations (e.g., earthquake fault zones and aircraft safety). Much of the land in the east county is in private holdings and is managed for cattle grazing, and thereby qualifies as open space under this definition.
The goals of the Open Space Element are very similar to those of the Conservation Element. Maintaining intact habitat, productive soils, and mineral resource availability as open space is essential to conservation goals. The SSHCP for example, is one of the implementation measures for this element. Several maps are included in the element depicting the County’s overall preservation strategy. These maps show the east county area to be an important natural area and wildlife corridor in terms of the high quality oak woodlands and grasslands found in this area (see attached inventory of open space resources, Exhibit 21). The element encourages the permanent protection of areas having natural resource value (Policy OS-1), and the connectivity of these areas such that they provide for biodiversity, accommodate wildlife movement and sustain ecosystems (Policy OS-2). Since the project site is located outside of the USB, and
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beyond the urban edge expected during the life of the project, the natural linkage concept is more important to the project.
Policy OS-1: Permanently protect, as open space, areas of natural resource value, including wetland preserves, riparian corridors, woodlands, and floodplains.
Policy OS-2: Maintain open space and natural areas that are interconnected and of sufficient size to protect biodiversity, accommodate wildlife movement and sustain ecosystems.
Ecological research points to the value of natural land corridors in perpetuating complete ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The contiguous linkages between natural community types protect biologically important transition zones to facilitate migration of species and help to ensure genetically diverse and healthy populations of individual species. The quintessential example of a natural corridor in this region is the American River Parkway. The east county is particularly valuable as a linkage between the American River and the Cosumnes River, given the large land holdings in the area, proximity to the Deer Creek Hills Preserve, and the high-quality natural resources found in this area.
The DEIR focuses on the value of these natural land corridors in the east county area, and concludes that the cumulative impacts attributable to all three quarries, the anticipated Folsom SOI development, and a future Greencycle project (if all of these projects are approved) could lead to large-scale disruption to the existing natural communities (grasslands, wetlands and oak woodlands) in the east county, and would be potentially significant and unavoidable. There is a unique and complex relationship between these various natural communities, and it will prove difficult to provide for their long-term protection, connectivity, and biologically important transition zones on a project-by-project basis.
The loss of a portion of the RCA designation from the property will not help to mitigate the potential for disruption to the existing natural communities. In this case, the removal of the RCA will be off-set by the mitigation requiring that the aggregate operator protect an amount of land equal to the footprint of the quarry via conservation easements in the general vicinity of the quarry. Recommended conditions of approval require dedication of 619 acres of land as a conservation easement and exhibits attached to the DA identify an area that the applicant has agreed in concept to dedicate as conservation easement to satisfy this mitigation measure. Exhibits in the DA also identify a corridor connecting to the conservation easements identified for the Teichert property (i.e., shown in the DA exhibits for the Teichert Quarry) for an overall distance of approximately 2.5 miles south of White Rock Road, consistent with the above General Plan policies. The County can use this opportunity to establish an open space corridor through the area that connects the American River Parkway to the Deer Creek Hills Preserve. The advantage of having all three quarry proposals for consideration is
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that there can be a coordinated planning effort for a network of open space linkages in the east county. In addition, the mining will provide a revenue source to support continued ranching operations consistent with the long-term open space goals for this area.
Scenic Highway Element: The goal of the Scenic Highway Element is to protect the scenic value of routes designated as Scenic Highways under the State Scenic Highway System that is administered by Caltrans. River Road is currently the only officially designated State Scenic Highway; however, this element also identifies local scenic routes and provides policies to protect their scenic value. Scott Road from White Rock Road south to Latrobe Road and Latrobe Road itself are two of the rural roadways in the east county area that are designated as local scenic corridors. Both of these roadways provide primary access to Deer Creek Hills.
Policy SH-4: To retain the scenic qualities of scenic corridors by avoiding unnecessary widening, straightening, or major reconstruction of scenic routes.
In order to retain the qualities of the local scenic corridors, policies within the element recommend that any unnecessary widening, straightening or major reconstruction of these roadways be avoided. In addition, the element recommends that native vegetation be maintained and/or planted along the roadside to enhance natural habitat areas and add to the rural scenic vistas. In an effort to preserve the value of Scott Road, the project does not propose any access to this roadway (i.e., south of White Rock Road). Instead, a separate north-south haul route is proposed, and conditions are recommended to require that the project take measures to prohibit truckers from using these sections of Scott/Latrobe Roads.
L. Zoning Code Consistency: The Zoning Code was amended in 2008 to include requirements for hard rock mining, and also to revise the requirements pertaining to the hours of operation, fencing, setback, and screening for all mining operations. For hard rock mining, applicants are required to demonstrate sufficient buffer lands or measures to mitigate for noise, fly rock, and vibrations from blasting and aesthetic concerns. In this case, the quarry will be located at least 150 feet from the nearest property line, at least 2,000 feet from Scott Road to the west, and at least one mile from White Rock Road to the north. As discussed above, noise, fly rock, and vibrations can all be mitigated to acceptable levels, regardless of the buffer lands. Several measures will help to reduce the aesthetic concerns including the perimeter berms and landscaping proposed adjacent to the quarry and processing area. In addition, the quarry setback coupled with the topography naturally occurring in this area will help to reduce visibility.
Hours of operation for mining, processing and related activities when located in excess of 1,000 feet of a habitable structure, is permitted Monday-Friday, from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., and on Saturday, from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Maintenance operations
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may extend beyond these hours (i.e., Monday-Friday, 24 hours per day, and on Saturday from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.), but no mining, processing or maintenance may occur on Sunday or holidays. Provisions for extension of the hours for processing, including haul-out, and maintenance (not including the mining) are provided through the use permit process. The use permit can specify the use(s) and the hours, as well as the circumstances required for using the extended hours and/or number of days annually that the extended hours may be used. In this case, the applicant has requested extended hours to allow for maintenance, processing, and haul-out. Processing and maintenance would take place seven days a week, 24 hours a day, although hours of the processing operations could be limited depending on if residences are constructed within 1,000 feet of the mining site. Truck load-out and hauling would correspond with mining hours, although trucks could operate on a 24-hour basis, Monday through Saturday for up to 120 days during the calendar year. According to the applicant, these hours are necessary to meet nighttime/emergency construction demands. The benefits could equate to off-peak power usage and reduced peak-hour truck traffic. Although, lighting, noise, and truck traffic over extended periods and on Sunday and holidays may create more nuisances and complaints. Given the remote location of the quarry and the recommended reopener every 25 years to assess potential impacts and urban growth in the east county area, staff believes that the request is reasonable and appropriate.
For all mining operations, the Zoning Code typically requires perimeter chain-link fencing for safety and landscaping for screening. However, in remote locations, the code provides flexibility and indicates that fencing and landscaping may not be necessary. In this case, the applicant proposes to use existing three-strand barbed wire fencing along perimeter property lines and construct six-foot high, chain-link fencing for safety along the perimeter of the pit and processing areas. The random clustering of landscaping and natural-appearing berms as proposed in this case is the preferred method for screening mining operations in recent code amendments. In addition, the quarry setback coupled with the topography and mature oaks in this area will help to reduce visibility.
All other Zoning Code standards and guidelines have been adhered to with the project as proposed. The recommended conditions of approval address the above hours of operation, fencing, setbacks, and screening, and reference applicable exhibits.
M. Development Agreement: A DA is a formal agreement between a developer and a local jurisdiction, and is intended as a planning tool utilized for large complex projects to provide security for the developer in an uncertain economy. The lack of certainty in the approval of development projects can result in wasted resources, escalate the cost of housing and other development to the consumer, and discourage investment in and commitment to comprehensive planning, which would make maximum efficient utilization of resources at the least economic cost to the public. A DA can also provide greater assurance to the developer that, upon approval of the project, the developer may JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 26 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
proceed with the project in accordance with existing policies, rules and regulations, and subject to conditions of approval. It will strengthen the public planning process, encourage private participation in comprehensive planning, and reduce the economic costs of development. A DA should provide substantial benefits to both parties, in that the local jurisdiction can be provided assurance that the development will proceed on an agreed-upon schedule and there is a mandatory annual review to determine if the parties are adhering to the terms of the agreement. And finally, a DA can be used in those cases where there is a lack of public facilities, including, but not limited to, streets, sewerage, transportation, drinking water, school, and utility facilities, which can be a serious impediment to new development.
The DA is also beyond the realm of what is considered “CEQA mitigation” in this case. As indicated above, the DA is a planning tool to provide the developer greater certainty and security that the intended development may proceed over the course of several years and could vest the development under the same terms as those, in effect, at the time the land use entitlements were granted. The document itself was not analyzed in the DEIR and will not be subject to additional CEQA analysis. It is similar to other administrative documentation used to perfect the approval of a land use entitlement in the County (e.g., Community Plan Amendment Resolution, Rezone Ordinance, and Statement of Overriding Considerations).
The Stoneridge Quarry DA, attached to this report as Attachment B, will provide the applicant with assurance that the project may proceed under policies, rules, and regulations governing mining for an initial 25 years and vest the right to mine in accordance with the proposed mining and reclamation plans. The attached DA has been prepared to allow a term of 100-years based upon a periodic review every 25 years to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local statutory and regulatory requirements, conditions of approval, and mitigation measures. The DA terms, particularly the net gains terms, must also be applied equally to other operators within a defined area, or the terms of the agreement would allow relief to ensure equity between competitors. The terms of this DA are particularly important as they will provide guidance for the operational standards for this quarry for a period of 100 years. Other mining operations in this County are more typically approved for a 25-year term and in the case of the recently approved Teichert Quarry, that approval of 25 years also included a DA similar to the DA proposed for the Stoneridge Quarry. It should be noted that this application is the first time that a 100-year permit has been requested. Both of these DA’s include the following key public benefits over and above compliance with applicable regulations, conditions of approval, and CEQA mitigation measures: Open Space/Community Support Fee: Initially, $400,000, to be paid annually over four years, will be used to fund various projects in the Cosumnes area, including scholarships and grants to help support agricultural youth programs such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and County Fair sponsored programs. A
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fee-per-ton sold from the quarry is also included in the DA. The fee-per-ton calculation is based on an escalator in years 1-25, and later years (years 26-100) is based on a percentage of market sales. A table is provided showing that the fee amount will be progressive with each million tons sold. Assuming that a total of 5.5 million tons of aggregate is mined from the quarry and sold in the first year, a fee of $360,000 would be collected; and assuming that a total of 6.5 million tons of aggregate is mined from the quarry and sold in the ninth year, a fee of $695,000 would be collected. The actual amount will vary depending on actual tonnage sold. A portion of the fee-per-ton collected (twenty percent) (20%) will also be set aside for projects (e.g., a new community center) in the Cosumnes area. The applicant has agreed to recommendations by the Cosumnes CPAC pertaining to the intent for the community funding, and these projects have been incorporated into the DA. The fee-per-ton collected will initially be used to fund a core open space project. The identified core project is the construction, operation, and maintenance of a multi-purpose trail south of White Rock Road. Similar to the Teichert Quarry, this DA proposes that a foundation be established to administer the money collected and funding could be provided for other open space and recreation purposes throughout the County. Using typical construction cost estimates provided by the County Department of Regional Parks, the core trail project construction could be as high as $600,000/mile, depending on environmental permits/mitigation and creek crossings, and an additional $25,000/mile each year to maintain. Construction of associated amenities such as rest stops and staging/parking areas could be as high as $500,000, depending on improvements and environmental factors. Multi-Purpose Trail: The applicant has agreed to grant a corridor of at least 150 feet in width for construction of a multi-purpose trail. The trail corridor would be located within or adjacent to the dedicated conservation easement area to the west of the quarry pit area and would connect to the conservation easement and trail corridor provided on the adjacent Teichert property. Initially, the applicant will grant an easement for the trail. The fee title dedication will occur after the County has adopted a plan showing a precise alignment of the trail and a commitment to dedicate trail segments to the north and south of the property have been secured. There is no timeframe for completion of the master plan or construction of the trail. A conceptual design for the trail is attached to this report as Exhibit 22 and includes an 11-foot wide paved trail for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as a separated 20-foot wide natural trail for equestrians. A buffer area of 50 feet would be available on either side of these improvements to provide suitable separation from adjacent uses. Construction of the trail would be dependent on a future public (master plan) process that would provide an opportunity for public comment, CEQA analysis, and approval by the Board. Such a future process JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 28 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
would help determine the precise alignment of the trail and whether to include any associated ancillary facilities. The trail and associated 150-foot wide corridor would be considered a “public park” for all practical purposes and, as such, the use would be “permitted” under the current zoning of the property. The master plan for the trail, trail corridor, and any ancillary facilities would need to be prepared with public outreach and that master plan would be subject to the appropriate CEQA analysis. The subsequent improvement plans for the actual construction of the trail and any associated ancillary facilities (e.g., restrooms or parking lots), would also require CEQA analysis. Both the master plan and associated environmental document would require approval by the Board, which will provide an opportunity for public comment, and the environmental document itself will be subject to public review and comment prior to any final action by the Board. It is anticipated that this process would be similar to other master plans that have been adopted within the County, such as the Deer Creek Hills Master Plan in the eastern portion of the County and the Dry Creek Parkway Master Plan in the Rio Linda/Elverta area. Truck Management Plan: The applicant agrees to comply with any truck routing redistribution measures and fair share funding or construction of additional noise or air quality (quality of life) measures that may be adopted by the Board as part of an implementation program for the Truck Management Plan. Point of Sale: Sales tax from nearly all sales of material and/or products from material mined at the quarry shall be assigned to the County. Annexation: The applicant agrees not to seek, support or pursue any annexation of the subject property into any incorporated city within the County. Applicable Rules and Regulations: For the first 25 years, the project will be subject to the County codes, ordinances and resolutions, programs, policies, rules, and regulations and building improvement standards in effect at the time of execution of the DA. This will be the same as those provisions for the Teichert Quarry DA, which was for a 25-year term. The applicant has agreed that any improvements constructed thereafter shall be subject to County building codes and public improvement standards in effect at the time of construction. Periodic Compliance Review: Where this DA differs from any prior DA is that the request for this mine is for 100 years. This DA, therefore, includes a provision for a periodic review that will occur every 25 years for the life of the 100-year permit. The applicant has agreed that the County shall have the right to review the project at 25-year intervals to ensure compliance with the conditions of approval, mitigation monitoring and reporting program, and those federal, state and local statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to all aggregate mining operations within the County. If the Board determines that the project is not in substantial compliance with these standards, or if it is determined that the project poses a threat to public health or safety, or that the operation in and of itself poses JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 29 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
a public hazard or public nuisance, the Board may require that the operation be brought into compliance within one year. The periodic review as it applies to zoning code requirements would pertain solely to mining operational elements such as hours of operations, blasting practices and lighting, and not to development standards associated with the location of the physical development of the quarry pit or related processing facilities. The Board of Supervisors may impose new conditions, but any new conditions must be those that are generally applicable to all other aggregate mining operations within the County. In addition, after 25 years, any new development not related to the specific terms that are vested (i.e., right to mine, including the maximum amount of aggregates per year, location and maximum depth of the pit) would have to comply with County regulations such as building codes and public improvement standards in effect at the time of construction. It should be noted that if a shorter time period of 25-years be approved, then the section on the Periodic Review could be eliminated.
Not addressed in the periodic review is the fee-per-ton, and as described above, this fee starting in year 26, will be based on a percentage of market sales for years 26-100.
III. STAFF RECOMMENDATION The project, one of three hardrock quarry mining planned for eastern the County, represents a new form of mining for the County. These hardrock quarries are unprecedented in terms of the size and scale of the proposed mining. The area in which they are proposed, the eastern County, falls outside of the UPA and USB of the County General Plan, and is designated on the General Plan Land Use Diagram as an area with special resource management needs. It is an area characterized by rolling terrain, blue oak woodlands, rock outcropping, and cattle ranching, and is one of the most pristine, picturesque, and unique habitat areas in the County today.
The quality of the aggregate material in the eastern County is known to be high and the proposed mining will enable the County to ensure a continuing local source of sand, gravel, and rock for planned growth and regional economic development. Further, the region will benefit not only from this aggregate material, but also from lower traffic, air quality, noise, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with having a convenient, abundant and local source for this material. The staff and applicant have agreed to enter into a DA to vest the rights of the project in exchange for voluntary public benefit items beyond the CEQA mitigation requirements. Through the DA, the applicant has agreed to open space dedication above and beyond that identified as CEQA mitigation, and has agreed to a fee program that will create a permanent funding mechanism for planning, operation, and maintenance of the open space. These net public benefits are a reasonable and appropriate balance to the loss of the RCA designation, opening the eastern County to mining, and will provide a coordinated program for regional open space, habitat and recreation conservation within the larger RCA
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designated area. The benefit package also addresses the project’s policy implications in that the open space dedication will help to achieve the agriculture, open space and resource protection goals outlined in the various General Plan elements. Additional efforts will be necessary to implement a program for regional open space, and the DA will provide the framework, funding and coordination for that open space planning effort.
For these reasons, staff recommends APPROVAL of the project. Two options are provided for the term—that is, either a term of 25 years or a term of 100 years with periodic reviews every 25 years at which time the Board of Supervisors could consider certain limited modifications to the conditions of approval. As noted above, the DA is an integral part of the staff recommendation to help address the policy implications of the project, provide for a coordinated program for regional open space, habitat and recreation conservation, and provide acceptable benefits to opening a unique area of the County for mining. A. Recommended Actions:
1. Environmental Documentation: Determine that the environmental analysis is adequate and complete and that the DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is appropriate. The report identifies that the project will result in significant and unavoidable impacts to aesthetics, agricultural resources, biological resources, cultural resources, traffic, air quality, land use, and climate change.
2. General Plan Amendment: APPROVE a general plan amendment to remove the RCA designation from the Land Use Diagram for that area corresponding to the active quarry/processing area on the property (i.e., 410 acres), subject to the findings listed in Section B, below.
3. General Plan Amendment: APPROVE a general plan amendment to add the ARA designation to the Land Use Diagram for that area corresponding to the active quarry/processing area on the property (i.e., 619 acres), subject to the findings listed in Section B, below.
4. Rezone: APPROVE a rezoning from AG-80 (Agriculture – 80-acre minimum lot size) to AG-80 (SM) (Agriculture – 80-acre minimum with SM combining) for that area corresponding to the active quarry/processing area for the property (i.e., 619 acres), subject to the findings listed in Section B and the conditions listed in Section C, below.
5. Use Permit: APPROVE the requested use permit, subject to a Development Agreement, to allow quarry mining and processing of materials including an aggregate processing plant, hot-mix asphalt plant, ready-mix concrete plant, construction materials recycling and dimension stone workshop for a term of either 25 years or 100 years subject to approval of the Development Agreement
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with periodic reviews at every 25 years, and further subject to the findings listed in Section B and the conditions listed in Section C, below .
6. Reclamation Plan: APPROVE the requested reclamation plan to reclaim and reuse the 619 acres as a lake (quarry pit) and future grazing and habitat uses (aggregate processing area), subject to the findings listed in Section B, below.
7. Development Agreement: ADOPT the attached ordinance approving the DA between the applicant and the County, subject to the findings listed in Section B, below. Note that the attached Development Agreement is for a term of 100 years with periodic reviews at every 25 years. If the determination is for a 25-year permit, the DA will require modification.
8. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP): ADOPT.
B. Recommended Findings: The staff recommendations are based upon the following considerations:
1. The project is consistent with the County General Plan in that it will provide for resource management, open space protection and conservation, consistent with goals and strategies for the eastern portion of the County’s unincorporated area; and more specifically, to the following General Plan elements:
a. The Land Use Element identifies the project site for General Agriculture and as an RCA. Mining is considered consistent with agricultural land use designations, and identified as such on the Land Use Consistency Matrix. The on-site processing plant and conveyor systems will be the only accessory uses to the proposed mining and, thus, the project will not introduce or encourage unwanted commercial and industrial activity to an agricultural/open space area. The requested amendment to remove the RCA designation from a portion of the proposed quarry area (i.e., 410 acres of the 619-acre quarry grading area) is reasonable and appropriate in that the applicant has agreed to mitigation requiring permanent protection of an amount of land equal to the footprint of the quarry via conservation easements in the general vicinity of the quarry. Further, this project will be consistent with the goals of several other General Plan elements as described below.
b. Policies within the Agricultural Element encourage opportunities for income generation for farmers and mining is specifically listed as a consistent use and an alternative to help support farming and related industries as a strong and viable sector of the economy. In addition, mining is considered to be an interim use and the project will reclaim the aggregate processing area (209 acres) as seasonal grazing and wildlife habitat uses. The pit area (410 acres)
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will be allowed to fill naturally with the inflow of groundwater once mining is completed.
c. The goal of the Conservation Element is to manage and protect important resources and the requested ARA designation will help to identify and protect the valuable mineral resources on the project site that have been identified by drill records and other data provided by the applicant. The RCA designation is intended to help preserve and enhance natural resources such as oak woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands as valuable habitat area. The removal of that land use designation in order to permit the project is a reasonable and appropriate trade-off in that the applicant has agreed to mitigation requiring permanent protection of an amount of land equal to the footprint of the quarry via conservation easements in the general vicinity of the project.
d. The goal of the Open Space Element is to maintain intact habitat areas by establishing natural open space linkages through conservation easements and other means to ensure the long-term preservation of natural resources. The east county has been identified as a valuable area in which to provide a wide range of preservation strategies such as those identified in the SSHCP. The applicant has agreed to mitigation requiring protection of an amount of land equal to the footprint of the quarry via conservation easements in the general vicinity of the quarry. Recommended conditions of approval require dedication of 619 acres of land as a conservation easement and exhibits attached to the DA identify an area that the applicant has agreed, in concept, to dedicate to satisfy this mitigation measure. These exhibits show that this easement will connect to conservation easements identified for the adjacent Teichert property in a manner so as to create a contiguous open space corridor south of White Rock Road having an overall length of approximately 2.5 miles. In addition, the mining will provide a revenue source to support continued ranching operations consistent with the long- term General Plan open space goals for this area.
e. The Scenic Highway Element identifies Scott Road from White Rock Road south to Latrobe Road and Latrobe Road itself, as local scenic corridors. Policies recommend that any unnecessary widening, straightening or major reconstruction of these roadways be avoided. The project proposes to construct a separate haul route and measures will be taken by the applicant to prohibit truckers entering or exiting their site. In addition, the project will construct berms and plant native vegetation to screen the operation, enhance habitat areas, and add to the rural scenic vistas consistent with these policies.
2. The requested rezone to add the SM combining zone is appropriate to allow for the project to be implemented and will provide a set of development standards JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 33 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
and guidelines for the mining operations. The project is consistent with all of the mining-related development standards and guidelines set forth in the recent Zoning Code amendment, including setbacks, fencings, lighting, and hours of operation.
3. The applicant’s request to extend the quarry hours for processing, maintenance and haul-out (not mining or blasting), in some cases for 24-hours per day, seven- days per week, is reasonable and appropriate to meet expected nighttime construction demands and emergency roadwork contracts. In addition, the extended hours would help promote off-peak power usage and redistribute truck trips to non-peak hours.
4. The granting of the use permit will not, under the circumstances of this particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort or general welfare of persons working or residing in the neighborhood of such proposed use or be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the County, in that:
a. There are few residential uses in this area and the adjacent parcels are of a sufficient size so as to allow for appropriate setbacks from any residential dwelling units.
b. Noise levels from the mining operation can be adequately controlled at the site boundaries.
c. Proposed landscaping and reclamation is consistent with guidelines for rural residential areas.
d. All applicable Zoning Code standards for aggregate mining operations will be met.
e. Application data required by Section 235-51 of the Zoning Code for all aggregate mining proposals, including the mining and reclamation plans, hydrological, and geologic studies adequately describe the project.
f. The plans and reports submitted pursuant to the requirements of Section 235- 51 of the Zoning Code for all aggregate mining proposals incorporate all reasonable measures to the extent feasible to mitigate significant adverse environmental effects of the project.
g. The plans and reports submitted pursuant to the requirements of Section 235- 51 of the Zoning Code for all aggregate mining proposals incorporate adequate measures to restore the site to a usable condition compatible with adjacent uses.
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5. The proposed reclamation plan is consistent with the purpose and intent of the Sacramento County Code and will ensure continued availability of important mineral resources, while regulating surface mining operations as required by the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA), the Public Resources Code, and California Code of Regulations, in that:
a. The reclamation plan complies with the requirements of SMARA Sections 2772 and 2773, and other applicable provisions that pertain to the information and documentation that must be included in the plan, and site- specific criteria (e.g., topography, erosion control and revegetation) that will help evaluate compliance with the approved plan.
b. The reclamation plan complies with the requirements of California Code of Regulations Sections 3500-3505, Sections 3700-3713, and other applicable provisions that pertain to information and documentation that must be included as part of the plan, as well as performance standards (e.g., slope stability, topsoil management, and groundwater protection) that will help evaluate compliance with the approved plan.
c. The reclamation plan and potential use of reclaimed land pursuant to the plan are consistent with the General Plan and those applicable elements described above.
d. The reclamation plan has been reviewed pursuant to CEQA and the County environmental review guidelines, and all significant adverse impacts from the reclamation of the surface mining proposal will be mitigated to the maximum extent feasible.
e. The reclamation plan demonstrates that land and/or resources to be reclaimed will be restored to a condition that is compatible with, and blends with, the surrounding natural environment, topography, and other resources. In addition, suitable off-site mitigation will compensate for on-site related disturbance to resource values.
f. The reclamation plan will restore the mined lands to a usable condition (i.e., agricultural grazing/habitat and a lake) that is readily adaptable for alternative land uses consistent with the General Plan and those applicable elements described above.
g. A written response to the State DOC Office of Mine Reclamation (OMR) has been prepared and forwarded to OMR describing the disposition of issues raised by their required early review of the reclamation plan for SMARA compliance. The applicant has incorporated all of the OMR requested revisions into the reclamation plan.
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6. The proposed DA is appropriate in this case given the quality and quantity of mineral resource proposed for mining, the fact that hardrock mining is new to the County, and the unique and sensitive natural resources in the east county area. The agreement will memorialize project conditions of approval, CEQA mitigation measures, performance criteria, and voluntary public net benefits. It will provide the applicant with assurance that the project may proceed under policies, rules, and regulations governing mining for an initial 25 years and vest the right to mine in accordance with the proposed mining and reclamation plans. The DA will also allow for a periodic review every 25 years thereafter to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local statutory and regulatory requirements, conditions of approval, mitigation measures, and best management practices of the California mining industry. And finally, in accordance with Section 112-140 of the Zoning Code, the following findings can be made in the affirmative:
a. The DA is consistent with the objectives, policies, and general land uses and programs specified in the General Plan along with those applicable elements described above.
b. The DA is in conformity with public convenience, general welfare, and good land use practices.
c. The DA will not be detrimental to the health, safety, and general welfare of persons residing in the immediate area nor be detrimental or injurious to property or persons in the general neighborhood or to the general welfare of residents of the County as a whole.
d. The DA will not adversely affect the orderly development of property or the preservation of property values.
e. The DA complies with the requirements of Government Code Sections 65864-65869.5 and other applicable provisions that pertain to the conditions, terms, and restrictions for such agreements.
7. The DEIR prepared for the project analyzed potential impacts associated with the construction and operation of this project. Impacts have been found to be less than significant or less than significant after mitigation for all impacts except for aesthetics, agricultural resources, biological resources, cultural resources, land use, climate change, air quality, and traffic. These impacts are considered significant and unavoidable. Accordingly, the Board will adopt CEQA Findings and a Statement of Overriding Considerations consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 prior to approval of the project. Staff considered these impacts in the recommendation and incorporated all of the mitigation measures into the recommended conditions of approval.
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C. Recommended Conditions: Any approval of the Rezone and Use Permit should be subject to the following conditions: (Note: Due to the lengthy list of conditions; subject matter headings are added to aid the reader’s review of the conditions) Land Use
1. The SM combining zoning and ARA shall only apply to the active quarry and processing areas such that any expansion of mining outside the proposed quarry and processing areas (as defined by the extent of the SM and ARA designations) would require both a use permit and rezone. It is acknowledged that for mapping and legal description purposes, irregular boundaries drawn around the quarry and processing areas may be infeasible. Therefore, in relation to this mitigation measure, it would be permissible to draw the ARA and SM areas as irregular polygons somewhat larger than the current expected footprint. These polygons would, however, define the acreage of the active mining and processing area upon which Mitigation Measure LU-2 and other site disturbance based mitigations will be calculated. (Mitigation Measure LU-1)
2. To maintain the open space in the project vicinity and to ensure a viable open space corridor and open space strategy amongst the increasing urbanizing pressures of the area, the applicant shall provide open space land dedications equivalent to the entire active mining and processing area (approximately 613 acres). Half of this dedication shall be provided prior to the issuance of the Work Authorization Permit (WAP) by the Department of Community Planning and Development (CPD) and the other half shall be provided prior to site disturbance of more than half of the approved active mining and processing area. This land shall be dedicated by an in-perpetuity conservation easement or in fee title and be provided to the County or third party conservation organization acceptable to the County Environmental Coordinator. The land dedication shall be located in the general vicinity of the project site within the east county RCA, contiguous with the RCA or contiguous with the Deer Creek Hills preserve located south of the site. The land dedication shall be accompanied with an applicant provided land management plan and monetary endowment to cover the operations and maintenance of the dedicated land in–perpetuity. The endowment shall be calculated using an industry standard, attribute based system for calculating financial endowments such as the Property Analysis Record (PAR). The endowment shall be a non-wasting fund calculated on the annual costs necessary to perform activities outlined in the land management plan and shall also contain fixed funds for compliance monitoring and legal contingencies. The assumed net rate of return on the fund available for annual land management activities shall not exceed four percent (4%). This mitigation may be satisfied through the required land dedications required by Mitigation Measures AG-3, and BR-20. (Mitigation Measure LU-2)
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3. The on-site aggregate processing facility shall be limited to processing aggregate materials mined from the quarry and shall cease when either permitted reserves are depleted or the life of the permit has expired, whichever event occurs first. (Planning Division condition) Aesthetics
4. To the maximum extent feasible, biological mitigation such as oak tree planting and wetland preservation/creation shall be conducted onsite around the periphery of the active mining area in order to provide the most natural visual screen and viewshed. Native oak tree replanting shall be given priority over other similar plantings. No non-native plant material shall be used or incorporated into any landscaping or screening feature. (Mitigation Measure AE-2)
5. In order to reduce direct and reflected light pollution, lighting at the project site shall be equipped with shields that concentrate the illumination downward such that no direct light is cast off the site. The direct source of the lighting (bulb, lens, filament, tube, etc.) shall not be visible off-site and the lighting shall be installed as low as possible on poles and/or structures as to minimize reflected light pollution into the night sky. The candle power of the illumination at ground level shall not exceed what is required by any safety or security regulations of any government agency with regulatory oversight of the mining operation. (Mitigation Measure AE-3)
6. Prior to issuance of the WAP, the final lighting plan for the quarry and support facilities shall be reviewed and approved by the CPD Director, and shall be in substantial compliance with the Conceptual Lighting Plan (Exhibits O-1 through O-4). Lighting may be phased such that approval of the lighting for the permanent processing plant shown for Phase II on the Mining Plan (Exhibit E) shall be required prior to issuance of the building permit for that facility. (Planning Division condition)
7. Within 12 months of issuance of the WAP, the operator shall initiate screening measures, which shall be phased in accordance with the Mining Plan (Exhibit 5), including constructing berms, and planting native oak trees and other native vegetation in substantial compliance with the Quarry Landscape and Berming (Exhibit 10), Landscaping and Berming Cross Sections (Exhibit 11). (Planning Division implementation condition for Mitigation Measure AE-1)
8. Stockpiles and portable equipment outside of the quarry footprint and at original grade (i.e., prior to commencement of mining) shall not exceed 50 feet in height and shall be screened from Scott Road West to the extent feasible and to the satisfaction of the Director of CPD. (Planning Division condition)
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9. Prior to issuance of any building permit, the quarry shop and dimension stone workshop building shall be subject to review by the Design Review Administrator and Director of CPD. (Planning Division condition) Public Safety and Hazardous Materials
10. The applicant shall use above ground storage tanks that have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when storing all petroleum products and other regulated substances. The above ground tanks shall be double walled and meet all ballistic and flame impingement requirements in California Fire Code (CFC) Article 79. The containment structures shall not be equipped with any valves or drains. (Mitigation Measure PS-1)
11. Project site equipment and servicing materials shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner to aid in accounting for and detecting potential sources of contamination. (Mitigation Measure PS-2)
12. Non-functional equipment, scrap metal, construction debris, used batteries and tires, and similar objects shall be removed from the site on a regular basis and disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities. (Mitigation Measure PS-3)
13. Spare equipment such as heavy equipment parts, conveyor belts, tires and other replacement or extra equipment pieces shall be stored indoors or on impermeable surfaces that do not drain off-site whenever possible to avoid surface water contamination. Spare parts containing petroleum products (i.e., lubricants, hydraulic oil, etc.) shall be stored using Best Management Practices (BMP’s) to prevent contamination of soil or storm water runoff. (Mitigation Measure PS-4)
14. Storage areas shall be inspected by the operator monthly. Any petroleum leaks shall be documented and cleaned up. Leaking equipment shall be repaired. Inspection and monitoring documentation shall be retained for a minimum of five years and be available to County staff during site inspections. (Mitigation Measure PS-5)
15. All delivery, maintenance, and repair trucks containing petroleum products or explosives shall comply with SacDOT’s regulations for transport of hazardous materials. All trucks carrying petroleum products shall be equipped with quick connect couplings and automatic shut-off valves to prevent spills, and shall carry appropriate absorbent materials to contain and recover spillage. (Mitigation Measure PS-6)
16. A Hazardous Materials Plan (HMP) shall be developed for the project site to address the potential hazards to the public and environment associated with the transport, use or storage of these hazardous materials. The HMP shall be
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submitted to the County Environmental Management Department (EMD) for approval. The HMP shall include the methods used to test and evaluate wastes generated on-site, including from leaks and spills in the chemical storage areas and equipment maintenance areas. If the wastes are determined to be hazardous, the HMP must specify the measures that will be taken to comply with Chapter 15 of Title 22 of the CCR. Daily inspection logs of the chemical storage and equipment maintenance areas shall be prepared by the operator and maintained on-site for inspection. (Mitigation Measure PS-7)
17. Upon completion of the project, all hazardous materials and above ground storage tanks shall be removed and the site shall be cleaned of hazardous material. (Mitigation Measure PS-8)
18. Comply with the following business practices pertaining to the use and handling of explosives, to the satisfaction of the County Sheriff’s Department:
a. An explosives handling procedure shall be developed and followed, to the satisfaction of the Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad Supervisor.
b. The operator shall comply with the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) CFR 30, Section 57.6000 through 57.6905 relating to the transportation, storage and handling of explosives on a mine site. This includes the location, construction, and contents of explosives magazines.
c. The operator shall comply with all Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF) regulations regarding procedures for explosives storage and security.
d. Blasting personnel overseeing the handling and use of explosives are required to be licensed by California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal-OSHA).
e. An Explosives Permit, issued by the County Sheriff’s Department Explosives Coordinator, shall be obtained and maintained at this location. Information on acquiring this permit may be obtained by contacting the Sheriff’s Department Explosives Coordinator at 876-7542, or the Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Section at 876-7599. (Sheriff’s Department condition)
19. The project shall comply with the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 495, Explosive Materials Code, the MSHA CFR 30, sections 57.6000 through 57.6905 and all BATF regulations. (Mitigation Measure PS-11)
20. The personnel overseeing the handling and use of explosives are required to be licensed by Cal-OSHA. (Mitigation Measure PS-12)
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21. Provide fire access roadways and site access to the satisfaction of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (Metro Fire) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. (Mitigation Measure PS-13)
22. Fire access and water distribution systems shall be complete in their entirety prior to the issuance of any building permits. (Mitigation Measure PS-14)
23. Fire access shall be provided into wetland and open space areas for emergency and wildland firefighting purposes as required by the Metro Fire. (Mitigation Measure PS-15)
24. The applicant shall prepare and implement, to the satisfaction of the Sacramento- Yolo Mosquito Vector Control District, a mosquito abatement program. A copy of the approved mosquito abatement program shall be submitted to the Division of Environmental Review and Assessment (DERA). (Mitigation Measure PS-16)
25. Five-strand barbed-wire fencing (or fencing substantially similar to that used for adjacent ranching properties) shall be constructed around the mining site and processing plant as necessary to ensure public safety and security. The operator shall post warning and trespass signs advising of the quarry mining operation on the perimeter fencing at intervals of not more than 500 feet. These signs shall also contain information (contact and phone number) necessary for reporting complaints to the operator. Signs shall be maintained legible, in good repair, and shall be placed to be easily visible by the public. Chain-link fencing shall not be used unless required by other agency regulations or conditions of approval to ensure adequate public safety and security. (Planning Division condition) Traffic and Circulation
26. Prior to the commencement of aggregate hauling by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry, the operator shall construct or fully fund, based on construction costs at the time of payment as determined by SacDOT, Scott Road (East) between White Rock Road and the site entrance. The road shall be constructed as a two-lane, Class C, rural road with paved shoulders. The operator shall be responsible for maintaining the roadway over the life of the project. Prior to constructing any of the above improvements, the Operator shall enter into a reimbursement agreement with the County to allow for the fair share reimbursement from the operator of any approved aggregate mining facility that is projected to contribute truck traffic to this roadway segment. In addition, should the operator of any approved aggregate mining facility construct any of the above improvements, the operator shall reimburse said operator for its fair share of said improvements prior to the commencement of aggregate hauling by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry, in accordance with the terms of any reimbursement agreement executed by that operator. (SacDOT condition) JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 41 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
27. Prior to the commencement of aggregate hauling by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry, the operator shall construct or fully fund, based on construction costs at the time of payment as determined by SacDOT, the following roadway improvement. The intersection of Scott Road (East) and White Rock Road shall be signalized with eight phase signal operation and the following lane configurations: Northbound: one left-turn lane, one through lane, and one right-turn lane;
Southbound: one left-turn lane, one through lane, and one right-turn lane;
Eastbound: one left-turn lane, one through lane, and one right-turn lane; and
Westbound: one left-turn lane, one through lane, and one right-turn lane. As part of the traffic signalization, the westbound left-turn pocket and the eastbound right-turn pocket shall be long enough to accommodate deceleration and storage of the trucks so that it does not interfere with the through traffic stream at the intersection. If this improvement has already been constructed, has funding fully allocated, or is determined by SacDOT to be of a lower priority than another improvement prior to exceeding the above-referenced production threshold, the Operator shall construct or provide funds for another roadway improvement of equal or greater value from the list of improvements identified in the Final EIR for the Project and approved by SacDOT, and as set forth in Condition No. 33 below. (Mitigation Measure TC-2)
28. Prior to the commencement of aggregate hauling by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry, the Operator shall construct or fully fund, based on construction costs at the time of payment as determined by SacDOT, the following roadway improvements.
The intersection of White Rock Road and Scott Road-East shall be improved to accommodate the following: Construct two receiving lanes and a standard intersection curb radius for the eastbound to southbound and the northbound to eastbound truck right turns.
Construct a second left turn lane and a third receiving lane for the northbound to westbound left turning trucks.
Construct two northbound and two southbound through lanes on Scott Road.
Construct two eastbound and two westbound through lanes on White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measures TC-63) JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 42 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
If the above improvements have been fully funded or constructed by the operator of another aggregate mining facility, Stoneridge Quarry shall pay its fair share contribution to the County for the cost of funding this mitigation measure.
If the above improvements have not been fully funded or constructed, Stoneridge Quarry, at its option, shall construct or fully fund the cost of this improvement and enter into a reimbursement agreement with the County to provide for fair share reimbursement back to Stoneridge Quarry from the operator of any other aggregate mining facility that has been determined by SacDOT to contribute truck traffic and have a fair share responsibility to the improved facility.
29. Prior to exceeding an annual production volume of aggregate hauled by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry of two million tons per year in any calendar year, the operator shall construct or fully fund, based on construction costs at the time of payment as determined by SacDOT, the following roadway improvements.
a. The intersection of Scott Road (West) and White Rock Road shall be signalized with the following lane configurations:
Northbound: one left-turn lane and one right-turn lane;
Eastbound: one through lane and one right-turn lane; and Westbound: one left-turn lane and one through lane (Mitigation Measure TC-34) b. The intersection of Grant Line Road and Kiefer Boulevard shall be signalized with the following lane configurations:
Northbound: one left-turn lane and one shared through/right-turn lane;
Southbound: one left-turn lane and one shared through/right-turn lane;
Eastbound: one shared left-turn/through/right-turn lane; and
Westbound: one shared left-turn/through/right-turn lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-37)
c. The intersection of Grant Line Road and Jackson Road shall be signalized with the following lane configurations:
Northbound: one left-turn lane, one through lane, and one right-turn lane;
Southbound: one left-turn lane, one through lane, and one right-turn lane; JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 43 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
Eastbound: one left-turn lane and one shared through/right-turn lane; and
Westbound: one left-turn lane, one through lane, and one right-turn lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-38)
d. The intersection of Grant Line Road and Douglas Road shall be signalized with the following lane configurations:
Northbound: one left-turn lane and one through lane;
Southbound: one through lane and one right-turn lane; and
Eastbound: one left-turn lane and one right-turn lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-39)
If any of these improvements have already been constructed, have funding fully allocated, or is determined by SacDOT to be of a lower priority than another improvement, prior to exceeding the above-referenced production threshold, the operator shall construct or provide funds for another roadway improvement of equal or greater value from the list of improvements identified in the Final EIR for the project and approved by SacDOT, and as set forth in Condition No. 33 below.
30. Prior to exceeding an annual production volume of aggregate hauled by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry of three million tons per year in any calendar year, the operator shall contribute the following fair share amount, based on construction costs at the time of payment as determined by SacDOT, toward the following roadway improvements:
a. Contribute seventeen percent (17%) of the total cost towards improving Grant Line Road between White Rock Road and Douglas Road to a four- lane arterial roadway as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards (County Improvement Standards) and to the satisfaction of SacDOT. (Mitigation Measure TC-50)
b. Improve White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Scott Road (west) to a four lane arterial roadway as identified in the County Improvement Standards and to the satisfaction of SacDOT. (Mitigation Measure TC-44)
If any of these improvements have already been constructed, have funding fully allocated, or is determined by SacDOT to be of a lower priority than another improvement prior to exceeding the above-referenced production threshold, the operator shall construct or provide funds for another roadway improvement of JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 44 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
equal or greater value from the list of improvements identified in the Final EIR for the project and approved by SacDOT, and as set forth in Condition No. 33 below.
31. Prior to exceeding an annual production volume of aggregate hauled by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry of four million tons per year in any calendar year, the operator shall construct or fully fund, based on construction costs at the time of payment as determined by SacDOT, the following roadway improvements.
a. Contribute thirty two percent (32%) of the total cost towards improving White Rock Road between Scott Road (West) and Scott Road (East) to a four lane arterial roadway as identified in the County Improvement Standards and to the satisfaction of SacDOT. (Mitigation Measure TC-46)
b. Contribute four tenths of one percent (0.4%) of the total cost towards adding an auxiliary lane on Westbound US-50 between El Dorado Hills Boulevard/Latrobe Road and East Bidwell Street/Scott Road (east). The total cost shall exclude costs associated with the ramp influence area of the direct off-ramp to East Bidwell Street/Scott Road (east). The ramp influence area extends from the diverge gore to 1,500 feet upstream. (Mitigation Measure TC-53)
c. Contribute seven and one half percent (7.5%) of the total cost towards adding an auxiliary lane on Westbound US-50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road (east) and Prairie City Road. The total cost shall exclude costs associated with the ramp influence areas of the direct on-ramp from East Bidwell Street/Scott Road (east) and the direct off-ramp to Prairie City Road. The ramp influence area extends from the merge gore to 1,500 feet downstream and from the diverge gore to 1,500 feet upstream. (Mitigation Measure TC-54)
d. Contribute four and six tenths percent (4.6%) of the total cost towards adding an auxiliary lane on Westbound US-50 between Prairie City Road and Sunrise Boulevard. The total cost shall exclude costs associated with the ramp influence areas of the direct and loop on-ramps from Prairie City Road. The ramp influence area extends from the merge gore to 1,500 feet downstream. (Mitigation Measure TC-55)
e. Contribute one and three tenths percent (1.3%) of the total cost towards adding the portion of an auxiliary lane on Westbound US-50 between Latrobe Road and East Bidwell Street/Scott Road (east) associated with the ramp influence area of the direct off-ramp to East Bidwell Street/Scott Road (east). The ramp influence area extends from the diverge gore to 1,500 feet upstream. (Mitigation Measure TC-56)
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f. Contribute seven and nine tenths percent (7.9%) of the total cost towards adding the portion of an auxiliary lane on Westbound US-50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road (east) and Prairie City Road associated with the ramp influence area of the direct on-ramp from East Bidwell Street/Scott Road (east). The ramp influence area extends from the merge gore to 1,500 feet downstream. (Mitigation Measure TC-57)
g. Contribute six and three tenths percent (6.3%) of the total cost towards adding the portion of an auxiliary lane on Westbound US-50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road (east) and Prairie City Road associated with the ramp influence area of the direct off-ramp to Prairie City Road. The ramp influence area extends from the diverge gore to 1,500 feet upstream. (Mitigation Measure TC-58)
h. Contribute six and three tenths percent (6.3%) of the total cost towards adding the portion of an auxiliary lane on Westbound US-50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard associated with the ramp influence area of the loop on-ramp from Prairie City Road. The ramp influence area extends from the merge gore to 1,500 feet upstream. (Mitigation Measure TC-59)
i. Contribute six and three tenths percent (6.3%) of the total cost towards adding the portion of an auxiliary lane on Westbound US-50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard associated with the ramp influence area of the direct on-ramp from Prairie City Road. The ramp influence area extends from the merge gore to 1,500 feet upstream. (Mitigation Measure TC-60)
If any of these improvements have already been constructed, have funding fully allocated, or is determined by SacDOT to be of a lower priority than another improvement prior to exceeding the above-referenced production threshold, the operator shall construct or provide funds for another roadway improvement of equal or greater value from the list of improvements identified in the Final EIR for the project and approved by SacDOT, and as set forth in Condition No. 33 below.
32. Prior to exceeding a combined annual production volume of aggregate hauled by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry and the adjacent Teichert Quarry of six million tons per year in any calendar year, Scott Road East between White Rock Road and the Teichert Quarry site access shall be improved to a four-lane arterial roadway as identified in the County Improvement Standards and to the satisfaction of SacDOT. The operator shall either pay the fair share of this improvement, based on construction costs at the time of payment as determined by SacDOT, or construct the improvements and receive reimbursement from the
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other operator using this roadway segment. The operator shall be responsible for maintaining the roadway over the life of the project. (Mitigation Measure TC-88)
33. If any of the improvements proposed to be constructed or funded by the operator in Conditions 26 through 32 above have already been constructed, have funding fully allocated, or is determined by SacDOT to be of a lower priority than another improvement prior to exceeding the above-referenced production threshold, the operator shall construct or fund, based on construction costs at the time of payment, another roadway improvement of equal or greater value, from the following list of improvements identified in the Final EIR for the project and approved by SacDOT:
a. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Prairie City Road and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-1)
b. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Scott Road (east) and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-2)
c. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and Jackson Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-3)
d. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and Douglas Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-4)
e. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between U.S. 50 and White Rock Road to Class C standards as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-5)
f. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Scott Road (west) to Class C standards as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-6)
g. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Scott Road (west) and Scott Road (east) to Class C standards as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-7)
h. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between White Rock Road and Douglas Road to Class C standards as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-8)
i. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Latrobe Road and Scott Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-9)
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j. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-10)
k. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Folsom Boulevard and Hazel Avenue to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-11)
l. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Hazel Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC- 12)
m. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between El Dorado Hills Boulevard and East Bidwell Street/Scott Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound diverge to East Bidwell Street/Scott Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-13)
n. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road and Prairie City Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound merge from southbound East Bidwell Street. (Mitigation Measure TC-14)
o. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road and Prairie City Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound diverge to Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-15)
p. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound merge from northbound Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-16)
q. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound merge from southbound Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-17)
r. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-32)
s. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Prairie City Road and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-33)
t. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Scott Road (west) and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-34) JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 48 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
u. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Scott Road (east) and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-35)
v. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and East-West Quarry Access Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-36)
w. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and Kiefer Boulevard. (Mitigation Measure TC-37)
x. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and Jackson Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-38)
y. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and Douglas Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-39)
z. Pay the fair share of improving Prairie City Road between U.S. 50 and White Rock Road to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-40)
aa. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between U.S. 50 and White Rock Road to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-41)
bb. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between White Rock Road and the Stoneridge Quarry to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-42)
cc. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Grant Line Road and Prairie City Road to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-43)
dd. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Scott Road (west) to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-44)
ee. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Scott Road (west) to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-45)
ff. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Scott Road (west) and Scott Road (east) to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-46)
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gg. Pay the fair share of improving East-West Quarry Access Road between Stoneridge Quarry and Grant Line Road to a two-lane Class C standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC- 47)
hh. Pay the fair share of improving Jackson Road between Sunrise Boulevard and Grant Line Road to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-48)
ii. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between East-West Quarry Access Road and Douglas Road to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-49)
jj. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between White Rock Road and Douglas Road to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-50)
kk. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between Douglas Road and Kiefer Boulevard to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-51)
ll. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between Kiefer Boulevard and Jackson Road to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-52)
mm. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Latrobe Road and East Bidwell Street/Scott Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-53)
nn. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road and Prairie City Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-54)
oo. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Sunrise Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-55)
pp. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Latrobe Road and East Bidwell Street/Scott Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound diverge to East Bidwell Street/Scott Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-56)
qq. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road and Prairie City Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to
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eliminate the westbound merge from southbound East Bidwell Street. (Mitigation Measure TC-57)
rr. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road and Prairie City Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound diverge to Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-58)
ss. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound merge from northbound Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-59)
tt. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound merge from southbound Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-60)
uu. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and East-West Quarry Access Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-83)
vv. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Prairie City Road and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-84)
ww. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Scott Road (east) and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-85)
xx. Pay the fair share of improving East-West Quarry Access Road between Stoneridge Quarry and Grant Line Road to a six-lane thoroughfare standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-86)
yy. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between U.S. 50 and Easton Valley Parkway to high access control. (Mitigation Measure TC-87)
zz. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between White Rock Road and the Stoneridge Quarry to a four-lane arterial standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-88)
aaa. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Oak Avenue Parkway and Scott Road (east) to an expressway standard with high access control. (Mitigation Measure TC-89)
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bbb. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Oak Avenue Parkway to an expressway standard with high access control. (Mitigation Measure TC-90)
ccc. Pay the fair share of improving Prairie City Road between Easton Valley Parkway and White Rock Road to a six-lane thoroughfare standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC- 91)
ddd. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between Easton Valley Parkway and White Rock Road to a six-lane thoroughfare standard as identified in the County Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC- 92)
The relative value of the Operator’s mitigation measure obligation, traffic conditions of approval, and alternative improvements has been estimated in 2010 construction costs and is included in these conditions of approval as Appendix A (i.e., Memorandum from DKS Associates to Dean Blank, dated August 19, 2011). The relative values of the improvements as documented in Appendix A shall be used as the basis for determining the equivalent value of each alternative improvement and the improvements required in Conditions 26 through 32 above. In the event that the alternative improvements are of greater relative value than the relative value of the improvement required in Conditions 26 through 32 above, the Operator shall receive credit towards its overall traffic fair share obligations based upon the difference in the relative value of the improvements. If the Operator contributes funds to alternative improvements, it shall only be obligated to fund up to the relative value of the improvements required pursuant to Conditions 26 through 32 above. In the event of a credit, the Operator shall coordinate with SacDOT regarding the amount and methodology for calculating said credit.
34. All impacted intersections requiring mitigation should be designed and constructed to adequately accommodate truck turning. Turning of haul trucks should not require any part of the truck to enter any lane of other directions, or leave the paved roadway. All plans for intersection improvements shall be checked at all design stages with truck turning paths for the largest type of trucks that will access the facilities. All turning lanes for trucks should provide adequate queue storage for trucks, meaning more than the average peak hour queue length. All approaches to signalized intersections should be modified to provide adequate sight distance to the satisfaction of SacDOT. (Department of Transportation condition)
35. All roadway segments being mitigated to four lanes should include paved shoulders and improvements of vertical and horizontal curves to county standards
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and to the satisfaction of SacDOT. All roadways segments recommended for shoulder improvements should also include improvements of vertical and horizontal curves to county standards and to the satisfaction of SacDOT. All approaches to signalized intersections should be modified to provide adequate sight distance to the satisfaction of SacDOT. (Mitigation Measure TC-67)
36. Prior to the commencement of aggregate hauling by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry, the operator shall construct or fully fund, based on construction costs at the time of payment as determined by SacDOT, the following roadway improvements:
a. Construct roadway shoulders on Scott Road (east) between US-50 and White Rock Road to County roadway standard Class C to the satisfaction of SacDOT. (Mitigation Measure TC-68)
b. Construct roadway shoulders on White Rock Road between Scott Road (east) and Prairie City Road to County roadway standard Class C to the satisfaction of SacDOT. (Mitigation Measure TC-70)
c. Construct roadway shoulders on Grant Line Road between White Rock Road and Douglas Road to County roadway standard Class C to the satisfaction of SacDOT. (Mitigation Measure TC-73)
If the above improvements have been fully funded or constructed by the operator of another aggregate mining facility, Stoneridge Quarry shall pay its fair share contribution to the County for the cost of funding this mitigation measure.
If the above improvements have not been fully funded or constructed, Stoneridge Quarry, at its option, shall construct or fully fund the cost of this improvement and enter into a reimbursement agreement with the County to provide for fair share reimbursement back to Stoneridge Quarry from the operator of any other aggregate mining facility that has been determined by SacDOT to contribute truck traffic and have a fair share responsibility to the improved facility.
37. Prior to the commencement of aggregate hauling by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry, the Operator shall construct or fully fund, based on construction costs at the time of payment as determined by SacDOT, the following roadway repairs:
a. Dig out and fill approximately 500 linear feet (l.f.) of Scott Road East;
b. Dig out and fill approximately 1,500 l.f. of White Rock Road; and
c. Dig out and fill approximately 3,000 l.f. of Grant Line Road.
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Prior to constructing or funding any of the above improvements, the Operator shall enter into a reimbursement agreement with the County to allow for reimbursement from the operator of any other approved aggregate mining facility that is projected to contribute truck traffic to any of the above roadway segments prior to the four-lane widening of the segment. In addition, should the operator of any approved aggregate mining facility construct or fund any of the above improvements, the Operator shall reimburse said operator for its fair share of said improvements prior to the commencement of aggregate hauling by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry, in accordance with the terms of any reimbursement agreement executed by that operator.
38. Prior to the commencement of aggregate hauling by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry, the operator shall submit an initial evaluation of the structural integrity of the pavements on the haul routes to the County to establish a baseline. Said evaluation shall be forwarded to the cities of Folsom and Rancho Cordova, and shall be approved at a public hearing by the Board. The evaluation shall address the following:
a. 17.8 miles of roadways;
b. Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) testing/Pavement Condition Survey;
c. Coring;
d. Soils Testing;
e. Traffic Control;
f. Pavement Design; and
g. Pavement Design Report.
The operator shall be eligible for fair share reimbursement from the operator of any subsequently approved aggregate mining facility that would contribute truck traffic to the haul routes analyzed in pavement baseline condition analysis. (Mitigation Measure TC-23)
39. The Stoneridge Quarry shall submit an annual evaluation of the structural integrity of the pavement on the haul routes to the County. The operator shall pay its fair share towards the maintenance of pavement along each impacted segment of the approved haul routes where the project increases the TI by 0.5 or more, as listed below:
a. White Rock Road (Grant Line Road to Scott Road East);
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b. Douglas Road (Sunrise Boulevard to Americanos Road);
c. Jackson Road (SR-16) (Excelsior Road to Grant Line Road);
d. Jackson Road (SR-16) (Sunrise Boulevard to Eagles Nest Road);
e. Jackson Road (SR-16) (Dillard Road to Latrobe Road);
f. Latrobe Road (US-50 to White Rock Road);
g. Scott Road (East) (US-50 to White Rock Road;
h. Grant Line Road (White Rock Road to Calvine Road).
The fair share shall be based on the net increase in Equivalent Single Axle Loads for each segment, subject to final approval by the County. The operator’s joint maintenance responsibility for the haul routes shall continue throughout the life of the permits.
To fund the maintenance of approved haul routes where the project increases the TI by 0.5 or more, the operator shall pay SacDOT four cents for each ton of aggregate that is mined and sold from the Stoneridge Quarry. These payments will be made on a quarterly basis for every quarter in which aggregate mined from the project site is sold. The proceeds from these payments shall be used to repair project haul routes in the County and adjacent jurisdictions and to fund the monitoring required under Condition 40.c below. (Mitigation Measure TC-24)
40. Prior to the commencement of aggregate hauling by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry, the operator shall construct or fully fund, based on construction costs at the time of payment as determined by SacDOT, the following improvements:
a. The installation of monitoring stations to collect real time traffic data at the following locations: (Mitigation Measure TC-25)
White Rock Road west of Grant Line Road
White Rock Road east of Grant Line Road
White Rock Road west of Scott Road (East)
White Rock Road east of Scott Road (East)
Scott Road north of White Rock Road
Prairie City Road north of White Rock Road
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Grant Line Road south of White Rock Road
b. The installation of County-specified Closed Circuit Television surveillance cameras and wireless communication transmission equipment at the intersection of White Rock Road/Scott Road (East). The wireless communication transmission equipment shall be sufficient to transmit the traffic and video data back to the existing County fiber optic backbone to allow real time monitoring at the County Traffic Operations Center. (Mitigation Measure TC-26)
c. An on-call consultant contract to assist County staff with data collection, data analysis, determination and implementation of strategies, and construction of facilities needed to overcome safety and operational challenges that are caused by project truck traffic. This on-call contract shall be renewed on an annual basis. The applicant will fund the implementation of strategies identified from that analysis, which may include but are not limited to (Note: This condition is fully funded through the provisions of Condition No. 39 above):
Truck lane restrictions
Time of day restrictions
Roadway restrictions or prohibitions
Restrictions on the number of daily trucks
Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies
Intersection/ roadway widening projects
The on-call consultant shall review annually the real time traffic data and any data collection, analysis, determination, and implementation of strategies and construction facilities. Based on this annual review, the on- call consultant shall provide a report outlining additional recommendations and strategies intended to overcome safety and operational challenges identified in the annual review. (Mitigation Measure TC-27)
Prior to constructing or funding any of the above improvements, the operator shall enter into a reimbursement agreement with the County to allow for reimbursement from the operator of any subsequently approved aggregate mining facility that is projected to contribute truck traffic to any of the above roadway segments. In addition, should the operator of any subsequently approved aggregate mining facility construct or fund any of the above improvements, the
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Operator shall reimburse said operator for its fair share of said improvements prior to the commencement of aggregate hauling by truck from the Stoneridge Quarry, in accordance with the terms of any reimbursement agreement executed by that operator.
41. The applicant shall participate in the process to develop the Truck Management Plan. If a truck management plan stemming from that process is adopted by the County, the Applicant shall fund and/or implement the applicable measures pertaining to the project. (SacDOT condition)
42. Except for routing that may be approved by the Board in conjunction with the Truck Management Plan, Scott Road-West shall not be used by trucks hauling (pick up or delivery) aggregate material mined from the quarry, or trucks delivering materials (e.g. clay or other materials mined off-site to be blended with the final product) or products (e.g., cement or asphalt) to the quarry. The operator shall implement a program to provide drivers notice of and ensure compliance with this restriction. The program shall include the following provisions to bar drivers who are found to have violated this restriction from being served at the quarry:
First violation – driver is given a warning;
Second violation – driver is barred from the facility for one month; and
Third violation—driver is permanently barred from the facility.
The operator shall submit to CPD, as part of the annual reporting required under the DA, an annual summary of any violations and actions taken. (Planning Division condition)
43. Appropriate CEQA review shall be conducted prior to the approval and construction of any of the roadway improvements required in the above conditions. The preceding traffic conditions do not presuppose that any such improvements will be approved. (SacDOT condition)
44. Implementation of Conditions Nos. 26 through 43 above fulfills the Operator’s obligation to construct or pay its fair share towards the following mitigation measures:
a. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Prairie City Road and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-1)
b. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Scott Road (east) and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-2)
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c. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and Jackson Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-3)
d. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and Douglas Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-4)
e. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between U.S. 50 and White Rock Road to Class C standards as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-5)
f. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Scott Road (west) to Class C standards as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-6)
g. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Scott Road (west) and Scott Road (east) to Class C standards as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-7)
h. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between White Rock Road and Douglas Road to Class C standards as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-8)
i. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Latrobe Road and Scott Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-9)
j. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-10)
k. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Folsom Boulevard and Hazel Avenue to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-11)
l. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Hazel Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC- 12)
m. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between El Dorado Hills Boulevard and East Bidwell Street/Scott Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound diverge to East Bidwell Street/Scott Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-13)
n. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road and Prairie City Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to
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eliminate the westbound merge from southbound East Bidwell Street. (Mitigation Measure TC-14)
o. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road and Prairie City Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound diverge to Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-15)
p. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound merge from northbound Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-16)
q. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound merge from southbound Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-17)
r. Pay the fair share of improving the Scott Road (east) and White Rock Road intersection. (Mitigation Measure TC-18)
s. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between U.S. 50 and White Rock Road to Class C standards with roadway shoulders as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-19)
t. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Scott Road (east) to Class C standards with roadway shoulders as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-20)
u. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Grant Line Road and Prairie City Road to Class C standards with roadway shoulders as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-21)
v. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between White Rock Road and Douglas Road to Class C standards with roadway shoulders as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-22)
w. The applicant shall submit an initial evaluation of the structural integrity of the pavements on the haul routes to the County. (Mitigation Measure TC- 23)
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x. Pay the fair share of the additional structural section where the Project results in a TI increase. (Mitigation Measure TC-24)
y. The applicant shall fund the installation of monitoring stations. (Mitigation Measure TC-25)
z. The applicant shall fund the installation of County-specified CCTV surveillance cameras. (Mitigation Measure TC-26)
aa. The applicant shall pay for an on-call consultant contract to assist County staff with data collection, data analysis, determination and implementation of strategies. (Mitigation Measure TC-27)
bb. The applicant shall participate in the process to develop the East Sacramento Regional Aggregate Mining Truck Management Plan. (Mitigation Measure TC-28)
cc. Implement safety impacts between trucks and pedestrian/bicyclists on Scott Road (east) between US-50 and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-29)
dd. Implement safety impacts between trucks and pedestrian/bicyclists on White Rock Road between Grant Line Road and Scott Road (east). (Mitigation Measure TC-30)
ee. Implement safety impacts between trucks and pedestrian/bicyclists on Grant Line Road between White Rock Road and Douglas Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-31)
ff. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-32)
gg. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Prairie City Road and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-33)
hh. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Scott Road (west) and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-34)
ii. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Scott Road (east) and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-35)
jj. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and East-West Quarry Access Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-36)
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kk. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and Kiefer Boulevard. (Mitigation Measure TC-37)
ll. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and Jackson Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-38)
mm. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and Douglas Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-39)
nn. Pay the fair share of improving Prairie City Road between U.S. 50 and White Rock Road to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-40)
oo. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between U.S. 50 and White Rock Road to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-41)
pp. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between White Rock Road and the Stoneridge Quarry to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC- 42)
qq. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Grant Line Road and Prairie City Road to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC- 43)
rr. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Scott Road (west) to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC- 44)
ss. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Scott Road (west) to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC- 45)
tt. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Scott Road (west) and Scott Road (east) to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-46)
uu. Pay the fair share of improving East-West Quarry Access Road between Stoneridge Quarry and Grant Line Road to a two lane Class C standard as
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identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-47)
vv. Pay the fair share of improving Jackson Road between Sunrise Boulevard and Grant Line Road to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC- 48)
ww. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between East-West Quarry Access Road and Douglas Road to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-49)
xx. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between White Rock Road and Douglas Road to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-50)
yy. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between Douglas Road and Kiefer Boulevard to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-51)
zz. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between Kiefer Boulevard and Jackson Road to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-52)
aaa. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Latrobe Road and East Bidwell Street/Scott Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-53)
bbb. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road and Prairie City Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-54)
ccc. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Sunrise Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane. (Mitigation Measure TC-55)
ddd. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Latrobe Road and East Bidwell Street/Scott Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound diverge to East Bidwell Street/Scott Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-56)
eee. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road and Prairie City Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to
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eliminate the westbound merge from southbound East Bidwell Street. (Mitigation Measure TC-57)
fff. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between East Bidwell Street/Scott Road and Prairie City Road to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound diverge to Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-58)
ggg. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound merge from northbound Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-59)
hhh. Pay the fair share of widening U.S. 50 between Prairie City Road and Folsom Boulevard to provide a westbound auxiliary lane to eliminate the westbound merge from southbound Prairie City Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-60)
iii. All impacted intersections requiring mitigation should be designed and constructed to adequately accommodate truck turning. (Mitigation Measure TC-61)
jjj. Pay the fair share of improving the Scott Road (east) and White Rock Road intersection. (Mitigation Measure TC-62)
kkk. Pay the fair share of improving the Scott Road (east) and White Rock Road intersection. (Mitigation Measure TC-63)
lll. Pay the fair share of improving the Prairie City Road and White Rock Road intersection. (Mitigation Measure TC-64)
mmm. Pay the fair share of improving the Grant Line Road and East-West Quarry Access Road intersection. (Mitigation Measure TC-65)
nnn. Pay the fair share of improving the White Rock Road and Placerville Road intersection. (Mitigation Measure TC-66)
ooo. Pay the fair share of constructing roadway shoulders and improvements of vertical and horizontal curves to County standards on all mitigated roadways. (Mitigation Measure TC-67)
ppp. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between U.S. 50 and White Rock Road to Class C standards with roadway shoulders as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-68) JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 63 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
qqq. Pay the fair share of improving Prairie City Road between U.S. 50 and White Rock Road to Class C standards with roadway shoulders as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-69)
rrr. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Scott Road (east) to Class C standards with roadway shoulders as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-70)
sss. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Grant Line Road and Prairie City Road to Class C standards with roadway shoulders as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-71)
ttt. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between East-West Quarry Access Road and Jackson Road to Class C standards with roadway shoulders as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-72)
uuu. Pay the fair share of improving Grant Line Road between White Rock Road and Douglas Road to Class C standards with roadway shoulders as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-73)
vvv. Pay the fair share of improving the Prairie City Road and US-50 interchange. (Mitigation Measure TC-74)
www. The applicant shall submit an initial evaluation of the structural integrity of the pavements on the haul routes to the County. (Mitigation Measure TC-75)
xxx. Implement Mitigation Measure TC-24. (Mitigation Measure TC-76)
yyy. Implement Mitigation Measures TC-25 through TC-28. (Mitigation Measure TC-77)
zzz. Implement Mitigation Measures TC-63 and TC-68. (Mitigation Measure TC-78)
aaaa. Implement Mitigation Measures TC-62, TC-63, TC-64, TC-70 and TC- 71. (Mitigation Measure TC-79)
bbbb. Implement Mitigation Measure TC-73. (Mitigation Measure TC-80)
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cccc. Implement Mitigation Measures TC-65 and TC-72. (Mitigation Measure TC-81)
dddd. Implement Mitigation Measures TC-64 and TC-69. (Mitigation Measure TC-82)
eeee. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Grant Line Road and East-West Quarry Access Road. (Mitigation Measure TC-83)
ffff. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Prairie City Road and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC- 84)
gggg. Pay the fair share of the signalization and widening of the intersection of Scott Road (east) and White Rock Road. (Mitigation Measure TC- 85)
hhhh. Pay the fair share of improving East-West Quarry Access Road between Stoneridge Quarry and Grant Line Road to a six lane thoroughfare standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-86)
iiii. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between U.S. 50 and Easton Valley Parkway to high access control. (Mitigation Measure TC-87)
jjjj. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between White Rock Road and the Stoneridge Quarry to a four lane arterial standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-88)
kkkk. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Oak Avenue Parkway and Scott Road (east) to an expressway standard with high access control. (Mitigation Measure TC-89)
llll. Pay the fair share of improving White Rock Road between Prairie City Road and Oak Avenue Parkway to an expressway standard with high access control. (Mitigation Measure TC-90)
mmmm. Pay the fair share of improving Prairie City Road between Easton Valley Parkway and White Rock Road to a six lane thoroughfare standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-91)
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nnnn. Pay the fair share of improving Scott Road (east) between Easton Valley Parkway and White Rock Road to a six lane thoroughfare standard as identified in the County of Sacramento Improvement Standards. (Mitigation Measure TC-92)
oooo. Implement Mitigation Measures TC-18 through TC-22 and TC-61 through TC-74. (Mitigation Measure TC-93)
pppp. The applicant shall submit an initial evaluation of the structural integrity of the pavements on the haul routes to the County. (Mitigation Measure TC-94)
qqqq. Implement Mitigation Measure TC-24. (Mitigation Measure TC-95)
rrrr. Implement Mitigation Measures TC-25 through TC-28. (Mitigation Measure TC-96) Air Quality
45. The applicant shall prepare an Air Quality Mitigation Plan (AQMP) and submit the AQMP to SMAQMD for approval prior to issuance of the WAP. The AQMP should provide narrative, descriptions, and exhibits that illustrate and justify the measures chosen to reduce the project’s operational emissions of Reactive Organic Gas (ROG) and Nitrous Oxide (NOX) by fifteen percent (15%). The applicant must receive an endorsement letter of the AQMP from SMAQMD prior to issuance of the WAP. (Mitigation Measure AQ-1)
46. Category 1: Reducing NOX emission from off-road diesel powered equipment.
The proponent shall provide a plan, for approval of the lead agency and SMAQMD, demonstrating that the heavy-duty (>50 horsepower) off-road vehicles to be used in the project, including owned or leased and subcontracted vehicles, will achieve a project wide fleet-average 20 percent NOx reduction and 45 percent particulate reduction (Note: Acceptable options for reducing emissions may include use of late model engines, low-emission diesel products, alternative fuels, engine retrofit technology, after-treatment products and/or other options as they become available) compared to the most recent Air Resources Board (ARB) fleet average at the time of each annual report; and
The proponent shall submit to the lead agency and SMAQMD a comprehensive inventory of all off-road equipment, equal to or greater than 50 horsepower, that will be used an aggregate of 40 or more hours per year during any portion of the project. The inventory shall include the horsepower rating, engine production year, and projected hours of use or fuel throughput for each piece of equipment.
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The inventory shall be updated and submitted annually throughout the duration of the project. The proponent shall provide SMAQMD with the name and phone number of the project manager and/or on-site foreman.
Due to the long term nature of this project, the requirement for the emission reduction plan referenced herein will sunset on Month/Year (Note: project proponent should contact SMAQMD staff to determine appropriate sunset period) due to existing SMAQMD and ARB rules that will affect ARB fleet averages at that time.
AND
Category 2: Controlling visible emissions from off-road diesel powered equipment
Emissions from all off-road diesel powered equipment used on the project site shall not exceed 40 percent opacity for more than three minutes in any one hour. Any equipment found to exceed 40 percent opacity (or Ringelmann 2.0) shall be repaired immediately, and the lead agency and SMAQMD shall be notified within 48 hours of identification of non-compliance equipment. The SMAQMD and/or other officials may conduct periodic site inspections to determine compliance. Nothing in this section shall supersede other SMAQMD or State rules or regulations. (Mitigation Measure AQ-2)
47. All vehicles shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations, and all stationary equipment maintained in compliance with emissions limitations established by a permit issued by the SMAQMD. The applicant shall maintain records of equipment maintenance activities, and records shall be kept for five years from the date of maintenance and provided to the County upon request. (Mitigation Measure AQ-3)
48. Particulate filters and catalysts should be used where technically feasible to reduce NOx emissions from off-road heavy duty equipment. The project proponent should contact SMAQMD and/or ARB with assistance in determining appropriate emissions reducing technologies. (Mitigation Measure AQ-4)
49. The project applicant shall implement the SMAQMD’s Basic Construction Emissions Control Practices as well as the Enhanced Fugitive Dust Control Practices to control particulate matter emissions on and off-site, including but not limited to: a. On-site haul routes shall be watered or treated with chemical dust suppressants sufficient to control dust and maintain a stable surface.
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b. Material handling, storage, screening and crushing units shall be outfitted with the wet suppression and/or enclosure devices reported in Appendix B of the Air Quality Impact Analysis or with devices of equal or greater control efficiency. c. All land clearing, grubbing, scraping, excavation, land leveling, grading, and cut and fill activities shall be effectively controlled of fugitive dust emissions through the application of water, by presoaking or by other similar control technology. d. When materials are transported off-site, all material shall be covered or effectively wetted to limit visible dust emissions and at least six inches of freeboard space from the top of the container shall be maintained e. All operations shall limit or expeditiously remove the accumulation of mud or dirt from adjacent public streets at the end of each workday (the use of dry rotary brushes is expressly prohibited except where preceded or accompanied by sufficient wetting to limit the visible dust emissions. Use of blower devices is expressly forbidden). f. Following the addition of materials to, or the removal of materials from, the surface of outdoor storage piles, said piles shall be effectively stabilized of fugitive dust emissions utilizing sufficient water or chemical stabilizer/ suppressant. g. Trackout shall be immediately removed when it extends 50 or more feet from the site and at the end of each workday h. Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph. i. Discourage operations that require idling. (Mitigation Measure AQ-5) 50. Air pollution control measures shall include signage and other notification that provides neighbors with information needed for reporting nuisance dust concerns to the operator and to the SMAQMD. (Planning Division condition) Noise and Vibration
51. Under the supervision of a qualified acoustical consultant, the applicant shall establish a continuous noise monitoring station near receptor “B” (Plate NO-1 of the EIR) and establish baseline ambient measurements within the six months prior to initiation of mining activities. Once mining begins, continuous noise monitoring shall be conducted to evaluate the change in ambient conditions due to the mining. The results of the monitoring shall be reported quarterly (due by the 15th day of the following calendar quarter for any previous quarter which had blasting) to DERA. If the monitoring indicates a five dB or greater change in the ambient condition resulting from the mining for any three days in a calendar month, the applicant shall, within 15, days prepare and implement a noise JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 68 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
mitigation plan that attenuates mining noise, which may include modifying operations, increasing mining setbacks, placing berms, or other measures, such that the mining related effect to the ambient noise level is less than five dB at receptor “B”. After a three-year monitoring period, if a qualified acoustical consultant concludes, to the satisfaction of DERA that continued mining operations will not increase ambient noise level at receptor “B” by more than five dB or more, then monitoring will no longer be required. This monitoring will not be required if access is not granted by the private property owners of receptor site “B”.
OR
Alternatively, if the County establishes a comprehensive noise and vibration monitoring program for the east county quarries, if approved, the applicant shall participate on an equal share basis with any other permitted quarries in the funding of such a program for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the standards and thresholds set forth in this chapter. Funding would likely support a contract acoustical specialist, monitoring, monthly and annual reporting, and mitigation proposals, if needed. (Mitigation Measure NO-1)
52. To avoid potentially significant vibration impacts to existing nearby residential receptors, the applicant shall hire a blasting consultant to develop a Blasting Plan that limits off-site vibration to 65 VdB at the nearest existing receptors (receptors “B” and “C” on Plate NO-1 of the EIR). The Blasting Plan shall be submitted to DERA prior to issuance of the WAP by CPD.
The Blasting Plan shall include, as appropriate, but not be limited to: performance standards for general blasting requirements and blast design requirements, pre-blasting surveys, signage, warnings and access control, control measures to mitigate adverse impacts resulting from flyrock, airblasts and ground vibrations, and record keeping and reporting requirements. The Blasting Plan shall include a monitoring plan to establish the effectiveness of control measures for fly rock, airblast and ground vibrations. Airblast monitoring can be deferred until structures are constructed within one mile of the quarry limits.
The Blasting Plan shall be prepared in conformance with and incorporate performance standards from the Blasting Guidance Manual (USDI, 1987), and the JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 69 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
underlying regulations (30 CFR Part 816.61 to 816.68) and local, state and federal regulations regarding the handling and use of explosives.
The Blasting Plan shall be described in a documented plan that should be updated annually to address changes in the locations, size, frequency and details of the proposed blasting activities, as well as nearby receptors and structures. A copy of the Blasting Plan shall be maintained on-site for review by County, state, or federal officials, if requested.
This Blasting Plan shall include components for controlling water quality during blasting, which is described under mitigation measure HW-7 in Chapter 12, Hydrology and Water Quality. (Mitigation Measure NO-2)
53. The applicant, through a qualified acoustical or vibration consultant, shall continuously monitor vibration at the nearest existing receptors (receptors “B” and “C” on Plate NO-1 of the EIR), for the first year of blasting operations and report monthly (due by the 10th day of the following month for any previous month which had blasting) to DERA the vibration levels associated with each blasting event. If any blasting event exceeds 65 VdB, then the applicant shall cease all blasting activities until the Blasting Plan is modified to achieve 65 VdB. After 12 months with blasting events, if there was no exceedance of 65 VdB, then no future monitoring will be required. Otherwise, six months additional monitoring and reporting will be required and extended monthly until no exceedance occurs in the prior six months with blasting events. This monitoring will not be required if access is not granted by the private property owners of the respective monitoring sites. (Mitigation Measure NO-3)
54. The blasting program shall provide for coordination between the operator and the operator of the adjacent quarry, particularly when blasting is planned along the boundary common to both quarries (e.g., the northwest portion of the Stoneridge Quarry high wall portion of the pit). (Planning Division condition)
55. The operator shall implement measures to reduce noise levels associated with equipment back-up warning devices and blast warning horns at the quarry to the extent feasible as allowed under federal and state regulations. If mining occurs within one-thousand (1,000) feet of residences, equipment used during nighttime activities shall be equipped with non-sonic warning devices consistent with the Cal-OSHA and MSHA regulations, which may include fencing of the area to avoid pedestrian traffic, adequate lighting of the area, and placing an observer in clear view of the equipment operator to direct backing operations. Prior to commencement of operations without sonic warning devices, operators shall file a variance request with the Cal-OSHA Standards Board showing that the proposed operation would provide equivalent safety to adopted safety procedures, including sonic devices. (Planning Division condition)
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56. The operator shall provide for a setback of at least 150 feet for the quarry pit from the south property line. Alternatively, the operator may provide an equivalent setback by obtaining an easement from the adjoining property owner to reduce the noise and vibration impacts to adjacent cattle grazing operations to the satisfaction of the adjoining property owner and the Director of CPD. (Planning Division condition) Geology Soils and Slope Stability
57. The actual behavior of the rock slope under mining conditions is best determined when the rock face is exposed and mining is underway. As recommended by Wallace-Kuhl (Wallace-Kuhl, 2004), the applicant shall conduct additional fieldwork, laboratory testing, and analyses once quarry operations begin and the rock mass can be directly observed. Movement monitoring shall be conducted to provide an indication of potential impending instability.
As more information becomes available, the applicant shall reevaluate the overall and interbench quarry slopes. Modifications to the Mine Plan and final Reclamation Plan quarry slope angles shall be completed as necessary.
As noted by Wallace-Kuhl, if continuous adverse bedding conditions and continuous shear zones or clay filled joints are observed, the overall slope angles in some areas of the quarry may have to be flattened. If, however, these features are observed to be discontinuous and adverse bedding conditions are not encountered, then the feasibility of steepening the proposed overall quarry slopes may be evaluated.
The applicant shall perform the above evaluations starting after two years of mining, as a minimum on an annual basis and these shall be performed by an engineering geologist qualified to do the work and registered in the State of California. Brief annual stability assessment reports shall be submitted to CPD and DERA. With the County’s approval and after five years of mining, the frequency of the above analysis and reporting can be reduced to once every two to three years. (Mitigation Measure GS-1)
58. Once mining has reached the final bottom elevation of zero feet above msl (or its equivalent) the applicant shall reevaluate the overall and interbench slope stability for the closure period, i.e. for the time period between when mining ceases and the quarry lake fills to its long-term equilibrium level. A report shall be submitted to the County explaining how the rock data base has been improved using information collected during mining, whether there would be any stability issues during the closure period, and what mitigation measures, if any, would be required to maintain stability. The analyses shall be undertaken and certified by a qualified engineering geologist registered in the State of California. The analysis JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 71 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
and report shall also be completed at least five years before final closure, and submitted to CPD and DERA. (Mitigation Measure GS-2)
59. The applicant shall construct temporary topsoil stockpiles in as small a footprint as practical, with fill slopes (excluding unloading ramps) at close to the angle of repose for the material. The stockpile perimeter shall be provided with sediment erosion devices such as silt fences, fiber rolls, etc. as appropriate.
For topsoil stockpiles that are to be in place into the rainy season, the applicant shall provide for permanent erosion protection. Measures shall include as a minimum, grading to slopes no steeper than two (horizontal) to one (vertical) and vegetation with appropriate quick growing native grass seed mixes. Perimeter erosion control measures shall be provided for as long as necessary and until the re-vegetation takes hold sufficiently to control erosion. (Mitigation Measure GS- 3) Hydrology and Water Quality
60. The applicant shall provide funding for the incremental cost associated with a party having to take additional measures to provide for an equivalent water supply, compared to providing for such a supply without the increased groundwater drawdown caused by the quarry. Such additional measures could include constructing a deeper well and/or providing financial compensation for increased pumping costs, providing an alternative source of water, or moving existing wells to an area where there is less or no increased groundwater drawdown. Other measures may also be applicable. The applicant will not be required; however, to fund incremental costs when there is no logical, financial or operational reason to locate a supply well within the quarry groundwater drawdown area. (Mitigation Measure HY-1)
61. Prior to the beginning of mining, the applicant shall install low flow monitoring gauges (e.g. weirs or flumes and staff gauges) in Carson Creek at locations upstream, and downstream of the quarry. Water levels on the gauges shall be measured simultaneously once per month and when creek flow at the upstream gauge is between zero and five cfs. The monitoring gauges and measuring equipment shall be set up such that water levels can be measured to the nearest 0.01 (one one-hundredth) foot.
The results shall be summarized in an annual letter report to CPD and DERA due at the end of the calendar year. The report shall include an appropriate tabular and graphical presentation of the data including statistical comparisons of the upstream and downstream flows.
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If at any time during the monitoring there is a statistically significant decrease (at a 95% Confidence Level [CL]) in the inflow to Carson Creek when the flow measurement data is compared to that collected prior to quarry dewatering activities, a more detailed hydrologic study and biologic surveys shall be conducted, as required by the County.
If the flow data indicate that there is no decrease in inflows at the ninety-five percent (95%) CL after the ultimate depth of mining has been reached no further monitoring or studies would be necessary. (Mitigation Measure HY-2)
62. If a hydrologic study is required, the applicant shall retain a qualified California- licensed Civil Engineer or Registered Geologist to undertake evaluations to determine how the reductions in incremental flows determined under HY-2 effect the overall flows in the creek. A synthetic flow hydrograph (a plot of flow versus time) at the downstream monitoring location used in HY-2 shall be developed to show how flows vary over a typical year using continuous flow measurements from Carson and other neighboring creeks that have not been affected by quarry dewatering. The flows generated by the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) shall be included as appropriate. By subtracting the reduction in incremental flows determined under HY-2, a separate flow hydrograph shall be prepared to illustrate the impact of the quarry dewatering on the typical annual flow hydrograph.
The applicant shall collect any additional field data it believes would assist in the analysis of the impacts to creek flows and consideration of potential mitigation measures should these be deemed necessary.
The above analysis shall be used to assess the increase in the number of days that the reductions in incremental flows caused by the quarry dewatering are sufficient to cause the creek to dry up, as well as the average reduction in the low flows in the creek; i.e. flows below five cfs. These impacts will not be considered significant provided the increase in the number of days the creek dries up because the quarry dewatering is less than an average of 30 days per year and the average low flow reduction is less than twenty-five percent (25%).
In the event the impact on creek flows of quarry dewatering exceed the above criteria, a qualified biologist, knowledgeable of conditions in the creek, shall be retained to conduct a survey of the creek in the area of the quarry, coupled with benthic sampling and analysis, and determine if any significant biological effects are being caused by the quarry dewatering. Significance shall be considered to be a twenty-five percent (25%) or higher reduction in benthic species density or diversification, or other equivalent criteria acceptable to the County.
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The above biologist shall prepare a report describing the field and analysis methodologies and results within 12 months of DERA review, having made a determination that the evaluations are necessary. In the event the report certifies that the quarry is not causing low flow loss in the creek to the extent it is significantly impacting the benthic fauna or surface water resource utilization downgradient from the project, no further action except for continued creek monitoring (HY-2) will be required.
If the data does not allow such a certification to be made, then the applicant must develop and implement an appropriate Carson Creek Flow Mitigation Program (CCFMP) as described under Mitigation Measure HY-4. (Mitigation Measure HY-3)
63. If required by HY-3, the applicant shall prepare a CCFMP for approval by CPD, DERA, the RWQCB and as appropriate the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The plan shall provide for reducing the increased percolation from the creek to under the value determined by mitigation measure HY-3 prepared within 12 months of DERA review, making a determination that such a plan is required. The plan shall also provide for a permanent solution that would be effective even after closure of the operations and a quarry lake is established. After receipt of the necessary approval, the mitigation measures shall be installed within a 12 month period. (Mitigation Measure HY-4)
64. For a one year period prior to commencement of operations, the applicant shall conduct quarterly surface water monitoring in Carson Creek upstream from the project site. These water samples shall be analyzed for oil and grease and for dissolved Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) such as gasoline, diesel and oil. The applicant shall submit a “Hydrocarbon Background Evaluation Report”, which includes the above data, plus a summary of any hydrocarbon related data from the WWTP, to the RWQCB, CPD and DERA. (Mitigation Measure HY-5)
65. As part of the project approvals and permitting, the Applicant shall prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (Stormwater Plan), as required by the RWQCB, to comply with Basin Plan limits for water quality and discharge of sediment and suspended solids. Compliance with the requirements in the Stormwater Plan will prevent any future degradation of surface-water quality related to the project. To verify compliance with this mitigation measure, the applicant shall be required to conduct monitoring and sampling as outlined in the Stormwater Plan. The monitoring results must be reported to the RWQCB, CPD and DERA.
All fuel and chemical storage areas and all equipment maintenance areas shall be placed on bermed concrete surfaces. If the bermed concrete surfaces drain to a
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sump, the sump shall be cleaned and the waste fluids handled and disposed of in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. If the bermed concrete surfaces do not drain to a sump, routine cleaning shall be conducted to prevent runoff or other discharges from the surface. The cleaning solutions and wash water shall be handled in the same manner as the sump fluids. Verification of compliance with this mitigation measure will occur through routine inspections by the County. (Mitigation Measure HY-6)
66. The applicant shall implement and follow the Best Practices for Blasting developed by the Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME) (IMB, 2008). The Best Practices include training of explosives users, selection of the appropriate explosives for site-specific conditions, proper explosives loading and handling techniques, and attention to technical matters.
Since blasting activities will encounter fractures that contain groundwater and percolating rainfall, water-resistant explosive materials shall be used. Standard ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) should be avoided since it is soluble in water. The duration of exposure to wet conditions should also be minimized. Therefore, explosives should be detonated as soon as is safe and practicable after placement in the field. Since the bedrock is fractured, plastic sleeves shall be used in the blast holes to prevent explosives from moving out into the formation and not being detonated. Prevention of surface spillage and other measures shall also be implemented to prevent incomplete detonation of explosives. Any water that comes into contact with explosives shall be contained and either treated, used in subsequent blast holes, or shipped off-site for proper disposal. Water that contacts explosives may not be discharged to the storm water detention basin, the processing water pond or the quarry itself. (Mitigation Measure HY-7)
67. If Stoneridge Quarry is in operation and Teichert Quarry is not, the Stoneridge Quarry shall retain a qualified California-licensed Certified Hydrogeologist to prepare a groundwater monitoring program for the site. The groundwater monitoring program shall include at least four well pairs located along the northern boundary of the Teichert property, or along the southern boundary of the Area 41 property. These wells shall be screened at intervals equivalent to the shallow and deep intervals in existing monitoring well pairs on the Teichert property (e.g. MW-1S and MW-1D), as appropriate. Well pair locations shall be based upon the projected flow paths obtained from groundwater flow modeling conducted for either the Teichert or the Stoneridge Projects, as well as identified preferential pathway orientations, such as geologic contacts, quartz veins, fracture zones, and joints. Existing well pairs, if suitable, may be included in the monitoring program if it can be demonstrated that these locations meet the above criteria.
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If both Teichert and Stoneridge Quarries are in operation and in the event the Teichert Project has or is required to develop a monitoring plan in accordance with its Final EIR Mitigation Measure 3.8-3, Stoneridge Quarry is required to work cooperatively with Teichert, in order to establish a monitoring plan acceptable to the RWQCB and the County, and which meets the objectives of the two projects. The RWQCB and the County will ensure that monitoring data generated by either project under Teichert Mitigation Measure 3.8-3 or this measure (HY-8) will be available to both projects. In addition to the monitoring along the northern boundary of the Teichert Project (or the southern boundary of Area 41), the Stoneridge Quarry shall include a plan for monitoring at least three wells along its northern boundary and between the two proposed pits. This data will be required to aid in determining how much if any influence each quarry’s dewatering has on groundwater gradients at the southern end of Area 41.
The monitoring and reporting should be done cooperatively by both the Teichert and Stoneridge operations. In the event Teichert has not advanced its mining sufficiently, then Stoneridge shall have the obligation to undertake the monitoring and operating. The Stoneridge Quarry Applicant would also have to obtain the necessary access agreements and install and monitor the required wells. Reasonable access should be allowed by Teichert for activities to be conducted by Stoneridge. In the event Condition 4 exists, the Stoneridge Quarry shall independently undertake the below activities.
The monitoring wells shall be monitored on an annual basis. Monitoring shall consist of the measurement of static water levels, purging of the wells, and collection of representative groundwater samples. Water-level measurement, purging and sample collection are to be conducted in accordance with the standards of practice in common use at the time each monitoring event is conducted. The water samples shall be analyzed for perchlorate, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), dissolved metals, and general minerals using applicable EPA analytical methods and protocols at an analytical laboratory certified by the State of California.
A monitoring report shall be submitted to RWQCB and to the County within 90 days after completing the field sampling. Each monitoring report shall include a narrative description of the work conducted and the findings, along with a tabular presentation of the current and past water level and analytical data. Each report shall also include a hydrograph or hydrographs showing the groundwater elevations for each monitoring well. A trend plot or plots shall also be included for total dissolved solids (TDS), arsenic, selenium and boron concentrations in each well, and for any wells in which perchlorate and/or any VOCs are detected.
If VOCs and/or perchlorate are detected in any well, then both the RWQCB and the County shall be notified promptly and verification sampling shall be JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 76 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
conducted for that well. The well should be re-sampled within 60 days of receipt of the original laboratory results and analyzed only for the analyte of concern (e.g. TCE). If the re-sampling does not verify the detection, no further action shall be required for that annual monitoring period. If the re-sampling does verify the detection, then further action is warranted.
If detection of a VOC or perchlorate is verified in a well, then the monitoring frequency of that well shall be increased to quarterly. If the quarterly data indicate that the contaminant concentrations are increasing over time, then further evaluation and action shall be required. The Stoneridge Quarry Certified Hydrogeologist shall prepare an analysis to assess whether the increases are due to either Conditions 2, 3 or 4 as described above. In the event it is concluded that the increases are due to Condition 3 the applicant shall cooperate with Teichert.
If contaminated groundwater found to be entering or migrating under the Teichert Quarry is due to conditions 3 or 4, then a Remedial Action Plan shall be prepared to address the potential impacts and expose pathways related to the presence of contaminated groundwater in the quarry. Potentially applicable remediation approaches may include source removal (e.g. excavation and removal of bedrock material and groundwater in the Area 41 VOC and perchlorate source regions), extraction and treatment of contaminated groundwater upgradient (north) of the quarry to prevent contaminated groundwater from flowing into or under the quarry, in-situ treatment methods upgradient of the quarry to remove the contaminants before they reach it, or treatment within the quarry (e.g. biofilters, engineered wetland treatment units). (Mitigation Measure HY-8)
68. Two years before closure of the quarry, the applicant shall complete revised groundwater quality and risk analyses and revise the Closure Reclamation Plan for the project, if necessary. These water quality analyses, which are to be conducted under the supervision of a California registered professional, are required to incorporate the most recent field data on groundwater inflow and quality, quarry runoff quality, and refined closure quarry water balance analyses. This evaluation should be based on the final proposed use of the quarry lake at that time.
In the event risks are identified for the proposed use of the quarry lake, a Water Quality Management Plan needs to be developed to improve the quarry lake water quality and to eliminate the risks identified by meeting the relevant and applicable water quality standards at that time. Alternatively, risk based criteria should be established that are based on the proposed end uses and the risk assessment methodologies at that time.
The Closure Reclamation Plan shall include provisions for annual monitoring of the quarry lake and discuss the quarry lake usage, the refined water balance, and
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the water quality analyses. The Closure Reclamation Plan, together with a Water Quality Management Plan, if required, shall be submitted to the RWQCB, CPD, and DERA for approval. (Mitigation Measure HY-9) Agricultural Resources
69. The mine operator shall notify or make available to all adjacent property owners the time and date of all quarry blasts. (Mitigation Measure AG-1)
70. The mine operator shall cooperate fully with any feasible recommendations made by the County Agricultural Commissioner to minimize documented impacts to adjacent cattle herds. (Mitigation Measure AG-2)
71. In order to reduce impacts to important grazing lands caused by conversion and encroachment and in order to conserve agricultural resources, the Applicant shall protect 613 acres of grazing land due to the long term (100-year) loss of grazing potential over the disturbed portions of the site and the permanent loss of grazing potential in the pit lake. Half of this land dedication shall be provided prior to the issuance of the WAP by CPD and the other half shall be provided prior to site disturbance of more than half of the approved active mining and processing area. This land dedication shall be provided by an in-perpetuity conservation easement or in fee title and be provided to the County or third party conservation organization acceptable to the County Environmental Coordinator. The land dedication shall be located in the general vicinity of the project site within the east County RCA, contiguous with the RCA or contiguous with the Deer Creek Hills preserve located south of the site. The land dedication shall be accompanied with an applicant provided land management plan and monetary endowment to cover the operations and maintenance of the dedicated land in-perpetuity. The endowment shall be calculated using an industry standard, attribute based system for calculating financial endowments such as the PAR. The endowment shall be a non-wasting fund calculated on the annual costs necessary to perform the activities outlined in the land management plan and shall also contain fixed funds for compliance monitoring and legal contingencies. The assumed net rate of return on the fund available for annual land management activities shall not exceed four percent (4%). The 613 acres of land dedication may be satisfied through the required land dedications required by Mitigation Measure LU-2 and BR-20. (Mitigation Measure AG-3) Biological Resources
72. The applicant shall obtain the appropriate Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from the USACE and Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the RWQCB prior to the discharge of any dredged or fill material within jurisdictional waters of the U.S., including wetlands. The applicant shall comply with any JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 78 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
compensatory mitigation for loss of wetlands and waters of the U.S. and waters of the State as required by the USACE, and RWQCB. The Operator shall also comply with General Plan Policy CO-96 to ensure no net loss of wetland habitat and provide compensation for any wetlands not mitigated though the federal or State process (including wetlands not under jurisdiction of the USACE).
The applicant shall develop and implement a wetland mitigation program prior to the discharge of any dredged or fill material within waters of the U.S/ waters of the State. Such a program shall be approved by applicable regulatory agencies (i.e., USACE, RWQCB, CDFG) and DERA (Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program) and shall include measures for wetland plant and soil salvage and re-establishment of wetlands within protected off-site (Note: For the purpose of this mitigation measure, off-site means outside of the expected disturbance area (614 acres) but does not necessarily mean off of the subject parcels (1,360 acre leasehold)) mitigation lands or purchase of the appropriate wetland mitigation credits at a USACE approved mitigation bank within the project service area. Off-site wetland protection/creation shall include permanent protection of existing off-site wetlands and restoration of new wetlands to achieve a minimum 1:1 compensatory ratio. Prior to the approval of any grading and/or building permits for any development or channel modifications (e.g., installation of bridge on Carson Creek), the project Applicant or property owner shall obtain all applicable permits from the USACE and shall pay to the County an amount based on a rate of $35,000 per acre if less than 1:1 replacement/compensation occurs through the Federal permitting process. Any payment due shall be collected by CPD and deposited into the County Wetlands Restoration Trust Fund. A copy of any/all required permits and verification of any required payment shall be submitted to DERA. (Mitigation Measure BR-1)
73. If off-site wetland mitigation is implemented, as described in Mitigation Measure BR-1 above, the compensatory wetlands shall be constructed, per the requirements of the approved Mitigation Plan, as soon as possible, but no later than one year after the disturbance occurs, unless a qualified biologist determines that this will not be feasible and proposes an alternative timeframe acceptable to the County Environmental Coordinator and applicable regulatory agencies. Compensatory wetlands shall be similar in scope and biological complexity to the original wetlands, with compensation at a minimum 1:1 ratio.
The design and construction of these wetlands shall be performed under the supervision of a qualified biologist or wetlands restoration specialist. A qualified biologist or wetland restoration specialist shall monitor the compensatory wetlands for a period of five years or longer until it is determined by said biologist or restoration specialist and to the satisfaction of the County Environmental Coordinator that restoration is complete and self-sustaining. The applicant shall be responsible for all restoration and monitoring costs. If the JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 79 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
wetlands are not re-established as specified in the approved Mitigation Plan at a level comparable to observed baseline conditions during the first five years following removal of the wetlands, the applicant shall develop and submit a revised mitigation plan to County Environmental Coordinator and applicable regulatory agencies for review and approval. This plan may require the implementation of remedial measures that may include, but are not limited to, additional wetland creation or other remedial actions. (Mitigation Measure BR-2)
74. The applicant shall secure a Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFG prior to any work within any Carson Creek and implement any additional mitigation required by CDFG. (Mitigation Measure BR-3)
75. Construction activities that will impact watercourses shall be conducted during the dry season (typically May to November) to minimize erosion. (Mitigation Measure BR-4)
76. The applicant shall create buffer zones, including the bed and bank of both low and high flow channels and associated riparian/wetland vegetation, between Carson Creek and the quarry and processing operations. The buffers, as measured from the top of the bank, shall be a minimum of 150 feet measured horizontally or 200 feet measured along the slope of the land as measured from the top of the bank of the creek. These buffer zones shall be demarcated on the mining plan and reclamation plan; no mining or related activities (except for the proposed access road crossing with appropriate permits) are allowed within these buffers. (Mitigation Measure BR-5)
77. To prevent indirect impacts to vernal pool complexes that are located within 1,000 feet of the quarry limits of disturbance, and access road, the applicant shall create a 250-foot wide vernal pool buffer zone utilizing bright-colored construction fencing and signage around all mapped vernal pool resources in this zone. These buffer zones shall be demarcated on the mining plan and reclamation plan; no mining or related activities are allowed within the buffers. (Mitigation Measure BR-6)
78. Prior to the commencement of construction or quarry activities, the applicant shall retain a qualified biologist to conduct a burrowing owl survey for both winter season and spring/summer breeding seasons. Winter surveys shall be conducted in December and January, and breeding season surveys shall be conducted during the peak of the burrowing owl breeding season, between April 15 and July 15 of any given year. If no burrowing owls are detected, no further mitigation shall be required. (Mitigation Measure BR-7)
79. If burrowing owls are detected within the project site, the applicant shall retain a qualified biologist to prepare a management plan for the burrowing owl that
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includes either onsite preservation of habitat, or purchase of credits in an approved mitigation bank for the species; and specific measures for preconstruction surveys, passive relocations of non-breeding owls, minimum buffers for breeding pairs, or other measures as appropriate.
The burrowing owl management plan shall be approved by CDFG prior to any ground disturbance, and the approved plan shall be submitted to DERA (Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Section) prior to issuance of a grading permit. (Mitigation Measure BR-8)
80. A qualified biologist shall hold Worker Awareness Training prior to any ground disturbing activities. The purpose of the training is to educate the construction workers in the identification, ecology, protected status, and approved mitigation measures for all special status wildlife species that may occur on the site including, but not limited to, vernal pool fairy/tadpole shrimp, burrowing owl, tricolored blackbird, pallid bat, and American badger. The biologist may designate one of the workers as an on-site monitor; however, only the qualified biologist shall relocate protected animals. (Mitigation Measure BR-9, BR-11, BR- 12, BR-14, and BR-16)
81. If construction occurs between March 1 and July 31, pre-construction surveys for nesting tricolored blackbirds shall be performed by a qualified biologist. Surveys shall include the project site and areas of appropriate habitat within 300 feet of the site. Surveys shall be conducted no less than 14 days and no more than 30 days prior to commencement of construction activities. The biologist shall supply a brief written report (including date, time of survey, survey method, name of surveyor and survey results) to DERA prior to ground disturbing activity. If no tricolored blackbirds are found during the pre-construction survey, no further mitigation would be required. If an active tricolored blackbird colony is found on-site or within 300 feet of the Project site the project proponent shall do the following: a. Consult with CDFG to determine if project activity will impact the tricolored blackbird colony(s). Provide the DERA with written evidence of the consult or a contact name and number from CDFG. b. With CDFG permission, the applicant may avoid impacts to tricolored blackbird by establishing a 300-foot, temporary, setback with fencing that prevents any project activity within 300 feet of the colony. A qualified biologist shall verify that setbacks and fencing are adequate and will determine when the colonies are no longer dependent on the nesting habitat (i.e. nestling have fledged and are no longer using habitat). The breeding season typically ends in July.
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c. If tricolored blackbird habitat is permanently destroyed follow CDFG procedures to mitigate for habitat loss. (Mitigation Measure BR-10) 82. The applicant shall hire a qualified biologist to conduct preconstruction surveys for American badger dens no more than 30 days prior to any ground disturbance. If no potential badger dens are observed, no further mitigation is required. If potential badger dens are observed, the qualified biologist shall conduct three nights of “den dusting” by placing tracking medium at the potential den entrance to determine if the dens are currently occupied by badgers. If no dens show signs of occupation, no further mitigation is required. If tracing shows that dens are occupied by badgers, the biologist shall excavate the burrow by hand and allow the badgers to escape or relocate them as necessary. The biologist shall have all required permits from CDFG for badger relocation. Implement the Reclamation Plan to minimize any potential long-term loss of habitat for badgers. (Mitigation Measure BR-13)
83. The applicant shall hire a qualified biologist to conduct preconstruction surveys for roosting bats in the trees within the project site no more than two weeks prior to scheduled removal of the trees. If no roosting bats are found, no further mitigation shall be required. If roosting bats are observed, the qualified biologist shall place appropriate enclosures on the roost entrance, to allow bats to leave for foraging, but not return. The biologist shall ensure that all bats have vacated their roots prior to any moving or removal of trees (dead or live). The biologist shall have all required permits for such work from CDFG. Implement Mitigation Measure BR-19 to salvage as many trees as possible for bat roosts. Implement Mitigation Measure BR-23 below for oak woodland replacement to minimize any potential long-term loss of habitat for bats. (Mitigation Measure BR-15)
84. If tree or grassland removal is planned during the nesting season (March 1 through September 15), the applicant shall hire a qualified biologist to conduct preconstruction surveys for nesting bird species no more than thirty (30) days prior to construction or ground stripping. The surveys shall be conducted during the nesting season (March 1 through September 15). For Swainson’s hawk, the survey area shall include trees within one half (0.5) mile of the project site. If any protected species are observed, the qualified biologist shall recommend a suitable buffer area around the nest (this will vary by species). No construction, operation of heavy equipment, machinery, mining, or blasting shall take place within the buffer until the biologist has determined that all young have fledged and are capable of foraging independently. The buffer area shall be delineated with orange construction fencing. (Mitigation Measure BR-17)
85. To reduce loss of bird nesting habitat, implement Mitigation Measure BR-23 and BR-24 regarding oak tree replacement, and implement the Reclamation Plan as
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described in Chapter 3 Project Description of the EIR. (Mitigation Measure BR- 18)
86. All snags and dead trees located within the project site shall be salvaged prior to any ground disturbance, and moved to adjacent areas outside the project site, to be retained for bird nesting habitat and other general wildlife habitat benefits. Dead trees and snags shall be salvaged and moved with the least amount of disturbance possible, to retain as much of the tree intact. Any living oak trees that must be cut prior to implementation of the project, shall also be moved to areas outside the project site, in pieces as large as possible, placed on the ground and allowed to naturally decompose, as habitat for native wildlife. As described in Mitigation Measure BR-15 and BR-17 above, all dead, snag and living trees to be removed shall be surveyed by a qualified biologist prior to moving them, to ensure that no active bat roosts or bird nests are present. (Mitigation Measure BR- 19)
87. To mitigate for the loss of 613 acres of raptor foraging habitat, the project applicant shall protect 613 acres of annual grassland/oak savannah habitat through land dedication. It is permissible that oak woodland account for some of this acreage also. This land dedication shall be provided by an in-perpetuity conservation easement or in fee title and be provided to the County or third party conservation organization acceptable to the County. The land dedication shall be located in the general vicinity of the project site within the east County RCA, contiguous with the RCA or contiguous with the Deer Creek Hills preserve located south of the site. The land dedication shall be accompanied with an Applicant provided monetary endowment to cover the operations and maintenance of the dedicated land in-perpetuity. The endowment shall be calculated using an industry standard, attribute based system for calculating financial endowments such as the PAR. This mitigation may be satisfied through the required land dedications required by Mitigation Measures LU-2 and AG-3. (Mitigation Measure BR-20)
88. Removal of oak trees (105 oak trees, aggregate 3,023 inches dbh) shall be limited to those identified within the limits of grading (shown on Plate BR-5 of the EIR) for the mined area, processing plants and access road. (Mitigation Measure BR- 21)
89. Construction of the landscaped berm shall be conducted in a manner that does not result in removal or damage to oak trees. To avoid damage to tree canopies and root systems of retained oak trees that are six inches dbh (or multi-trunked trees 10 inches dbh or greater), a four-foot-tall, brightly colored (usually orange or yellow), temporary fence shall be installed at least one foot outside the dripline of the protected trees, where such trees occur within 50 feet of vegetation clearing or overburden placement (i.e., construction of visual/noise berm). No equipment or JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 83 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
overburden placement shall be allowed within the driplines of protected trees and protective fencing shall remain in place until all vegetation clearing and overburden placement activities have been completed. The dripline shall be a circle with a radius measurement from the trunk of the tree to the tip its longest limb. (Mitigation Measure BR-22)
90. For impacts to blue oak woodlands, the applicant shall provide 4.69 acres of blue oak woodland canopy in the form of land dedication or conservation easement. This land may be used in combination with the requirements for land dedication for the loss of Swainson’s hawk foraging habitat, open space and other cumulative impacts. (Mitigation Measure BR-23)
91. The removal of 105 isolated or patchy native oak trees (totaling 3,023 inches dbh) shall be compensated by planting native blue oak (Quercus douglasii) and valley oak (Quercus lobata) trees equivalent to the dbh inches lost, based on the ratios listed below. The location of replacement plantings shall be on or in the general vicinity of the project site within the east County RCA, contiguous with the RCA or contiguous with the Deer Creek Hills preserve located south of the site. In addition, the preserved woodland habitat as required through mitigation measure BR-23 would be a suitable location for replacement plantings. A total of 3,023 inches will require compensation.
Equivalent compensation based on the following ratio is required: One deep pot seedling = I inch dbh; One 15-gallon tree = 1 inch dbh; One 24-inch box tree = two inches dbh; and One 26-inch box tree = three inches dbh. Replacement tree plantings shall be completed prior to tree removal or a bond shall be posted by the applicant in order to provide funding for purchase, planting, irrigation and three-year maintenance period, should the applicant default on replacement tree mitigation. The bond shall be in an amount equal to the prevailing rate of the County Tree Preservation Fund and will be due within one year of posting the bond.
Prior to the approval of the grading plan, a replacement Oak Tree Planting Plan shall be prepared by a Certified Arborist or licensed Landscape Architect and shall be submitted to the Environmental Coordinator for approval. The Replacement Oak Tree Planting Plan shall include the following minimum elements: a. Species, size and locations of all replacement plantings;
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b. Method of irrigation; c. Sacramento County Standard Tree Planting Detail; d. Planting, irrigation and maintenance schedules; and e. Identification of the maintenance entity and a written agreement with that entity to provide care and irrigation of the trees for a three-year establishment period, and to replace any of the replacement oak trees which do not survive during that period. No replacement tree shall be planted within 15 feet of the driplines of existing oak trees or landmark size trees that are retained on-site. The minimum spacing for replacement oak trees shall be 20 feet on center.
If the required land dedication/ conservation easement for the compensatory mitigation for impacts to oak woodlands (mitigation measure BR-23) provides for more than the required 4.69 acres of oak woodland canopy, the remaining oak trees within the conservation easement area may be counted towards satisfying the requirement to compensate for the loss of 3,023 inches dbh of native oak trees. Trees must be assessed by a certified arborist and only those trees identified as having good or fair structure and in good or fair overall health may be counted towards the compensation. The arborist report shall be submitted to DERA for review. Compensation will be based on 0.5:1 ratio; 1.5-inch credit for one-inch of preserved tree. For example, a preserved tree within the conservation easement that is 20 inches dbh and in good to fair health (as determined by a certified arborist) will be credited as 10 inches dbh. (Mitigation Measure BR-24) Cultural Resources
92. If subsurface deposits believed to be cultural or human in origin are discovered during construction, then all work must halt within a 200-foot radius of the discovery. A qualified professional archaeologist, meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for prehistoric and historic archaeology, shall be retained at the applicant’s expense to evaluate the significance of the find. If it is determined due to the types of deposits discovered that a Native American monitor is required, the Guidelines for Monitors/Consultants of Native American Cultural, Religious, and Burial Sites as established by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) shall be followed, and the monitor shall be retained at the Applicant’s expense.
Work cannot continue within the 200-foot radius of the discovery site until the archaeologist conducts sufficient research and data collection to make a determination that the resource is either 1) not cultural in origin; or 2) not potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or California Register of Historical Resources. JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 85 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
If a potentially-eligible resource is encountered, then the archaeologist, DERA, and project proponent shall arrange for either 1) total avoidance of the resource, if possible; or 2) test excavations or total data recovery as mitigation. The determination shall be formally documented in writing and submitted to DERA as verification that the provisions of CEQA for managing unanticipated discoveries have been met.
In addition, pursuant to Section 5097.97 of the State Public Resources Code and Section 7050.5 of the State Health and Safety Code, in the event of the discovery of human remains, all work is to stop and the County Coroner shall be immediately notified. If the remains are determined to be Native American, guidelines of the NAHC shall be adhered to in the treatment and disposition of the remains. (Mitigation Measure CR-1)
93. The project proponent shall comply with the provisions and stipulations of the executed final Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the USACE, the California State Historic Preservation Officer, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the applicant regarding the Stoneridge Quarry Project.
In the instance that impacts to cultural resources occur prior to an executed final MOA or additional impacts to resources will occur that are outside of the USACE permit area, the applicant shall provide DERA with a mitigation plan for treatment of affected cultural resources. The mitigation plan shall be implemented prior to any ground disturbance associated with the proposed project. The mitigation plan should include (Note: The following components of the mitigation plan would likely be included in an MOA): a. Documentation of the Walltown Historic Mining District: This will include establishing permanent boundaries of the District prior to the initiation of ground-disturbing activities; further documentation of representative features utilizing black-and-white photography, high resolution digital photography, and detailed scaled drawings; preparation of a comprehensive report that compiles the findings of sampling and documentation efforts; and curation of data in a proper fashion. b. Interpretation of the Walltown Historic Mining District (District): All collected information will be compiled into a non-confidential document that is accessible to the public for review. c. Implementation of the Historic Property Treatment Plan (HPTP): The HPTP would be implemented prior to ground disturbing activities occurring on the project site and all collected artifacts and information would be subject to proper curation. The HPTP would include data recovery for those contributing elements that would be impacted and possess significant
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subsurface information (those resources eligible for the National Register under Criterion D and California Register under Criterion 4). d. Interim Protective Measures: Establishment of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) for contributing elements of the District not impacted; temporary fencing will be established around ESAs and an archaeological monitor will supervise the installation and removal of fencing; an archaeological monitor will monitor effectiveness of protective measures at least once per week during the first month of ground disturbing activities and once per month thereafter. e. Documentation Standards, Review and Distribution: All documentation prepared will be distributed to the North Central Information Center, the Folsom Public Library, the Folsom Historic Society, the Folsom History Museum, the California Room of the California State Library, the National Technical Information Service and the Sacramento Archives and Museum Collections Center. f. Unanticipated Discoveries: These measures will ensure that unanticipated discoveries are protected until appropriate treatment measures are implemented. g. Professional Supervision: All work carried out will be under the direct supervision of a person who at a minimum meets the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology. (Mitigation Measure CR-2) Climate Change
94. To offset emissions of 4,335 metric tons CO2 equivalent per year related to electricity usage, the following is required: The applicant shall enroll in the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s Greenergy® 100% Option for the duration of the mining use permit.
OR
The applicant shall prepare and implement a plan subject to the approval of DERA that achieves an emissions reduction or offset equal to 4,335 metric tons CO2 annually for the duration of mining. Examples of quantifiable measures include additional land dedication, natural gas vehicles, white roofs, energy efficient upgrades and solar panels. These measures need not be applied on site but may be utilized anywhere within the unincorporated County. Partnerships with schools, non-profits, and public agencies are encouraged. First priority shall be given to land dedication in the general vicinity of the project site within the east County RCA, contiguous with the RCA or contiguous with the Deer Creek Hills preserve located south of the site. (Mitigation Measure CC-1)
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95. In order to offset impacts due to transportation emissions, the applicant shall prepare and implement a plan subject to the approval DERA that achieves an emissions reduction or offset equal to 29,260 metric tons CO2 annually for the duration of mining. Examples of quantifiable measures include additional land dedication, natural gas vehicles, white roofs, energy efficient upgrades, and solar panels. These measures need not be applied onsite, but may be utilized anywhere within the unincorporated County. Partnerships with schools, non-profits, and public agencies are encouraged. First priority shall be given to land dedication in the general vicinity of the project site within the east County RCA, contiguous with the RCA or contiguous with the Deer Creek Hills preserve. (Mitigation Measure CC-1) Paleontological Resources
96. Should Paleontological Resources be encountered during construction of production facilities or during mining operations, all work shall be suspended and DERA shall be immediately notified at (916) 874-7914. At that time, a program shall be developed under consultation with the Geology Department of the University of California, Davis, or other qualified institution. The program shall include the following steps from Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Nonrenewable Paleontologic Resources Standard Guidelines (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, 1995):
a. A preliminary survey and surface salvage prior to additional construction/disturbance; b. Monitoring and salvage during excavation; c. Preparation, including screen washing to recover small specimens (if applicable), and specimen preparation to a point of stabilization and identification;
d. Identification, cataloging, curation, and storage; and
e. A final report of the finds and their significance after all operations are complete. This report shall be filed with the University of California, Museum of Paleontology and DERA.
All phases of mitigation shall be supervised by a professional paleontologist who maintains the necessary paleontological collecting permits and repository agreements. (Mitigation Measure PR-1)
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Miscellaneous
97. This action does not relieve the proponent of the obligation to comply with all ordinances, statutes, regulations and procedures applicable as of the effective date of the DA. Any required subsequent procedural actions, including issuance of the WAP, shall take place within seven (7) years of the date on which the permit became effective or this action shall automatically be null and void.
In the event litigation is initiated by any party other than the property owners that challenges any of the approvals for the Project’s entitlements or the environmental document for those approvals and an injunction or temporary restraining order is not issued, the time period in which to exercise these approvals (i.e., obtaining the Work Authorization Permit, commencement of operations under the Conditional Use Permit, etc.) shall be tolled during the pendency of said litigation, upon request of the property owners. The tolling shall commence upon receipt by the County of written notice from the property owners invoking this right to tolling. The tolling shall terminate upon the earliest date on which either a final order is issued upholding the challenged entitlement approvals or said litigation is dismissed with prejudice by all plaintiffs, but in no event shall the tolling period exceed four (4) years unless the Director of CPD grants the property owners’ request for an extension, with the property owners having a right of appeal to the Board to extend the tolling period. (Planning Division condition)
98. The use permit shall expire in 100 years from the date of issuance of the WAP. All reclamation work shall be completed within 36 months of the completion of mining. (Note: if the option for the permit term is 25-years, then this condition will require modification.)
In the event litigation is initiated by any party other than the property owners that challenges any of the approvals for the Project’s entitlements or the environmental document for those approvals following the commencement of the physical construction of the Project, and an injunction or temporary restraining order is not issued, the expiration date of the Conditional Use Permit shall be tolled during the pendency of said litigation, upon request of the property owners. The tolling shall commence upon receipt by the County of written notice from the property owners invoking this right to tolling. The tolling shall terminate upon the earliest date on which either a final order is issued upholding the challenged entitlement approvals or said litigation is dismissed with prejudice by all plaintiffs, but in no event shall the tolling period exceed four (4) years unless the Director of CPD grants the property owners’ request for an extension, with the property owners having a right of appeal to the Board to extend the tolling period. (Planning Division condition)
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99. Mining and site reclamation shall proceed in accordance with the related project exhibits approved by the Board, including but not limited to the Stoneridge Quarry Reclamation Plan narrative prepared by EcoSynthesis, dated May 2011; the Geotechnical Investigation and Slope Stability Report prepared by Wallace Kuhl Associates for the Walltown Quarry, dated January 28, 2004; the Review of the Slope Stability Analysis prepared by Golder Associates prepared for the Stoneridge Quarry, dated May 16, 2011; The Lighting Plan and supplemental lighting detail prepared for the Walltown Quarry, dated February 2010; and the pertinent information contained within the EIR prepared for the project. (Planning Division condition)
100. Provide County with a performance bond made payable to the County and the State DOC to financially guarantee reclamation, prior to issuance of the WAP. The amount of the bond shall be subject to annual review and adjustment pursuant to the requirements of SMARA. (Planning Division condition)
101. It shall be the responsibility of the operator to reimburse the County for all expenses incurred in the implementation of the MMRP, including any necessary enforcement actions. The operator shall pay an initial deposit of $______. This deposit includes administrative costs of $______, which must be paid to DERA prior to recordation of the MMRP and prior to issuance of the WAP by CPD. The remaining balance will be due prior to review of any plans by DERA or issuance of any building or grading permits. Over the course of the project, DERA will regularly conduct cost accountings and submit invoices to the operator when the County monitoring costs exceed the initial deposit.
102. Any sewage disposal systems near or within the mining site shall comply with the provisions of the County Code Chapter 6.32, and shall be subject to approval by EMD and RWQCB. (Environmental Management Department condition)
103. Unless modified on an interim basis by the Zoning Administrator as provided by Zoning Code Section 235-52(a) (4), hours of operation for the quarry shall be limited as follows:
a. Mining (i.e., excavation and use of the pit conveyor system to transport mined materials): Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. No mining may occur on Sundays.
b. Blasting: Monday through Friday during daylight hours only. “Daylight hours” shall be defined as hours beginning at sunrise and ending at sunset, as determined by the U.S. Naval Observatory for the location of Folsom, California (http://www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/astronomical-
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applications/data-services/rs-one-year-us). However, under no circumstances shall blasting occur before 6:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
c. Processing uses including the aggregate processing plant, hot-mix asphalt plant, ready-mix concrete plant, construction materials recycling, and dimension stone workshop: Plant operations may occur 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if there are no occupied residences located within 1,000 feet of the project site. If there are any occupied residences located within 1,000 feet of the project site, then normal hours of operation for the plant operations shall be Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., except for the following circumstances: Preparation and start up of mobile and conveyor equipment associated with plant operations are allowed to commence up to 30 minutes in advance of the commencement of plant operations, i.e., at 5:30 a.m. during normal operations. Such activities may include, but shall not be limited to, electrical power to the belts, crushing and sorting equipment, start up of the conveyor system, and start up of mobile equipment. These activities shall be such that they do not result in any adverse noise, dust or odor impacts to adjacent land uses. To help reduce electrical energy demand during on-peak and super- peak load periods as defined by the electricity provider, the operator at its discretion may operate the plant during non-peak energy demand periods. In the event of declared emergencies by the County, state, or federal government, 24-hour per day operations may be permitted to meet emergency demands. During periods of 24-hour or nighttime operations, the Operator shall provide notice to CPD, cities of Folsom and Rancho Cordova, and to any residents within 1,000 feet of the project site by phone or in-person at least 24 hours preceding the operation of the facility beyond the hours listed above, and shall adhere to the performance criteria set forth in the use permit conditions to mitigate impacts associated with stray lighting and noise to adjacent land uses. The operator shall also provide non-sonic warning devices for all equipment used during nighttime activities consistent with the Cal-OSHA and MSHA regulations as provided for in Condition No. 54. d. Material load-out, scaling, and hauling: Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., except for the following circumstances:
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Preparation and start up of mobile and conveyor equipment associated with material load-out are allowed to commence up to 30 minutes in advance of the commencement of load-out operations, i.e., at 5:30 a.m. during normal operations. Such activities may include, but shall not be limited to, electrical power to the belts, crushing and sorting equipment, start up of the conveyor system, and start up of mobile equipment. These activities shall be such that they do not result in any adverse noise, dust or odor impacts to adjacent land uses. To accommodate contracts requiring night load-out and hauling operations, truck load-out and hauling may occur on a 24-hour basis, Monday through Saturday, for up to 120 days during the calendar year, exclusive of any temporary authorization granted by the Zoning Administrator as provided by Zoning Code Section 235-52(a)(4). “Temporary authorization” shall be defined as a period of no more than 14 days/nights within a 30 day period. In the event of declared emergencies by the County, state, or federal government, 24-hour per day operations may be permitted to meet the emergency demands.
e. Plant/equipment maintenance and related activities: Activities may occur 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Such activities may include, but shall not be limited to, bearing replacement and lubrication of the conveyor system, electrical repair and lubrication of plant processing equipment, and engine overhaul of excavation equipment. These activities shall be such that they do not result in any adverse noise, dust or odor impacts to adjacent land uses. (Planning Division condition)
104. A maximum of six million tons of aggregate material may be mined from the quarry per year, for a maximum total of 353 million tons over the life of the permit. (Planning Division condition)
105. Provide for the maximum feasible use of conveyors to transport aggregate materials mined from the quarry to the aggregate processing area throughout the term of the use permit. (Planning Division condition)
106. The County will annually inspect the operation and the Operator must provide an annual report addressing compliance with: applicable regulations (e.g. SMARA; State and RWQCB), the DA, all conditions of approval, all adopted CEQA mitigation measures, and generally report on any unanticipated outcomes (including geology, hydrology, arsenic, asbestos, seismic, etc). The report format shall be approved by the Director of CPD. (Planning Division condition)
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107. The entitlements approved by this action (rezone and use permit) shall not take effect until the accompanying DA is fully executed. (Planning Division condition)
108. The operator shall be responsible for all costs associated with implementing and monitoring these conditions. (Planning Division condition)
109. Approval of this Conditional Use Permit is contingent on, among other things, fair share participation in and fair share implementation of the results of the Truck Management Plan by the operator should such a plan be adopted by the Board. (Planning Division condition)
IV. ATTACHMENTS A. Context Photos (5)
B. Development Agreement V. EXHIBITS 1. Existing/Proposed General Plan Amendment (Exhibit A)
2. Existing/Proposed Rezone (Exhibit B)
3. Existing Topography (Exhibit C)
4. Surface Geology (Exhibit D)
5. Mining Plan – Phasing (Exhibit E)
6. Mining Plan – Cross Sections (Exhibits F-1 and F-2)
7. Access Road Plan (Exhibits G-1 and G-2)
8. Overland Drainage Plan (Exhibit H)
9. Processing Plant and Quarry Shop Site Grading (Exhibit I)
10. Landscaping, Fencing and Berm Plan (Exhibit J)
11. Landscape and Berm Details (Exhibit K)
12. Reclamation Plan – Pit Area (Exhibit L)
13. Reclamation Plan – Processing Plant Area (Exhibit M)
14. Reclamation Plan Cross Sections (Exhibits N-1, N-2, and N-3) JG:jg:crg PLNP2010-00264 93 STONERIDGE QUARRY PLNP2010-00264 073-0020-008, 072-0110-045/065
15. Conceptual Lighting Plan (Exhibits O-1 through O-4)
16. Quarry Rendering Simulation Mining/Reclamation Phasing (6 plates)
17. Quarry Photo Simulation Viewpoints Location/Direction Map
18. Quarry Photo Simulation Viewpoints (8 plates)
19. Letter from the Office of Mine Reclamation, July 12, 2011
20. East County Quarry Area Map
21. Important Natural Areas, General Plan Open Space Element
22. Conceptual Trail Design
23. Quarry Survey for Northern California
24. Memorandum from DKS Associates to Dean Blank, August 19, 2011
VI. CPAC REFERRAL (if available)
This report was prepared on September 28, 2011.
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