6.3 SOILS, MINERALS, AND AGRICULTURE

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1 6.3 Soils, Minerals, and Agriculture 6.3 SOILS, MINERALS, AND AGRICULTURE Introduction This section describes the soils, mineral and agricultural resources present within the Planning Area. In addition, development constraints associated with soils, minerals, and agriculture are discussed along with County and City development standards. Information was obtained from various sources, including City and County documents and regulations, California Department of Conservation, Governor s Office of Planning and Research, and the United States Department of Agriculture Existing Conditions Soils Various soil associations exist within the City. These include the Pico-Anacapa-Salinas, Soper- Chesterton-Rincon, San Benito-Castaic-Calleguas, Sespe-Lodo-Malibu, Badland-Calleguas-Lithic Xerorthents, and Hambright-Lithic Xerothents-Rock Outcrop associations. These soil associations are further described below and their general locations displayed in Figure (Soil Associations). Soil Associations Pico-Anacapa Series The Pico series consists of deep, well drained soils that formed in alluvium from primarily sedimentary rocks. Pico soils are found on floodplains and alluvial fans at elevations of 10 to 1,500 feet, and tend to exhibit slow to medium runoff and moderately rapid permeability. 192 These soils are generally found in the central portion of the City. Salinas Series The Salinas series consists of deep, well drained soils that formed in alluvium weathered from sandstone and shale. Salinas soils are found at elevations of 50 to 2,000 feet on alluvial plains, fans, and terraces, and have slopes of 0 to 9 percent. These soils also tend to exhibit slow to medium runoff and moderately slow permeability, 193 and are generally found in the central portion of the City. Soper Series The Soper series consists of moderately deep, well drained soils that formed in material weathered from conglomerate and sandstone. Soper soils are on hills and uplands and have slopes of 15 to 50 percent. These soils tend to exhibit rapid runoff and moderately slow permeability, and are generally found in the northeast and southwest portions of the City United States Department of Agriculture, National Cooperative Soil Survey, website: Accessed March 23, Ibid. 194 United States Department of Agriculture, National Cooperative Soil Survey, website: Accessed March 23,

2 Chapter 6 Natural Resources Chesterton Series The Chesterton series are moderately well-drained, very slowly permeable soils on uplifted marine sediments and old terraces. They are gently sloping to moderately steep, and are found at elevations of about 50 to 600 feet. These soils are moderately well-drained, and tend to exhibit slow to medium runoff and very slow permeability 195, and are generally found in the northeast and southwest portions of the City. Rincon Series The Rincon series consists of deep, well drained soils that formed in alluvium from sedimentary rocks. Rincon soils are on old alluvial fans and both stream and marine terraces, have slopes of 0 to 30 percent, and are found at elevations of 20 to 2,000 feet. They tend to exhibit slow to rapid runoff and slow permeability, and they are generally found in the northeast and southwest portions of the City. 196 San Benito Series The San Benito series is a member of a fine-loamy, mixed, thermic soils family. San Benito soils formed in residuum weathered from shale and sandstone with strongly sloping to very steep slopes at elevations of 25 to 3,500 feet. These soils are well-drained, and exhibit medium to very rapid runoff, and moderately slow permeability, and they are generally found in the northern and southern portions of the City. 197 Castaic Series The Castaic soils are well drained, moderately slowly permeable and formed in residuum weathered from shale, sandstone, and mudstone. They are strongly sloping to very steep and are found on rounded hills at elevations of 50 to 2,500 feet. These soils tend to exhibit medium to very rapid runoff and moderately slow permeability, and are generally found in the northern and southern portions of the City. 198 Calleguas Series Consisting of very shallow and shallow, well drained soils, the Calleguas series are formed on uplands, hills, and mountains in material weathered from sedimentary rocks. They are found at elevations of 100 to 2,800 feet at slopes of 9 to 75 percent. These soils formed in material weathered from sandstone, shale, and mudstone; and tend to exhibit medium or high runoff, and moderate permeability characteristics, and are generally found in the northern and southern portions of the City Ibid. 196 Ibid. 197 Ibid. 198 Ibid. 199 Ibid

3 FIRST ST TAPO ST CITY of SIMI VALLEY General Plan Update SOIL ASSOCIATIONS Legend LOST CANYONS DR LOS ANGELES AVE FALCON ST TAPO CANYON RD COTTONWOO D DR ALAMO ST TIERRA REJADA RD E AS Y ST MADERA RD ROYAL AVE ERRINGER RD SYCAMORE DR AÝE SEQUOIA AVE GUARDIAN ST COCHRAN ST LOS ANGELES AVE STEARNS ST YOSEMITE AVE KUEHNER DR FITZGERALD RD?íE MADERA RD Sinaloa Lake BLACK CANYON RD Soil Associations CA510 - San Andreas Arnold- Arujo CA517 - Pico-Anacapa- Salinas CA519 - Soper-Chesterton- Rincon CA520 - San Benito-Castaic- Calleguas CA521 - Sespe-Lodo-Malibu CA522 - Badland-Calleguas- Lithic Xerorthents CA523 - Hambright-Lithic Xerorthernts-Rock Outcrop City Boundary City Urban Restriction Boundary Sphere of Influence Area of Interest and Planning Area Water Body Major Road Railroad BOX CANYON RD OLSEN RD Bard Reservoir WOOD RANCH PKWY LONG CANYON RD Source: USDA, NRCS, STATSGO, November 1999 Date Revised: June 5, 2007 D21310_Simi_Valley_GP\soils.mxd [ Miles Figure 6.3-1

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5 6.3 Soils, Minerals, and Agriculture Sespe Series The Sespe series consists of moderately deep, well drained soils that formed in material weathered from reddish sandstone and shale bedrock. Sespe soils are on uplands at elevations of 400 to 2,600 feet, and have slopes of 15 to 75 percent. They tend to exhibit rapid and very rapid runoff, and slow permeability, and are only found in the southern portion of the City. 200 Lodo Series Consisting of shallow, somewhat excessively drained soils, the Lodo series was formed in material weathered from hard shale and fine grained sandstone. Lodo soils are located on mountainous uplands, ranging in slopes of five to 75 percent. Typically found at elevations of 300 to 3,400 feet, these soils exhibit medium to rapid runoff and moderate permeability characteristics, and are only found in the southern portion of the City. 201 Malibu Series The Malibu series consists of moderately deep to soft bedrock, moderately well drained soils that formed in residuum and colluvium derived from inter-bedded shale and sandstone. Malibu soils are on hills and mountains at elevations of 10 to 1,570 feet and slopes of 4 to 75 percent. They tend to exhibit high to very high runoff, and very slow permeability, and are only found in the southern portion of the City. 202 Hambright Series The Hambright series consists of shallow, well drained soils formed in material weathered from basic igneous rocks. Hambright soils are on plateaus, basalt flows, and hillslopes and have slopes of 2 to 75 percent. Elevations are 300 to 3,000 feet. Hambright soils are commonly mapped in complex with rock outcrop (i.e., Lithic Xerorthents) and are generally found at elevations between 300 and 3,000 feet. They tend to exhibit medium to very rapid runoff, and moderate permeability, and are only found in the westernmost portion of the City. 203 Soil and Slope Constraints Development within hillside areas is regulated by the City s Hillside Performance Standards, as set forth in Chapter 9-32 of the Simi Valley Development Code. Design guidelines related to slope design and ridge line development are provided in this Chapter, as well as requirements for geologic and soils engineering reports for any area proposed for development within the jurisdiction of the performance standards. According to provisions set forth in Chapter 9-32, development within designated slope categories are restricted to a maximum number of residential dwelling units per acre. Similarly, development of parcels within a commercial or industrial land use zone is limited to slopes of 10 percent or less, unless otherwise approved by the West End Specific Plan or any amendment thereto, in which 200 United States Department of Agriculture, National Cooperative Soil Survey, website: Accessed March 23, Ibid. 202 Ibid. 203 Ibid

6 Chapter 6 Natural Resources case development is limited to slopes of 20 percent or less. Other development constraints, including those for other land uses, are provided in this Chapter. 204 As shown in Figure 6.3-1, the central portion of the City is located within the Pico-Anacapa-Salinas series, which tend to be found at slopes of 0 to 9 percent. There are little or no restraints to most types of development on these soils, and based on the slope categories provided in Chapter 9-32, the allowable number of dwelling units permitted for development are those indicated under the General Plan designation at target density or 7 units per acre, whichever is less. The northeastern and southwestern portions of the City that are underlain by Soper-Chesterton-Rincon soils (with a general slope of up to 30 percent) offer some development limitations, including maximum allowable dwelling units ranging from to 2 units per acre. The remainder of the Planning Area consists of soils that are least compatible with development due to much higher slopes. These areas are hillside and canyon areas that would require site-specific geologic investigations to determine more accurate development constraints. General information concerning the shrink-swell potential of the County's soils has been provided in the 1970 Soil Survey by the Soil Conservation Service. This investigation shows a scattering of such soils and indicates the necessity for individual investigations of local soil conditions. Generally, the potential for soils to exhibit expansive properties occur in low-lying areas, especially near river channels. Certain bedrock and soils within Simi Valley contain sufficient clay content; thus, the potential for shrink/swell to occur exists. According to the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (1970) soils maps, several zones of highly expansive soils are present in the foothills of Simi Valley. The Santa Susana, Llajas, Sespe, Modelo, Conejo volcanics, and older alluvium may develop or include areas of highly expansive soils. Other remaining areas of the City exhibit moderately expansive soil. 205 Mineral Resources Mineral resource areas are identified according to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) and the following criteria for Mineral Resource Zones (MRZ), Scientific Resource Zones (SZ), and Identified Resource Areas (IRA). The MRZ and SZ categories used by the State Geologist in classifying the state s lands, the geologic and economic data, and the substantiation upon which each unit MRZ or SZ assignment is based shall be presented in the land classification information provided by the State Geologist to the Board of Supervisors for the following areas: a. MRZ-1: Adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood exists for their presence. This zone shall be applied where well-developed lines of reasoning, based upon economic geologic principles and adequate data, demonstrate that the likelihood for occurrence of significant mineral deposits is nil or slight. b. MRZ-2: Adequate information indicates that significant mineral deposits are present or where it is judged that a high likelihood for their presence exists. This zone shall be applied to known mineral deposits or where well developed lines of reasoning, based upon economic geologic principles and adequate data, demonstrate that the likelihood for occurrence of significant mineral deposits is high. 204 Simi Valley, City of City of Simi Valley Municipal Code, Article 3, Title 9, Chapter 9-32-Hillside Performance Standards ( 5, Ord. 1085, eff. January 6, 2006). 205 Simi Valley, City of City of Simi Valley General Plan: Final Safety Element, Technical Appendix J, July

7 6.3 Soils, Minerals, and Agriculture c. MRZ-3: Containing deposits whose significance cannot be evaluated from available data. d. MRZ-4: Available information is inadequate for assignment to any other MRZ zone. e. SZ Areas: Containing unique or rare occurrences of rocks, minerals or fossils that are of outstanding scientific significance shall be classified in this zone. Simi Valley contains areas designated as MRZ-1, MRZ-2, and MRZ-3, as shown in Figure (Aggregate Resource Areas). Areas of regional significance have been classified by the California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology as Mineral Resource Zone 2 (MRZ-2). MRZ-2 areas within the City are located in two locations: (1) a small, unincorporated area adjacent to the City to the south, and (2) a small open space area near the northern terminus of Black Canyon Road in the eastern portion of the City (Figure 6.3-2). As discussed above, MRZ-2 specifies areas where adequate information indicates that significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged a high likelihood for their presence. This provides for the utilization and management of mineral resources as an interim land use before final development. Furthermore, Simi Valley contains areas of construction aggregate resources that, according to the State Mining and Geology Board Reclamation Regulations, are designated to be of regional significance ( Construction Aggregate Resources Simi Valley Area of the Simi Region, Ventura County). These areas include hillside deposits located on Oak Ridge and the Simi Hills, portions of Oak Ridge extending from Long Canyon eastward to the Ventura County line, and areas above Meier and Runkle Canyons in the Simi Hills. 206 In addition, according to the existing General Plan Conservation/Open Space Element, two portions of the City have been designated as areas of regionally significant construction aggregate resources. They consist of a 1,904-acre area located across the northern portion of Simi Valley extending easterly and westerly of the Gillibrand quarry site, and a 371-acre area located northeasterly from (and including) the Southern Pacific Milling Company Quarry (now closed) located in the southern portion of Runkle Canyon. 207 Mining and oil extraction is permitted in the upper northern portion of the City, primarily within the City s Sphere of Influence (SOI) rather than inside City boundaries, as shown in Figure (Mining and Oil Permits). In order to protect the mineral resources of a particular city and region, the classification process for mineral resource conservation is implemented by the State Department of Conservation through the California State Mining and Geology Board, as decreed in SMARA. The mineral resource information, in this case, MRZ-2, is tendered to local governments for insertion in their General Plans and mineral resource or conservation policies. The process ensures that aggregate resources are recognized and considered before land use decisions are made that would otherwise limit the accessibility of these resources. In the case of construction aggregates, the Board s designation identifies aggregate resources need for a region s supply for 50 years. According to the California Geological Survey, Ventura County s 50-year 206 California Department of Conservation, Office of Mine Reclamation Surface Mining and Reclamation Act and Associated Regulations ( Construction Aggregate Resources Simi Valley Area of the Simi Region, Ventura County), January. 207 Simi Valley General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report,

8 Chapter 6 Natural Resources demand for aggregate resources is 309 million tons, while permitted resources total 106 million tons of the 50-year demand. 208 According to the Ventura County General Plan (2000), the supply of aggregate within the Simi Production Consumption Region (PCR) is sufficient to meet the region s projected 50 year demand. The total aggregate demand is anticipated to be 130 million tons of which 60 percent, or 80 million tons, will be for Portland Cement Concrete (PCC). There are total aggregate reserves and resources of 1200 million tons, of which 760 million tons are cumulatively suitable for PCC. No apparent shortfall exists. In summary, the Simi PCR contains adequate supplies of aggregate to meet its projected needs to the year 2030 and significantly more material is available from areas not currently under permit. 209 However, according to the Ventura County General Plan, limitations on aggregate supplies within the Simi Production Consumption Region include the following: Brandeis Bardin Institute This religious institute controls the majority of Sector B and because of the nature of the use, mining may be considered inappropriate on the Institute s land. Lack of access to the resources in this sector could reduce the cumulative supply of aggregate by 510 million tons and the cumulative supply of PCC quality aggregate by 400 million tons. Hauling Aggregate With the imbalance of aggregate grades in the Simi PCR, transporting the material for optimal mixes may become a necessity at some time. Because the present mining and processing facilities are located in the hills to the north and south of the City of Simi Valley, any transport of material between sites will invariably have to pass through the City. The movement of trucks for this purpose may create problems in the area. Any curtailment of the transport of material would effectively reduce the supply of PCC aggregate in the Simi PCR. Shortfalls in Adjoining PCRs The State estimated that the reserves within the San Fernando and Western Ventura County PCRs will be depleted within 10 and 13 years respectively if present consumption rates continue. Since the Simi PCR is adjacent to both of these PCRs, it is logical that its supplies of aggregate would be utilized to meet shortfalls in adjoining PCRs. If resources within the San Fernando and Western Ventura County PCRs are opened up for mining, the shortfalls projected by the State will be put off and less demand will be placed on the Simi PCR. Aesthetics Given the location of the aggregate deposits in the hills surrounding the City of Simi Valley and the City s strict controls on development on the hillsides which could detract from aesthetic qualities, some mining may be precluded. Other Constraints Preservation of rare and endangered species and archaeological sites may further limit the extent of mining in the various sectors. 208 Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey Aggregate Availability in California, December. 209 Ventura, County of Ventura County General Plan Resources Appendix, September

9 KUEHNER DR Santa Susana Fault CITY of SIMI VALLEY General Plan Update AGGREGATE RESOURCE AREAS Legend MRZ-1 - Areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present. LOST CANYONS DR MRZ-3 - Areas containing mineral deposits, the Significance of which cannot be evaluated from available data.?íe LOS ANGELES AVE TIERRA REJADA RD MADERA RD E AS Y ST MADERA RD Sinaloa Lake FIRST ST ROYAL AVE FITZGERALD RD FALCON ST ERRINGER RD SYCAMORE DR AÝE SEQUOIA AVE TAPO CANYON RD GUARDIAN ST TAPO ST COTTONWOO D DR ALAMO ST COCHRAN ST LOS ANGELES AVE STEARNS ST YOSEMITE AVE BLACK CANYON RD BOX CANYON RD MRZ-3a - Areas judged to have higher potential than other deposits classified MRZ-3. Designated MRZ-2 - Areas designated by the State which have regional or statewide significance. City Boundary City Urban Restriction Boundary Sphere of Influence Area of Interest and Planning Area Water Body Major Road Railroad OLSEN RD Bard Reservoir WOOD RANCH PKWY LONG CANYON RD Source: Ventura County General Plan September Date Revised: April 16, 2007 D21310_Simi_Valley_GP\aggregate.mxd [ Miles Figure 6.3-2

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11 FIRST ST SEQUOIA AVE SYCAMORE DR MADERA RD TAPO CANYON RD TAPO ST CITY of SIMI VALLEY General Plan Update MINING AND OIL PERMITS Legend Mining Permit Boundary Oil Permit Boundary ô" P.W. Gillibrand Quarry City Boundary City Urban Restriction Boundary Sphere of Influence LOST CANYONS DR Area of Interest and Planning Area Water Body COTTONWOO D DR Major Road Railroad LOS ANGELES AVE FALCON ST ALAMO ST AÝE COCHRAN ST STEARNS ST YOSEMITE AVE KUEHNER DR E AS Y ST ERRINGER RD LOS ANGELES AVE TIERRA REJADA RD ROYAL AVE Runkle Canyon ô" GUARDIAN ST FITZGERALD RD?íE MADERA RD Sinaloa Lake BLACK CANYON RD BOX CANYON RD OLSEN RD Bard Reservoir WOOD RANCH PKWY LONG CANYON RD Source: City of Simi Valley, October 2006 Date Revised: June 5, 2007 D21310_Simi_Valley_GP\mining.mxd [ Miles Figure 6.3-3

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13 6.3 Soils, Minerals, and Agriculture If shortfalls should arise in the Simi PCR, alternative sources of aggregate could include the Saugus Newhall PCR. This area has not been thoroughly evaluated by the State at this time, but preliminary assessments indicate the presence of substantial supplies of aggregate. The problem, however, would be the costs of hauling aggregate over such long distances and the attendant impacts from its transport. Specific studies will have to be made of such potential alternative sources to determine their suitability and to assess the attendant problems that would be associated with mining sites in potentially distant locations. Oil and Gas Production Oil deposits (along with the possible associated presence of natural gas) are known to exist within the northern portion of the Simi Valley Planning Area, generally within existing open space areas. Oil extraction is currently permitted in this region, primarily within the City s Sphere of Influence (SOI) (Figure 6.3-3). The northern portion of the City contains small discrete oil and gas fields which contain a number of production wells. 210 Simi Valley falls within the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources s District 2 (Ventura) for oil, gas, and water production. Oil and gas produced by the City s oil fields in 2006 are shown in Table (Oil and Gas Production from Simi Valley Oil Fields: 2006). As shown, the City s oil production accounted for approximately 1.6 percent and 0.07 percent of the District and State s total onshore production, respectively. Natural gas production within Simi Valley accounted for approximately 2.3 percent and 0.01 percent of the total gas withdrawn by the District and State, respectively. 211 Table Oil and Gas Production from Simi Valley Oil Fields: 2006 Oil Field Oil Production (bbl) Net Gas Withdrawn (MCF) Big Mountain 30,300 89,100 Oakridge 74,600 18,900 Santa Susana 28,800 81,600 Simi Tapo Canyon, South 14,800 5,670 Tapo Ridge 3, Totals 152, ,330 District 2 (Onshore) Totals 9,330,000 8,450,000 State (Onshore) Totals 208,000, ,000,000 SOURCE: California Department of Conservation 2007 bbl = billion barrels MCF = thousand cubic feet Oil deposits have been reduced after nearly a century of oil extraction, but there may be sufficient remaining oil and possibly untapped deposits, for continued extraction and even new exploratory drilling. Furthermore, oil extraction technology may make technical advances to permit additional production 210 Simi Valley General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report, California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources Preliminary Report of Oil and Gas Production Statistics, January

14 Chapter 6 Natural Resources from previously depleted areas. Techniques such as the use of slant-drilling could allow multiple wells to be consolidated within smaller, enclosed spaces that do not need to be located directly over the deposits. Agriculture Agricultural Production Ventura County has a long history of agricultural production. Farming in Ventura County continues to be a major contributor to the nation s food supply as well as a vital component of the rural lifestyle, which exists throughout much of the County. Even though agricultural production in Ventura County has remained fairly stable in terms of production over the last two years. Agricultural use of land in Simi Valley is no longer a significant factor in the local economy or the Planning Area. Vacant parcels and some outlying areas are used for grazing and dry farming with some irrigated agriculture. Significant conflicts exist between agriculture and urban uses which prevent longterm agricultural use of areas adjacent to developed areas, including dust from cultivation, pesticide use, and other factors. 212 According to the Ventura County General Plan, the adoption of planning policies and regulations which identify and protect existing agricultural land would ensure the continued availability of these lands for agricultural uses (see Regulatory Setting below). Urban development is confined to within the City Urban Restriction Boundary (CURB), unless Simi Valley voter approval is obtained. The CURB is shown in Figure (Soil Associations). State of California Department of Conservation Farmland Classifications The California Department of Conservation has developed a Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program that classifies the different agricultural soil types related to their ability to sustain agricultural crops. The soil type classifications are prime farmland, farmland of statewide importance, unique farmland, farmland of local importance, grazing land, urban and built-up land, and other land. The majority of City land is not categorized as farmland (primarily the central valley), as shown in Figure (Important Farmland). Most of the City s farmland is located in the northern and southern portions of the City in the hillside areas, and the majority of this farmland is classified as grazing or other land (Figure 6.3-4). Prime farmland has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields. A small pocket of prime farmland (defined as farmland with the best combination of physical and chemical features able to sustain long-term production of agricultural crops) and farmland of statewide importance (defined as lands other than prime that have a good combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops) is located in the northcentral portion of the City, east of Tapo Canyon Road (Figure 6.3-4). This area contains soil of the Pico-Anacapas-Salinas association, which are primarily used for growing row crops, field crops, forage crops, citrus, grain, and pasture; and is surrounded by urban development. 212 Simi Valley General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report,

15 FIRST ST TAPO ST CITY of SIMI VALLEY General Plan Update IMPORTANT FARMLAND and WILLIAMSON ACT LANDS Legend Important Farmlands Prime Farmland Unique Farmland LOST CANYONS DR Farmland of Statewide Importance COTTONWOO D DR Farmland of Local Importance Grazing Land Other Land?íE LOS ANGELES AVE TIERRA REJADA RD MADERA RD E AS Y ST MADERA RD Sinaloa Lake ROYAL AVE FITZGERALD RD FALCON ST ERRINGER RD SYCAMORE DR AÝE SEQUOIA AVE TAPO CANYON RD GUARDIAN ST ALAMO ST COCHRAN ST LOS ANGELES AVE STEARNS ST YOSEMITE AVE BLACK CANYON RD KUEHNER DR BOX CANYON RD Urban and Built-up Land Williamson Act Lands (Non-Prime Enrolled Agricultural Land) City Boundary City Urban Restriction Boundary Sphere of Influence Area of Interest and Planning Area Water Body Major Road Railroad OLSEN RD Bard Reservoir WOOD RANCH PKWY LONG CANYON RD Source: California Department of Conservation, 2002 & 2004 Date Revised: June 5, 2007 D21310_Simi_Valley_GP\fmmp.mxd [ Miles Figure 6.3-4

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17 6.3 Soils, Minerals, and Agriculture Farmland of local importance is primarily located in the hillside area in the northern portion of the City, adjacent to grazing areas (Figure 6.3-4). Large sections of grazing land are also located in the western and southwestern portion of the City, in areas north and southeast of Bard Reservoir (Figure 6.3-4). These areas contain soil of the San Benito-Castaic-Calleguas association, which are used primarily for range, with few areas used for growing cultivated crops, grain, and citrus fruits. Williamson Land Act Contracts The California Land Conservation Act (LCA) of 1965 (or Williamson Act) (California Government Code Section 51200) recognizes the importance of agricultural land as an economic resource that is vital to the general welfare of society. Intended to assist the long-term preservation of prime agricultural land in the State, Williamson Act contracts provide the agricultural landowner with a substantial property tax break for keeping land in agricultural use. To be eligible for a contract, a parcel must be a legal lot of at least ten acres, and be considered prime farmland as defined by the LCA. In Ventura County, the LCA Program is administered by the Ventura County Planning Division. In 2005, the County had 889 LCA (10-year) contracts and 56 Farmland Security Zone Act/LCA (20-year) contracts in the unincorporated area, for a total of approximately 128,780 acres under contract. 213 As shown in Figure 6.3-4, lands under Williamson Act contract within the City s Area of Influence (AOI) are located in the northern unincorporated areas of Ventura County. These lands are also identified by the California Department of Conservation as farmland of local importance and grazing lands Regulatory Setting State Surface Mining and Reclamation Act The state adopted the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) in 1975, with the primary objectives being the assurance of adequate supplies of mineral resources important to California s economy and the reclamation of mined lands. The agencies responsible for administering this program at the state level are the California Geological Survey and the State Mining and Geology Board. The objectives of SMARA are implemented by local government agencies, with the assistance of the state, through land use planning and regulatory programs. The SMARA s mineral resource conservation objective is achieved through a mineral inventory and land use planning process termed classification/designation, which jointly involves the California Geological Survey (CGS), the State Mining and Geology Board (Board), and local government. Information on the location of important mineral deposits is developed by the CGS through a process of mineral land classification. The classification report is then used by the Board in designating deposits that are of economic significance to a region, the state, or the nation Ventura, County of, Resource Management Agency The Land Conservation Act (LCA) in Ventura County brochure, March. 214 California Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey Aggregate Availability in California, December

18 Chapter 6 Natural Resources Public Resources Code Section 2762 The Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 2762 of SMARA states that within 12 months of receiving the mineral information described in Section 2761, and also within 12 months of the designation of an area of statewide or regional significance within its jurisdiction, every lead agency shall, in accordance with state policy, establish mineral resource management policies to be incorporated in its general plan which will recognize mineral information classified by the State Geologist. This will assist in the management of areas of statewide and regional significance, and help emphasize the conservation and development of identified mineral deposits. 215 State Division of Mines and Geology In addition to the informal guidance provided by the above referenced sections of the SMARA, the State Division of Mines and Geology has prepared Mineral Resource Management Goals and Policies which, in accordance with the SMARA, provide additional guidance in the preparation of the County s Mineral Resource Management Program (MRMP). These goals and policies are achieved through a joint effort between the CGS, the Board, and local government (i.e., the City). California Code of Regulations (Title 3 Food and Agriculture) California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 3, Sections regulate the registration, management, use, and application of pesticides on agricultural lands. These regulations are enforced by the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner s Office. Generally, specific regulations vary for each pesticide, its method of application and use. However, Sections 6600 and 6614 have some general regulations relating to the application of pesticide uses, as well as general standards of care and protection of persons, animals, and property. Regional Ventura County General Plan The County has adopted various programs designed to preserve agriculture. Agricultural preservation has been integrated into overall land use planning strategy and consequently is a reciprocal beneficiary of many interagency regional land use planning and resource conservation programs. Specific County agricultural preservation programs include the following: (1) Agriculture Land Use Designation, which establishes an Agriculture designation for lands identified in the Important Farmlands Inventory, and subjects all parcels to the Agricultural Exclusive (A-E) zone, and (2) Land Conservation Act Program, which is also known as the Williamson Act, which allows farmers to enter into a long-term contract (minimum of 10 years) to keep their land in exclusive agricultural use in exchange for a reduced tax assessment based on the agricultural value of the property. 216 While lands under Williamson Act contract do not exist within City boundaries, areas within the northern portion of the City s AOI in 215 Governor s Office of Planning and Research, 2000 Planning, Zoning, and Development Laws, Surface Mining, and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 1131; Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1097). Accessed March 26, Ventura, County of Ventura County General Plan Resources Appendix, September

19 6.3 Soils, Minerals, and Agriculture unincorporated areas of Ventura County are identified as Williamson Act lands. In addition, there is no existing inventory of lands within the City with the A-E zoning designation. 217 Ventura County Save Open-Space and Agricultural Resources (SOAR) Ordinance The County SOAR ordinance requires countywide voter approval of any change to the County General Plan involving the Agricultural, Open Space or Rural land use map designations, or any change to the General Plan goal or policy related to those land use designations. This will limit the amount of agricultural land that can be potentially converted to urban uses, that is located outside of the City of Simi Valley boundaries but are within the Area of Interest boundary. Local Simi Valley General Plan (1988) The intent of the Conservation/Open Space Element is to preserve the natural resources that are important to the City and its residents, and prevent their unnecessary and wasteful exploitation. The goals and policies included in this Element direct development related to resource conservation of interest to the City. 218 Simi Valley Municipal Code Chapter 9-40 Oil and Gas Drilling Production This chapter of the Simi Valley Municipal Code establishes reasonable and uniform limitations, safeguards, and controls for oil and gas exploration and production facilities and operations within the City that will allow for the reasonable use of an important resource. These regulations also ensure that oil and gas exploration and production facilities and operations will not be detrimental to the health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of the neighborhood, and will not be incompatible with the surrounding area Surface Mining Permits and Reclamation Plans This section of the Simi Valley Municipal Code establishes procedural guidelines and conditions of approval for reclamation plans and surface mining permits, in accordance with the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Public Resources Code Section 2710 et seq.). 220 Simi Valley City Urban Restriction Boundary (CURB) or SOAR initiative SOAR and CURB boundaries are the result of various Save Our Agricultural Resources (or in some instances Save Our Agricultural and Open Space Resources) initiatives that have been approved by the 217 Ibid. 218 Simi Valley General Plan Conservation/Open Space Element. 219 Simi Valley Municipal Code, Title 9 Development Code, Chapter 9-40 Oil and Gas Drilling Production ( 5, Ord. 1085, eff. January 6, 2006). Accessed: March 26, Simi Valley Municipal Code, Title 9 Development Code, Chapter 9-44 Standards for Specific Land Uses (Amended during 3-07 supplement). Accessed: April 16,

20 Chapter 6 Natural Resources voters as ordinances for the County of Ventura and, to date, eight of the ten cities in the County including Simi Valley. Each of the County SOAR ordinances is slightly different and each is distinct. As per Simi Valley Urban Restriction Boundary, until December 31, 2020, the City of Simi Valley must restrict urban services (except temporary mutual assistance with other jurisdictions) and urbanization of uses of land to within the Simi Valley City Urban Restriction Boundary. Urbanized uses of land are defined as any development that would require establishment of a new community sewer systems or the significant extension of existing community sewer sewers, the creation of residential lots less than 10 acres, or establishment of non-agriculture or mineral-related commercial or industrial uses. Exceptions to this include completing roadways identified in the 1988 General Plan Circulation Element, construction of public potable water facilities, public school, public parks, and other government facilities. The Simi Valley Urban Restriction Boundary cannot be amended or altered prior to December 2020, except by a vote of the people. Exceptions to amendments include the provision of affordable housing to comply with State law if there is not existing residentially designated land available within the City Urban Restriction Boundary to accommodate this development. The CURB is shown in Figure (Soil Associations). Issues There are no issues associated with agricultural resources. However, issues associated with soils and mineral resources include the following: Development constraints are anticipated in the City s hillside and canyon areas. These areas are commonly associated with zones of highly expansive soils, which are known to be present in the foothills of Simi Valley. Adjoining Production-Consumption Regions (PCRs) are predicted to experience shortfalls of aggregate supply and will rely on the Simi PCR for material. Increased demands on the Simi PCR from adjoining PCRs could create shortfalls within the Simi PCR of aggregate, particularly of PCC quality. Lands controlled by the Brandeis Institute (a nonprofit religious institute) contain a substantial supply of the City s mineral resources, and may therefore have limited potential for mining. This would substantially reduce the total supply of coarse material in the Simi PCR and therefore the total amount of aggregate suitable for PCC. Sources California Department of Conservation, Office of Mine Reclamation Surface Mining and Reclamation Act and Associated Regulations ( Construction Aggregate Resources Simi Valley Area of the Simi Region, Ventura County), January. California Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey Aggregate Availability in California, December. California Department of Conservation Division of Land Resource Protection, Williamson Act Program Links to digital parcel data by county. Accessed March 26,

21 6.3 Soils, Minerals, and Agriculture California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources Preliminary Report of Oil and Gas Production Statistics, January. Camarillo, City of City of Camarillo General Plan, Chapter 2.0 Background, June. Governor s Office of Planning and Research, 2000 Planning, Zoning, and Development Laws, Surface Mining, and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 1131; Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1097). Accessed March 26, Simi Valley, City of City of Simi Valley General Plan: Final Safety Element, Technical Appendix J, July. Simi Valley General Plan Conservation/Open Space Element. Simi Valley Municipal Code, Title 9 Development Code, Chapter 9-40 Oil and Gas Drilling Production ( 5, Ord. 1085, eff. January 6, 2006). Accessed: March 26, Simi Valley Municipal Code, Title 9 Development Code, Chapter 9-44 Standards for Specific Land Uses (Amended during 3-07 supplement). Accessed: April 16, Ventura, County of. County of Ventura Agricultural Commissioner Annual Crop Report 2005, July. Ventura, County of, Resource Management Agency The Land Conservation Act (LCA) in Ventura County brochure, March. Ventura, County of Ventura County General Plan Resources Appendix, September 19. United States Department of Agriculture, National Cooperative Soil Survey, website: Accessed March 23, United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service Los Angeles County California, Report and General Soil Map, December

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