SFPUC 2001 Alameda Watershed Management Plan

III. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND IMPACTSA. EXISTING PLANS AND POLICIESPolicy R-RC 57: Agriculture shall be encouraged and prime agricultural lands retained for theirvalue to the overall economy and quality of life of Santa Clara County, including:! local food production capability;! productive use of lands not intended or suitable for urban development; and! preservation of a diminishing natural resource, prime agricultural soils.Minerals Resources SubtopicPoliciesPolicy R-RC 67: Local supplies of mineral resources should be recognized for their importanceto the local, regional, and state economy. Strategies for preserving and managing mineralresources include:! ensuring continued availability of mineral resources to meet long-term demand;! mitigating environmental impacts of extraction and transportation; and! reclaiming sites for appropriate subsequent land uses.Policy R-RC 73: The extraction of mineral resources, including sand and gravel, should becarefully conditioned and regulated to mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts,including mitigation measures for potential increases in siltation and/or pollution of waterresources in order to adequately protect the local water supply.Heritage Resources SubtopicPoliciesPolicy R-RC 81: Heritage resources within the rural unincorporated areas of Santa Clara Countyshall be preserved, restored wherever possible, and commemorated as appropriate for theirscientific, cultural, historic, and place values.Policy R-RC 85: Projects in areas found to have heritage resources shall be conditioned anddesigned to avoid loss or degradation of the resources. Where conflict with the resource isunavoidable, mitigation measures that offset the impact may be imposed.Scenic Resources SubtopicPolicyPolicy R-RC 98: Hillsides, ridgelines, scenic transportation corridors, major County entryways,stream, environmental, and other areas designated as being of special scenic significance shouldreceive utmost consideration and protection due to their prominence, visibility, and overallcontribution to the quality of life in Santa Clara County.NOP 96.223E: Alameda Watershed Management Plan III.A-17 ESA / 930385January 2001