Resource Conservation Element Table of Contents

LIST OF FIGURES

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE

The Resource Conservation Element provides for the conservation of natural resources including water, forests, soils, rivers, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources. It supports the county's economic base by promoting the production and use of the county's resources. It guides land use decisions that will contribute to the long term maintenance of resource production.

1.2 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS

The Resource Conservation Element has been closely coordinated with the Agricultural Resource and Open Space Elements for consistency. The Land Use Element complements the policies of the Resource Conservation Element and is consistent with conserving and maintaining the long term productivity of resource lands.

1.3 SCOPE AND ORGANIZATION

The Resource Conservation Element addresses the following:

Areas subject to Resource Conservation policies are shown on Figures RC-2a through RC-2i on pages 225 through 241.

2.0 SOIL RESOURCES

Soil resources policy tries to maintain soil productivity and prevent lands with productive soils from converting to nonresource uses and to promote soil management and conservation practices that will maintain productivity of those lands.

2.1 CONSERVATION OF LANDS WITH SOILS SUITABLE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TIMBER PRODUCTION

Important farmland soils are located throughout the county but are concentrated primarily in the Sonoma Valley, west Sebastopol, west Santa Rosa, Alexander Valley, and Dry Creek Valley regions. Soil, climate, topography and water combine to make these lands highly productive agricultural areas. However, lands with good agricultural soils are often desirable for building sites as they are generally located in flat valleys with few physical constraints. Important timberland soils are located primarily in the northwest county and Russian River area.

Goal RC-1 Encourage the conservation of soil resources to protect their long term productivity and economic value.

Objective RC-1.1: Preserve lands containing prime agricultural and productive woodland soils and avoid their conversion to incompatible residential, commercial or industrial uses.

The following policies in addition to those in the Land Use and Agricultural Resources Elements shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-1a: Apply the "Land Intensive Agriculture", "Land Extensive Agriculture", and "Diverse Agriculture" land use categories to areas with productive agricultural soils.

RC-1b: Apply the "Resources and Rural Development" land use category to all lands with timberland production zoning to protect timber production soils.

RC-1c: Annually review the California Department of Conservation's updated Important Farmland's Map and the amount of land in the county converted to and from agricultural use.

2.2 PREVENTION OF SOIL EROSION

Although some types of soils are more susceptible to erosion, all benefit from conservation practices. Erosion results in the loss of topsoil which may reduce crop yields and cause sedimentation problems downstream. Sediment can fill reservoirs and stream channels, reduce water quality and storage capacity, and damage fishery and wildlife habitats. Erosion is caused by a combination of high rainfall, lack of cover, fragile soils, and steep slopes. Activities which may increase erosion include urban development, road and general construction activities, logging, mining, agriculture and recreational activities.

Soil loss in the Petaluma Valley under adverse conditions has been severe. Hillside cultivation and overgrazing are a particular concern. Measures are needed to reduce erosion. However, protection measures may not always be cost effective for the landowner.

Goal RC-2 Promote and encourage soil conservation and management practice that maintain the productivity of soil resources.

Objective RC-2.1: Ensure that permitted uses are compatible with reducing potential damage due to soil erosion.

Objective RC-2.2: Establish ways to prevent soil erosion and restore areas damaged by erosion.

The following policies shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-2a: Design discretionary projects so that structures and roads are not located on slopes of 30 percent or greater. This requirement is not intended to make any existing parcel unbuildable if Health Department and Building Department requirements can be met.

RC-2b: Include erosion control measures for any discretionary project involving construction or grading near waterways or on lands with slopes over 10 percent.

RC-2c: Encourage agricultural land owners to work closely with the U. S. Soil Conservation Service and local Resource Conservation Districts to reduce soil erosion and to encourage soil restoration.

RC-2d: Require a soil conservation program to reduce soil erosion impacts for discretionary projects which could increase waterway or hillside erosion. Design improvements such as roads and driveways to retain natural vegetation and topography to the extent feasible.

RC-2e: Retain natural vegetation and topography to the extent economically feasible for any discretionary project improvements near waterways or in areas with a high risk of erosion as noted in the Sonoma County Soil Survey.

RC-2f: Prepare and submit to the Board of Supervisors an erosion and sediment control report.

RC-2g: Continue to enforce the Uniform Building Code to reduce erosion and slope instability problems.

3.0 WATER RESOURCES

The water used for domestic purposes and agriculture in Sonoma County is generally of good quality. Many streams, however, have water quality problems resulting in part from wastewater discharges. Santa Rosa is investigating several alternative sewage disposal systems, including some systems that would not be dependent on river discharge. Failing or overloaded septic systems may also affect water quality.

Channel flow in the Russian River is the primary source of domestic water for the county's urban areas. Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, and Petaluma also use ground water. Rural development is dependent on individual wells. Ground water is scarce in large areas of the county where intensive rural development can lead to overdrafting of water supplies.

Groundwater is recharged through permeable materials. Natural recharge takes place along many streams, rivers, and other alluvial deposits. Development in these areas can increase surface runoff and reduce groundwater quality and recharge capability.

Goal RC-3 Conserve, enhance, and manage water resources, protect their quality, and assure an adequate long term supply of water for domestic, fishing, industrial and agricultural use.

Objective RC-3.1: Preserve watersheds and groundwater recharge areas by avoiding the placement of potential pollution sources in areas with high percolation rates.

Objective RC-3.2: Provide development standards in recharge areas to maintain groundwater supplies.

Objective RC-3.3: Preserve and enhance the quality of surface and groundwater resources.

Objective RC-3.4: Insure that land uses in rural areas be consistent with the availability of groundwater resources.

The following policies, in addition to those in the Land Use and Public Facilities and Services Elements, shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-3a: Grading, filling and construction should not substantially reduce or divert any stream flow that would affect groundwater recharge.

RC-3b: Require groundwater monitoring programs for all large scale commercial and industrial uses using wells.

RC-3c: Continue to encourage research on and monitoring of local groundwater, watersheds, streams, and aquifer recharge areas in order to determine their water supply value.

RC-3d: Continue to encourage the construction of wastewater disposal systems designed to reclaim and reuse treated wastewater on agricultural crops, and for other irrigation and wildlife enhancement projects.

RC-3e: Encourage wastewater disposal methods which minimize reliance on discharges into natural waterways. If discharge is proposed, review and comment on projects and environmental documents and request that projects maximize reclamation, conservation and reuse programs to minimize discharges and protect water quality and aquifer recharge areas.

RC-3f: The Environmental Health Department shall review all subdivisions using septic systems so that leachants do not contaminate groundwater recharge areas. Consider on-site wastewater management districts in important recharge areas.

RC-3g: Consider on-site wastewater management districts in areas with septic problems.

RC-3h: Require proof of adequate groundwater in Class III and IV water areas. Require test wells or the establishment of community water systems in Class IV water areas. Test wells may be required in Class III areas. Deny discretionary applications unless a geologic report establishes that groundwater supplies are adequate and will not be adversely impacted by the cumulative amount of additional development.

RC-3i: Actively pursue the abatement of failing septic systems near waterways.

4.0 FOREST AND WOODLAND RESOURCES

There are about 265,500 acres of commercial timberlands in Sonoma County today. Douglas fir and redwood occur along the north coast while evergreens, oak and pine are further inland. Hardwoods grow within these coniferous forest areas and are the dominant species on 124,900 acres. Private ownership accounts for 72 percent of Sonoma County's commercial forest land and 92 percent of the raw timber growth. In 1984, 2,480,000 board feet of old growth redwood, 9,440,000 board feet of young growth redwoods, and 5,863,000 board feet of douglas fir valued at 2.23 million dollars were harvested.

Rural residential development in some areas has made harvesting operations more difficult. Potential erosion from logging operations and access roads is a major concern. Conversion from timber to hardwoods or non-timber uses and reforestation are also a concern.

The California Timberland Productivity Act requires local jurisdictions to adopt "Timberland Production Zones", rezone commercial timberlands to this zoning district and designate timberlands in the general plan. Jurisdiction over timber harvesting was given to the State Department of Forestry, although counties may request local rules. Approximately 78,000 acres in the county have been zoned in the "Timber Production" District.

Goal RC-4 Preserve, sustain and restore forestry resources for their economic, conservation, recreation, and open space values.

Objective RC-4.1: Identify and preserve areas with timber soils and commercial timber stands for timber production. Avoid incompatible uses in these areas.

Objective RC-4.2: Minimize the potential adverse impacts of timber harvesting on economic, conservation, recreation and open space values and restore harvested areas to production for a future yield.

The following policies, in addition to those in the Land Use Element, shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-4a: Apply the "Resources and Rural Development" category to designate all lands in a "Timberland Production Zone" and adjacent parcels with timber soils or commercial timber stands.

RC-4b: Review all timber harvest plans for compatibility with general plan policies and economic viability of the industry.

RC-4c: Where applicable, comment on timber harvest plans in support of increased protection of Class III streams.

5.0 VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES

5.1 CONSERVATION OF BIOTIC RESOURCES

Sonoma County has many plant species which can be grouped into eight major plant and biotic communities: 1) tidal areas, 2) wetlands, 3) riparian woodlands, 4) coastal bluffs and dunes, 5) grasslands, 6) brushlands, 7) coniferous forests and 8) woodlands. Wetlands, coastal dunes, sargent cypress communities, and major riparian woodlands are severely limited or threatened by development. Many communities include species which have limited populations and are confined to a few small areas.

Vegetation helps reduce surface runoff, retains soils, and maintain stream banks. Plant communities also provide wildlife and fish habitat and are necessary to maintain a healthy and diverse physical environment.

Some vegetation has been heavily disturbed in the past. Forests have been logged, grasslands, brushlands and woodlands converted to urban or agricultural use, non native species introduced, and natural fires prevented. These activities have changed the landscape and forced wildlife onto marginal lands.

Figure RC-1

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Goal RC-5: Promote and maintain the County's diverse plant and animal communities and protect biotic resources from development activities.

Objective RC-5.1: Identify and encourage protection of areas with important wildlife habitats and woodland resources.

Objective RC-5.2: Encourage the use of native plants in landscaping to reduce the risk of introducing exotic plant species into wildlife areas.

Objective RC-5.3: Recognize and preserve the Laguna de Santa Rosa and the San Pablo Bay area as biotic resource areas and historic water retention basins of particular significance to Sonoma County's environment.

Objective RC-5.4: Identify important valley oak habitat areas and protect and enhance valley oaks and valley oak woodlands in these areas.

In addition to the policies of the Land Use and Open Space Elements, the following policies shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-5a: Apply the "Resources and Rural Development" land use category where it is the County's intent to manage and conserve natural resources, including wildlife and vegetation habitats while allowing a compatible level of residential development.

RC-5b: On discretionary projects, use native or compatible non native species to the extent possible for landscaping. Discourage use of exotics, such as pampas grass and scotch broom.

RC-5c: Make the preservation of significant native oaks and other native trees a primary consideration in the review of development projects.

RC-5d: Develop comprehensive programs for preservation and restoration of the Laguna de Santa Rosa as shown on Figures RC-2c, 2d, 2e, and 2f on pages 229 - 235 and for the San Pablo Bay Area as shown on Figures RC-2h and RC-2i on pages 239 - 241. Include mechanisms for preservation and enhancement such as acquisition, zoning and easements. Avoid activities such as filling, grading or construction that would be detrimental to the biotic resources or historic water retention functions of these areas.

RC-5e: Encourage landowners to voluntarily participate in the County's Landmark Tree Program.

RC-5f: Designate basins, flood plains, terraces, and alluvial fans that have Clear Lake-Reyes, Haire-Diablo, Huichica-Wright-Zamora, Pajaro, or Yolo-Cortina-Pleasanton soil associations, as identified by soils data from the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, as important valley oak habitat areas on Figures RC-2a through RC-2i.

RC-5g: Add a Valley Oak Habitat combining district to the zoning ordinance. Rezone to the Valley Oak Habitat combining district any lands designated as important valley oak habitat areas on Figures RC-2a through RC-2i.

RC-5h: Provide for voluntary programs to protect and enhance valley oaks and valley oak woodlands in designated important valley oak habitat areas. Develop and require compliance with standards and guidelines for mitigating losses of valley oaks and valley oak woodlands in designated important valley oak habitat areas.

5.2 PROTECTION OF RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

Small populations of plants and animals which are in danger of extinction due to the loss or alteration of habitat are protected by state and federal law. These species are highly sensitive to any change in their habitat and could be adversely impacted by development. Rare and endangered plant and animals species frequently provide essential links in the natural ecosystem.

Goal RC-6 Identify and protect rare and endangered species and their environment.

Objective RC-6.1: Identify the locations of rare and endangered plants and animals.

Objective RC-6.2: Require that any development on lands containing rare and endangered species be done in a manner which protects the resource or mitigates adverse impacts.

The County shall use the following policies in addition to those of the Open Space Element, to achieve the above objectives:

RC-6a: Maintain and update the "Biotic Resource" data maps which show the locations of known rare and endangered species, and use them in the environmental review process for development permits.

RC-6b: Protection for rare and endangered species, wetlands, and other biotic resources not indicated on Figure OS-3 on page 183 shall be accomplished through compliance with applicable state and federal law.

RC-6c: Notwithstanding the densities shown on the land use maps, provide for creation of separate parcels of land where necessary to establish sites for the preservation of rare and endangered species and other biotic resources.

6.0 FISHERY RESOURCES

6.1 PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF MARINE FISHERY AND HARBOR RESOURCES

Sonoma County contains marine and inland fisheries and a growing aquaculture industry. Bodega Harbor is the home of a major commercial fishing fleet with berth installations, boat launching ramps, fish receiving piers, a navigation channel and a marina. Commercial and sport fishing net salmon, crab, herring, halibut, shark and bottom fish.

Oil exploration and drilling along the coast may adversely affect sensitive areas identified in the Local Coastal Plan. Streams and estuaries serve as nurseries and habitats for commercial fish species and are especially vulnerable to damage by an oil spill. Offshore activities such as oil platforms, pipelines, and tankers could interfere with commercial fishing activities. Ocean disposal of wastewater could also adversely affect nursery areas and the commercial fishing industry.

Goal RC-7 Protect and conserve the quality of ocean, marine and estuarine environments for their scenic, economic and environmental values.

Objective RC-7.1: Promote protection for the native marine and shoreline plant and animal communities along the Pacific coastline and San Pablo Bay shoreline.

Objective RC-7.2: Oppose siting of onshore oil and gas facilities which support oil and gas exploration or development in the coastal area.

Objective RC-7.3: Review any proposal for ocean or bay disposal of wastewater for consistency with the Sonoma County Coastal Plan and policies on sanctuary and habitat protection and determine the potential for marine fishery habitat degradation.

The following policies shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-7a: Review and comment on any proposals for the sale of oil leases and/or oil drilling off the Sonoma County Coast. Carry out the Onshore Oil Facilities Ordinance.

RC-7b: Review any proposal for ocean disposal of wastewater and comment as to any potential adverse impacts on the fishing and tourism industries and marine resources.

RC-7c: Use the policies of the Sonoma County Coastal Plan to protect wetlands, estuaries, and other coastal resources.

RC-7d: Encourage the establishment of adequate harbor facilities at Bodega Bay to meet the needs of the local commercial fishing industry. Give commercial fishing boats priority over all other boats and vessels.

6.2 PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER FISHERY RESOURCES

The Russian River, Gualala River, Sonoma Creek, Salmon Creek and Petaluma River are the principal migratory routes for silver salmon and steelhead. Their tributaries are spawning and nursery habitats. Russian River runs of salmon and steelhead are being enhanced by the Warm Springs Hatchery. Activities such as agriculture, logging, mining, water diversions, and land development impact the stream habitat and reduce fishery resources. Sedimentation, loss of riparian vegetation, and stream bank erosion contribute to habitat damage.

Goal RC-8 Encourage effective management of freshwater fishery resources and balance competing agricultural, development, and mining needs with protection of the stream environment.

Objective RC-8.1: Identify sources of sediment and erosion and minimize their impact on local water courses.

Objective RC-8.2: Manage riparian corridors along streams to provide protection for fish habitat.

Objective RC-8.3: Encourage the preparation of a fishery management plan.

In addition to the policies of the Open Space Element, the following shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-8a: Encourage educational programs dealing with stream bank stabilization practices.

RC-8b: Consider the establishment of a task force to develop a fishery management plan. Include representatives from fishing groups, stream restoration groups, timber, aggregate, and agriculture industries, the Fish and Wildlife Advisory Board, the Department of Fish and Game, and others.

RC-8c: Design public and private projects to minimize damage to the stream environment and to maintain instream flows.

RC-8d: Avoid substantial alteration of the stream channel and riparian vegetation in the design of flood control projects on streams with substantial natural areas.

6.3 AQUACULTURE

Aquaculture in Sonoma County is a small industry with the potential for growth. Several domestic fish breeders grow fresh water trout and bass primarily for recreational use. An experimental aquaculture operation in Bodega Bay grows trout and salmon for the restaurant trade. Siting requirements differ depending upon the species grown and technology. Proper siting is particularly important in coastal areas where sensitive habitats could be harmed.

Goal RC-9 Support and encourage commercial aquaculture in both marine and fresh water environments.

Objective RC-9.1: Evaluate the needs of and encourage further development of the aquaculture industry.

Objective RC-9.2: Develop guidelines for siting aquaculture facilities. Develop facilities which are responsive to the species and available technology.

The following policies, in addition to those of the Agricultural Resources Element, shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-9a: Provide for aquaculture in the "Resources and Rural Development" category and in all three agricultural categories.

RC-9b: Develop guidelines in the zoning ordinance for aquaculture facilities to insure the protection of sensitive habitats and prime agricultural soils.

7.0 GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES

Geothermal resources in Sonoma County consist of steam, hot water and heat concentrated below the earth's surface. The Geysers, the largest steam dominated geothermal field development in the world, has been used for generation of electricity since 1960. The Geysers' Known Geothermal Resource Area (KGRA) contains "primary" and "secondary" areas. Generation of electricity is limited to the "primary" resource area.

About 1800 megawatts of electricity were being generated at The Geysers in 1986, and the estimated capacity is 2000-3000 megawatts. Tax revenues and jobs generated by geothermal development significantly benefit the county's economy. County jurisdiction over the siting of power plants and transmission lines has been largely pre-empted by the state. Geothermal activities can conflict with residences and adversely affect vegetation and wildlife, air and water quality, traffic and public services. Geologic and noise impacts also result.

Hot water resources may exist in other areas, including Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley and Sonoma Valley. The extent of this resource is not known. Hot water resources can be used for space heating, food drying, aquaculture, greenhouses and other uses of heat.

Goal RC-10 Manage geothermal resources for various beneficial uses, including electricity, space heating, aquaculture and agriculture.

Objective RC-10.1: Plan production to maximize long term use of the geothermal resource and to mitigate adverse environmental impacts.

Objective RC-10.2: Permit geothermal power generation to occur only on lands within the "primary" KGRA and to minimize land use conflicts with other uses within this area.

Objective RC-10.3: Encourage exploration of the extent and potential use of hot water geothermal resources.

The following policies, in addition to those of the Land Use Element, shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-10a: Prepare a Geothermal Resources Management Plan to provide a framework for evaluation, mitigation and monitoring of the environmental impacts of geothermal development, and establishment of policies and standards for steam and hot water geothermal resource development.

RC-10b: Designate lands within the "primary" KGRA with the "Resources and Rural Development" category.

RC-10c: Allow the use of hot water geothermal resources in all land use designations if it can be demonstrated that it will be compatible with surrounding land uses.

8.0 MINERAL RESOURCES

Various minerals have been mined in Sonoma County during the past century. Aggregate products are now the dominant commercial mineral. In 1984, 5.3 million tons of aggregate were mined in the County and approximately 75 to 112 million tons will be needed over the next 20 years. The impacts of mining activities include noise, dust, truck traffic, erosion, and siltation. These impacts create conflicts with nearby residential, agricultural and recreational uses and impact fishery resources. However, the most significant issue is the loss of agricultural land as a consequence of mining uses.

By law the State Geologist classifies or inventories mineral lands throughout the state. The State has designated certain mineral bearing areas as being of regional significance. Local agencies must 1) adopt mineral management policies which recognize mineral information provided by the State, "...2) assist in the management of land use which affect areas of statewide and regional significance, and 3) emphasize the conservation and development of identified mineral deposits".

Sonoma County has adopted the Aggregate Resources Management (ARM) Plan, a plan for obtaining future supplies of aggregate material. This plan serves as the state-mandated mineral management policy for the county and is intended to accomplish the mandated purposes. During the process of adoption of the plan, the County considered the aggregate resource areas subsequently classified as MRZ-2 by the State Geologist and transmitted by the Board in compliance with the Act in February, 1985. (Aggregate resources are mapped in the ARM Plan).

Land use policies have been formulated with full recognition of the classification and designation information transmitted by the State (RC Special Report #146, Part III and Surface Mining and Reclamation Act Designation Report No. 7 and Designation Map No.85-5 incorporated by reference herein). Sonoma County has considered the importance of its aggregate resources to the regional market and not just to the county.

Goal RC-11 Provide for production of aggregates to meet local needs and contribute the County's share of demand in the North Bay production-consumption region. Manage aggregate resources to avoid needless resource depletion and ensure that extraction results in the fewest environmental impacts.

Objective RC-11.1: Use the Aggregate Resources Management Plan to establish priority areas for aggregate production and to establish detailed policies, procedures, and standards for mineral extraction.

Objective RC-11.2: Minimize and mitigate the adverse environmental effects of mineral extraction and reclaim mined lands.

The following policies, in addition to those in the Land Use Element, shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-11a: Consider lands designated in the Aggregate Resources Management Plan (ARM) as priority sites for aggregate production and mineral extraction and review requests for additional designations for conformity with the general plan and the ARM plan.

RC-11b: Review projects for environmental impact and land use conflicts and consider the following minimum factors when approving mining permits: topsoil salvage, vegetation, fisheries and wildlife impacts, noise, erosion control, roadway conditions and capacities, reclamation and bonding, air quality, energy consumption, engineering and geological surveys, aggregate supply and replenishment, drainage, and the need for economical aggregate materials.

RC-11c: Review projects which are on or near sites designated "Mineral Resources" in the ARM Plan for compatibility with future mineral extraction.

9.0 ENERGY RESOURCES

Sonoma County has potential energy resources which have not yet been fully used. Natural gas exploration has taken place east of Petaluma between Sebastopol and Cotati, and along the Laguna de Santa Rosa. The extent of the resource is unknown and production has been minimal. Development could conflict with residential use.

The county's mild climate makes solar heating feasible. Wind energy is a potential resource along the coast and in the Petaluma Wind Gap, but safety, noise, and visual impact are a concern.

The federal government has proposed the leasing of oil tracts offshore near Bodega Bay. Drilling could damage fishery, wildlife, and visual resources and could adversely affect the fishing and tourist industries. In opposing onshore support for offshore oil development, Sonoma County has recognized the nationwide energy need. However, it contributes heavily to this need through its support of geothermal energy production.

There is potential for biomass and municipal waste-to-energy projects. Sources of biomass include manure from dairy operations, slash from timber harvesting, and municipal waste at the central landfill.

Goal RC-12 Develop alternative energy sources which are compatible with environmental quality, including visual and biotic resources.

Objective RC-12.1: Prepare guidelines for development, management and conservation of various potential energy sources, including natural gas, solar, biomass, and wind resources.

Objective RC-12.2: Oppose siting of onshore oil and gas facilities which support oil and gas exploration or development in the coastal area.

Objective RC-12.3: Establish guidelines for radio, telephone and other communication and transmission towers.

The following policies, in addition to those in the Open Space Element, shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-12a: Review proposed natural gas wells through the use permit process.

RC-12b: Avoid natural gas wells within urban service areas.

RC-12c: Consider guidelines for solar access in the proposed design review manual and revision to the subdivision ordinance.

RC-12d: Consider preparation of an energy resources plan to evaluate priority areas for energy development and provide standards.

RC-12e: Review and comment on all offshore oil activities for their potential impacts on Sonoma County. Carry out the Onshore Oil Facilities Ordinance.

RC-12f: Review proposed biomass energy projects through the use permit process.

RC-12g: Consider visual impacts in reviewing any discretionary wind, biomass, gas well, or radio, telephone or other communication and transmission tower project in a designated community separator, scenic corridor, scenic landscape unit or in the coastal area. Require a visual analysis to determine project impacts and mitigation measures.

RC-12h: Review all transmission line and radio, telephone, or other communication and transmission tower proposals for conformity with Open Space policies. Request that such facilities be located outside of community separators, scenic corridors, scenic landscape units, and biotic resource areas. Give preference to existing over new utility corridors.

RC-12i: Consider undergrounding of distribution lines in designated open space areas and in selected community areas.

10.0 AIR RESOURCES

Sonoma County residents enjoy the cleanest air in the Bay Area. Nonetheless, air quality is affected when pollutants are concentrated during temperature inversions. As a result, inland valleys are particularly susceptible to air pollution.

Air pollutants include both gases and particulates. The automobile is the most common source of smog. Particulates come from residential, industrial, and agricultural sources, mainly during grading and construction activities.

Sources of air pollution are both stationary and mobile. Mobile sources, such as motor vehicles, produce most of the air pollutants in the county. Air pollution from mobile sources is regulated by the state through exhaust emissions standards, but can be reduced by proper management of the transportation system. The Geysers power plants are the largest stationary pollutant source. Other stationary sources include mining operations, industrial and agricultural activities and lumber mills. Residential wood stoves are a contributor to particulate levels in urban areas in the north County.

Improved air quality and decisions on air quality standards and mitigation measures are balanced with competing interests for production efficiency, energy costs and ease of transportation while meeting all the requirements of the Federal and State Clean Air Acts.

Goal: RC-13 Preserve and maintain good air quality and provide for an air quality standard that will protect human health and preclude crop, plant and property damage in accordance with the requirements of the Federal and State Clean Air Acts.

Objective RC-13.1: Maintain the projected county air quality as set forth in the Final Environmental Impact Report and minimize air pollution.

Objective RC-13.2: Encourage reduced motor vehicle use as a means of reducing resultant air pollution.

The following policies, in addition to those of the Circulation and Transit Element, shall be used to carry out these objectives:

RC-13a: Require that commercial and industrial development projects be designed to minimize air emissions. Reduce direct emissions by decreasing the need for space heating.

RC-13b: Encourage public transit, ridesharing and van pooling, shortened and combined motor vehicle trips to work and services, use of bicycles, and walking. Minimize single passenger motor vehicle use.

RC-13c: Refer projects to the local air quality districts for their review.

RC-13d: Review proposed changes in land use designations for potential deterioration of air quality and deny them unless they are consistent with the air quality levels projected in the general plan EIR.

RC-13e: Cooperate with the local air quality district to monitor air pollution and enforce mitigations in areas affected by emissions from fireplaces and woodburning stoves.

RC-13f: Encourage the adoption of standards, the development of new technology, and retrofitting to reduce air pollution resulting from geothermal development.

RC-13g: Residential units shall be required to only install fireplaces, woodstoves or any other residential wood-burning devices that meet the gram-per-hour EPA or Oregon DEQ wood heater emissions limits (exempt devices are not allowed).

11.0 RESOURCE CONSERVATION IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM:

Resource Conservation Program 1: Erosion and Sediment Control Report
Program Description: Prepare a report which identifies activities which contribute to erosion and sedimentation and outlines appropriate standards, regulations, enforcement measures and anticipated administrative costs.

Resource Conservation Program 2: Resource Management Plans
Program Description: Prepare or consider preparing resource management plans for fisheries, geothermal, and energy resources which specifically identify resource areas, potential land use conflicts and environmental impacts in development of the resource, mitigation measures, development standards, and restoration and monitoring programs. The Board of Supervisors may appoint committees comprised of representatives from appropriate agencies, organizations and industries to help develop these plans.

Resource Conservation Program 3: Laguna de Santa Rosa Conservation Program
Program Description: Prepare a comprehensive program for preservation and restoration of the Laguna de Santa Rosa to include the area indicated on Figures RC-2c through -2f. Recognize and identify activities which could adversely impact the area's biotic resource and historic water retention functions. Include appropriate mechanisms for its preservation and enhancement.

Resource Conservation Program 4: San Pablo Bay Area Conservation Program
Program Description: Prepare a comprehensive program for preservation and restoration of the San Pablo Bay Area to include the area indicated on Figure RC-2h and RC-2i on pages 239 and 241. Coordinate with the appropriate agencies to functions. Identify mechanisms to ensure its preservation and enhancement, including seasonal wetland and freshwater marsh reclamation.

Figure RC-2a

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Figure RC-2b

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Figure RC-2c

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Figure RC-2d

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Figure RC-2e

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Figure RC-2f

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Figure RC-2g

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Figure RC-2h

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Figure RC-2i