HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty AG_Froom Ranch DEIRCOUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE / WEIGHTS & MEASURES
Martin Settevendemie, Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer of Weights & Measures
2156 Sierra Way, Suite A | San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 | (P) 805-781-5910 | (F) 805-781-1035
slocounty.ca.gov/agcomm | agcommslo@co.slo.ca.us
DATE: December 18, 2019
TO: Shawna Scott, Senior Planner, San Luis Obispo Community Development
Department
FROM: Lynda L. Auchinachie, San Luis Obispo County Agriculture Department
SUBJECT: Froom Ranch Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report (3175)
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft environmental impact report (DEIR) for
the Froom Ranch and Villaggio Life Plan Community Specific Plan project. It appears that our
department’s notice of preparation (NOP) question regarding the proposed reconfiguration of
the existing agricultural easement has been addressed. However, our department continues to
be concerned that impacts to “prime agricultural land,” as defined in Government Code 56064,
may need further consideration based on:
The DEIR indicates there are over 45 acres of Cropley clay (0-2 percent slope) and
Salinas silty clay loam (0-2 percent slope) soils that would be converted as a result of the
proposed project. These are the same soils that supported a variety of high value
vegetable crops on the San Luis Ranch site.
The above soils have an irrigated rating of class 1 or 2 by the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service.
It appears irrigated production is feasible as the DEIR indicates there are adequate
onsite water resources for irrigation during drought and non-drought years.
It appears the Cropley clay and Salinas silty clay loam meet the definition of prime
agricultural land and therefore local policies to protect agricultural resources may
require an agricultural easement.
Thank you for your consideration. If you have questions, please call 781-5914.
cc. David Church, LAFCO Executive Director