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4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES <br /> This section evaluates the environmental effects that can result from implementation of the <br /> alternatives present in Section 2.2. Environmental consequences examined will include affects <br /> on: social and economic resources, land use, cultural resources, natural resources, energy, <br /> aesthetics, and construction. Section 4 also addresses the irreversible and irretrievable <br /> commitment of resources, the relationship between short-term impacts and long-term benefits, <br /> and the proposed action's compliance with Orange County land use goals. <br /> 4.1 Socio-Economic Characteristics <br /> Implementation of the preferred expansion alternative, the residential use alternative, or the <br /> agricultural use alternative would not result in effects to the social aspects of the area such as <br /> community cohesion or access to neighborhoods. <br /> Positive effects are expected concerning economic characteristics. The proposed expansion <br /> would lengthen the life of mining activities, providing additional tax base and employment <br /> opportunities for Orange County both directly and indirectly through supply of construction <br /> materials. <br /> Upon completion of quarry activities, the additional storage afforded by expanded reservoir <br /> capacity will provide additional high quality water for southern Orange County at little capital cost <br /> to the public. This expanded storage capacity will be needed to meet water demands of the <br /> future in southern Orange County. <br /> Disadvantages of implementing the"No-Action", Residential or Agricultural Use Alternatives would <br /> be the increased cost of stone and asphalt required for construction projects in Orange County <br /> and no additional reservoir capacity. Increased cost of stone and asphalt is directly related to <br /> increased hauling costs from the next nearest quarry. The effect would be an increased cost on <br /> construction projects which would be passed on to the consumer in the form of increased costs <br /> for building projects (i.e. houses, driveways) and increased expenditures for public projects. <br /> 4.2 Land Use <br /> The proposed land use (mining activities) and the relocated road are not anticipated to have any <br /> adverse affects on the surrounding land uses. Area traffic patterns are expected to remain similar <br /> to existing patterns since the roadway relocation is minor in nature. <br /> 4-1 <br />