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po T1 <br /> 1LJ <br /> 2.2 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT <br /> THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL FRAMEWORK <br /> The natural environment is an integral component of the <br /> planning process, providing the physical context within which <br /> land use activities occur. Relationships among the various <br /> elements of the environment constitute the natural systems <br /> which, under certain circumstances, pose constraints to the <br /> development potential of land. The constraints do not <br /> necessarily prohibit development; rather, they may instead <br /> require mitigation that can impact upon the form, design, or <br /> pattern of the proposed development. <br /> The basic environmental goal incorporated into the Land Use <br /> Element is the minimization or elimination of the negative <br /> impacts on a particular natural system caused by development <br /> activities. Ignoring such potential impacts will inevitably <br /> lead to negative consequences. Because natural systems are <br /> interrelated such. consequences do not stop at property lines, <br /> but affect the general public. The protection and appropriate <br /> use of the natural environment is thus both a private and a <br /> public responsibility. <br /> The primary elements of the natural environment which are <br /> incorporated into the formulation of the Land Use Element <br /> include: <br /> GEOLOGY <br /> mineral resources, <br /> unique geologic features <br /> ground water yield <br /> TOPOGRAPHY <br /> physiographic features <br /> slope <br /> HYDROLOGY <br /> drainage patterns <br /> surface and subsurface water resources <br /> floodplains and flood prone areas <br /> water supply watersheds <br /> SOIL CONDITIONS <br /> suitability for various uses such as <br /> construction, sewage disposal, and agriculture <br /> 2.2 text 1 <br />