Require an Environmental Impact Report for proposed cannabis projects near the Pozo area
The undersigned are living near the proposed commercial marijuana cultivation/ processing and distribution sites located at 14215 River Road, Santa Margarita, Ca. and 880 Parkhill Rd., Santa Margarita, Ca. As residents of this area, we will be significantly impacted by these projects and request that the county prepare Environmental Impact Reports for the proposed sites. The two projects are located within 1.5 miles of each other, and while there are issues unique to both projects, the compatibility issues with the area remain the same.
The Parkhill/River road area is known for historically having bad water supply. With many of the undersigned residents having a history of needing to haul water in during drought years. This agriculture-residential area cannot withstand the water requirements of these commercial projects. We request an EIR be prepared for all water issues related to the sites, including but not limited to groundwater supply, groundwater recharge, neighborhood impact, sustainability, and other relevant issues.
The locations of both proposed projects are in a classified high fire danger area. The response time for fire and EMS are inordinately long. The locations offer a 30-45 minute drive for public safety officers as well. We request an EIR be prepared on any and all issues related to Public Safety, including fire danger, Law Enforcement response times to crimes in progress at the site, number of personnel available to respond on different shifts, preparation of Law Enforcement policies and procedures, operational orders for response to both the Pegaso and Pozo Management site crimes in progress, comparisons to responses to California Valley marijuana sites and relevant issues.
The locations of both projects are on narrow, two lane roads that are winding and often times last to be maintained. The Pegaso project is located on a historical wagon trail that is a narrow dirt road, traffic from the project will create significant dust. We request a detailed study of the traffic plan for access to the sites, traffic patterns, and safety issues that may occur due to increased traffic on these already dangerous roads. In addition, a study of transportation of chemicals used in the process and high value product being transported off-site.
The commercial/industrial characteristics of the Pozo Management Group project and the Pegaso project are in direct conflict with the surrounding neighborhood of Parkhill Rd and River Rd. This area is historically a residential-agriculture area with legacy farming and ranching that is completely incompatible with commercial marijuana production. We request an EIR on the terpene drift, impact on legacy farming, sensitive receptors, and others in the area.
Other appropriate issues should be covered in the EIR as merited by the issue.
Updates
July 20, 2020
Reaching this point has been physically draining but it shows that our neighbors are finally seeing the scale of what we are up against. I am exhausted by the constant uphill battle against these developers yet seeing this level of backing proves we are right to demand accountability.
16 Comments
Absolutely these grows MUST have full EIRs that show cumulative impact. Given the known environmental impacts and the severe deficiencies in what SLO County is qualifying as a 'Minimum Negative Declaration', nothing less than a full EIR should be required!
We worked all our lives for what we have in this beautiful, wild, remote area. We got away from the places where marijuana was grown and used. We're too old to start over somewhere else. We barely manage with the water we have and have dug "recharging" swales on our property. Now, there is a possibility of someone (not from here -- Mr. Pitchess doesn't count -- he's from L.A.) having a marijuana grow within my sight and smell, using the water we so desperately conserve?!? This is so wrong. If our County allows this, I will be convinced of a bad smell. Imagine, having a meeting about this during a pandemic. We are remote and far away from our government offices. I hope they read these comments.
We need to protect the fragile eco system of the chaparral, and to keep the peace for the surrounding residents.
It doesn't take a lot of brain cells to see this is a horrible project for this area. Water, Traffic, Crime, Fire, all the concerns of those who live on Parkhill.
Please listen!
This area is in virtually continuous drought state. A development like this clearly does not belong here.
Get that EIR done first. Check water supply first
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Require an Environmental Impact Report for proposed cannabis projects near the Pozo area
The undersigned are living near the proposed commercial marijuana cultivation/ processing and distribution sites located at 14215 River Road, Santa Margarita, Ca. and 880 Parkhill Rd., Santa Margarita, Ca. As residents of this area, we will be significantly impacted by these projects and request that the county prepare Environmental Impact Reports for the proposed sites. The two projects are located within 1.5 miles of each other, and while there are issues unique to both projects, the compatibility issues with the area remain the same.
The Parkhill/River road area is known for historically having bad water supply. With many of the undersigned residents having a history of needing to haul water in during drought years. This agriculture-residential area cannot withstand the water requirements of these commercial projects. We request an EIR be prepared for all water issues related to the sites, including but not limited to groundwater supply, groundwater recharge, neighborhood impact, sustainability, and other relevant issues.
The locations of both proposed projects are in a classified high fire danger area. The response time for fire and EMS are inordinately long. The locations offer a 30-45 minute drive for public safety officers as well. We request an EIR be prepared on any and all issues related to Public Safety, including fire danger, Law Enforcement response times to crimes in progress at the site, number of personnel available to respond on different shifts, preparation of Law Enforcement policies and procedures, operational orders for response to both the Pegaso and Pozo Management site crimes in progress, comparisons to responses to California Valley marijuana sites and relevant issues.
The locations of both projects are on narrow, two lane roads that are winding and often times last to be maintained. The Pegaso project is located on a historical wagon trail that is a narrow dirt road, traffic from the project will create significant dust. We request a detailed study of the traffic plan for access to the sites, traffic patterns, and safety issues that may occur due to increased traffic on these already dangerous roads. In addition, a study of transportation of chemicals used in the process and high value product being transported off-site.
The commercial/industrial characteristics of the Pozo Management Group project and the Pegaso project are in direct conflict with the surrounding neighborhood of Parkhill Rd and River Rd. This area is historically a residential-agriculture area with legacy farming and ranching that is completely incompatible with commercial marijuana production. We request an EIR on the terpene drift, impact on legacy farming, sensitive receptors, and others in the area.
Other appropriate issues should be covered in the EIR as merited by the issue.
Updates
July 20, 2020
Reaching this point has been physically draining but it shows that our neighbors are finally seeing the scale of what we are up against. I am exhausted by the constant uphill battle against these developers yet seeing this level of backing proves we are right to demand accountability.
16 Comments
The Pegaso project would significantly deplete or destroy the groundwater supply, significantly impair groundwater recharge and would leave neighbors without water for their homes. This project will significantly increase traffic on River Road, a narrow dirt road, which is dusty when it dry and muddy when it's wet. They also propose a 24/7 Security Team to guard their cash crop, which is a magnet for crime. An EIR should be prepared for Water issues, Public Safety issues, Traffic Issues, Legacy Farming issues, Terpene drift and other identified matters.
Absolutely these grows MUST have full EIRs that show cumulative impact. Given the known environmental impacts and the severe deficiencies in what SLO County is qualifying as a 'Minimum Negative Declaration', nothing less than a full EIR should be required!
We worked all our lives for what we have in this beautiful, wild, remote area. We got away from the places where marijuana was grown and used. We're too old to start over somewhere else. We barely manage with the water we have and have dug "recharging" swales on our property. Now, there is a possibility of someone (not from here -- Mr. Pitchess doesn't count -- he's from L.A.) having a marijuana grow within my sight and smell, using the water we so desperately conserve?!? This is so wrong. If our County allows this, I will be convinced of a bad smell. Imagine, having a meeting about this during a pandemic. We are remote and far away from our government offices. I hope they read these comments.
We need to protect the fragile eco system of the chaparral, and to keep the peace for the surrounding residents.
It doesn't take a lot of brain cells to see this is a horrible project for this area. Water, Traffic, Crime, Fire, all the concerns of those who live on Parkhill.
Please listen!
This area is in virtually continuous drought state. A development like this clearly does not belong here.
Get that EIR done first. Check water supply first
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The Pegaso project would significantly deplete or destroy the groundwater supply, significantly impair groundwater recharge and would leave neighbors without water for their homes. This project will significantly increase traffic on River Road, a narrow dirt road, which is dusty when it dry and muddy when it's wet. They also propose a 24/7 Security Team to guard their cash crop, which is a magnet for crime. An EIR should be prepared for Water issues, Public Safety issues, Traffic Issues, Legacy Farming issues, Terpene drift and other identified matters.