The low pressure sprinkler system would greatly diminish the potential for erosion that would otherwise be associated with irrigation. The NRCS concluded that while the soils are not highly productive, impacts to the soil would be minor at worst. Assess whether the proposed project would result in the establishment or spread of noxious weeds. Moderate Impact Existing native grasses, yucca, ponderosa pine, silver sagebrush, fringed sagewort, and rabbit brush would be replaced with alfalfa and small grains. Vegetative cover would be maintained.
Canadian thistle is the only noxious weed identified in the area.
It would be controlled by harvesting of forage crops. Air quality - Assess whether there will be a deterioration of air quality or adverse effects on vegetation due to increased air pollutants. The only potential source of air pollutants would be from dust associated with construction and cultivation. This would be limited in duration and severity of impact. Historical and archeological sites - Assess whether there will be degradation of unique archeological or historical sites in the vicinity of the proposed project.