Chapter 8--Sustainable Development

The Merced Vision 2015 General Plan seeks to build an environmentally and economically "sustainable" city. A "sustainable city" is a city designed, constructed, and operated to efficiently use land and other natural resources, minimize waste, and manage and conserve resources for the use of present and future generations. Such a community makes efficient use of land and promotes alternative modes of transportation, thus helping to preserve both our air quality and quality of life.

A "sustainable" community is one where:

housing, schools, shopping areas, and other things which meet most of the daily needs of residents are located within convenient distance of one another;

higher population densities are located around transit stops to provide the critical mass of people and activities needed to make transit economically viable;

housing provides places to live for a variety of people within a single neighborhood; and

mixed use and transit-friendly commercial and employment centers are promoted.

This chapter addresses important environmental and resource issues, such as air quality, energy conservation, historic preservation, as well as soil, water, and wildlife resources.

Conversion of "prime" agricultural soils to non-agricultural uses can result in an irreversible loss in the agricultural production capacity of the region. Policies contained in the Merced Vision 2015 General Plan focus on the issue of agricultural soil loss and attempt to balance the urban growth needs of the region with the need to minimize urban encroachment onto "prime" agricultural soils.

Long-term growth and development in Merced depends on adequate clean water resources. Sustained development can be accommodated through the implementation of policies that address the need to preserve and protect water quality while planning for the future water needs of the City and surrounding agricultural lands.

Man’s settlement of the San Joaquin Valley has had a profound impact on the wildlife resources of this region over the past 100 years. Today it is recognized that the health of our natural plant and animal communities is a barometer for the overall health of our environment. It is also recognized that modern, healthy human communities can coexist beside healthy wildlife communities with the sound application of open space policy and technology. The General Plan contains policies and actions which are directed to the preservation, protection, and enhancement of the important wildlife habitat resources found in the Merced urban area.

Poor air quality has become a negative symbol of modern urban development. Our quality of life is often measured by the quality of the air in our urban places. Poor air quality is related to a number of factors. Air quality policies in this Plan address this complex environmental issue by promoting integrated land use and circulation patterns, and cooperation with regional organizations that seek to restore the region’s clean air.

Energy use is closely related to issues relating to air quality. The burning of fossil fuels as an energy source has been one of the most significant contributors to our deteriorating air quality. Long term growth is highly dependent upon how we use energy today and how we plan future energy use. This chapter contains specific goals and policies which address issues of energy conservation and encourage the use of sustainable energy resources.

Historic and cultural resources are important elements in the appearance and man-made environment of Merced. The Merced Vision 2015 General Plan contains numerous references to the linkages between the past, present, and future. This chapter contains specific goals and actions intended to guide future City historic preservation efforts.

Other highlights of the Sustainable Development Chapter include:

A discussion of our water resources and water quality data;

Data regarding energy use in California and noteworthy energy facts;

A description of Merced’s important historical buildings and neighborhoods and the context in which they were built;

An inventory of Merced Area soil resources, including soil types, characteristics, and associations; and,

A detailed discussion of air pollutants, including sources, effects on people and the environment, and the extent of the problem in the San Joaquin Valley.

Chapter 8--Sustainable Development

Goal Area SD-1: Air Quality

GOALS

Clean Air with Minimal Toxic Substances and Odor

Clean Air with Minimal Particulate Content

Effective and Efficient Transportation Infrastructure

Coordinated and Cooperative Inter-Governmental Air Quality Programs

POLICIES

SD-1.1 Accurately determine and fairly mitigate the local and regional air quality impacts of projects proposed in the City of Merced.

SD-1.2 Coordinate local air quality programs with regional programs and those of neighboring jurisdictions.

SD-1.3 Integrate land use planning, transportation planning, and air quality planning for the most efficient use of public resources and for a healthier environment.

SD-1.4 Educate the public on the impact of individual transportation, lifestyle, and land use decisions on air quality.

SD-1.5 Provide public facilities and operations which can serve as a model for the private sector in implementation of air quality programs.

SD-1.6 Reduce emissions of PM10 and other particulates with local control potential.

Goal Area SD-2: Cultural Resources

GOALS:

A Diverse And Rich Historic and Cultural Resource Environment

· A Long-Term Community Historic Preservation/Improvement Program

POLICIES:

SD-2.1 Identify and preserve the City's archaeological resources.

SD-2.2 Identify and preserve the City's historic and cultural resources.

Goal Area SD-3: Energy Resources

GOAL

Sustainable Energy Resource Use in the City of Merced

POLICIES

SD-3.1 Promote the use of solar energy technology.

SD-3.2 Encourage the use of energy conservation features and low-emission equipment for all new residential and commercial development.