COUNTY OFFICIALS ORDER GRADING STOPPED ON PROJECT.

Byline: Kathleen Sweeney Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - County officials have stopped grading on a Newhall Land and Farming Company project because the developer didn't have the permits needed to conduct the work.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works issued the stop work notice Nov. 21 after California Fish and Game officials noticed machines grading an area in the Newhall Ranch project, which is under review, and raised concerns that the work could be harming the environment.

``Our department is trying to make sure Newhall Land is trying to follow proper procedures and obtain any permits,'' said Penelope Liotta, a Fish and Game specialist. ``The bottom line is they are doing what needs to be done to protect the habitat.''

Newhall Land officials said the grading was being done on 20 acres leased to a farmer. The company thought the work didn't require permits because of its size, and previous experience the developer has had with the county on similar projects, said Marlee Lauffer, a Newhall Land spokeswoman.

``The county had a difference of opinion on that,'' she said. ``We are working to resolve it.''

The farmer leasing the land - zoned for agricultural use - behind Magic Mountain plans to harvest agave plants, often used to make tequila. He will use the land for several years, though Newhall Land officials wouldn't elaborate on the lease agreement.

The county isn't opposed to the project, but wants to ensure grading doesn't cause erosion, said Mark Pestrella, a public works engineer. Issues have also been raised about drainage and wildlife.

``They were preparing the area for planting, including removal of plant life,'' Pestrella said. ``They didn't have permits to do that.''

The county doesn't plan to issue the permits without Fish and Game's approval, Pestrella said.

Some vegetation was removed from the area, but Lauffer said it was not endangered or sensitive habitat, and work there will not create erosion.

``It's a pretty benign area in terms of impact,'' she said. ``It is not and will not be a major issue.''

Newhall Land plans to continue using undeveloped land for agriculture, including space designated in the Newhall Ranch area, Lauffer said.

The county Board of Supervisors was due to consider the 21,000-home Newhall Ranch project Tuesday, but Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich of the Fifth District plans to ask it be postponed for at least three months while the courts resolve water supply issues.