PD-17-00001 Marian Meadows Full Record with Index (2)

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Marian Meadows Rezone and Subdivision Final Environmental Impact Statement 1-26 Utilities – Solid Waste The alternative and potential cumulative development in the area, either at existing rural densities or at the density of the PUD, likely would not affect the capacity of existing solid waste facilities but may require more frequent hauling of solid waste to the ultimate disposal site. Utilities – Electrical Substantial upgrades to the electrical substation and distribution system in the area would be required for the proposal and cumulative development. Such system improvements would be borne by general electrical utility rates. Possible human health effects from exposure to power frequency electric and electromagnetic fields (EMF) are of concern from the overhead power lines that transmit electricity to residences, as well as the BPA 415-kilovolt (kV) line that passes diagonally through the property at the approximate eastern margin of the flat portion of the site. There are, however, no definitive studies that document EMF adverse impacts. Utilities – Communication and Cable Television Substantial upgrades to the communication and TV cable system in the area would be required for the proposal and cumulative development. Such system improvements would be borne by general electrical utility rates. Visual Quality, Light, and Glare Regardless of the alternative, development in the area would represent a significant change in the visual character of the Easton Range. The current visual continuity provided by somewhat undeveloped forest conditions (mitigated by the presence of clear-cut lines) would be altered in perpetuity by the presence of human development. Specific impacts, however, would vary based on the selected alternative. Alternative 1, the applicant’s PUD proposal with 443 units, would result in substantial change to the visual quality of the area due to the location of residences and infrastructure on the most visible steep- sloping eastern portions of the site seen from I-90 and much of the community. The visual prominence of development of the area would be high, and even more pronounced at night when residence and security lights would be visible at great distances. The development would stretch approximately halfway up the ridge, contrasting with the natural forested surroundings and introduce human elements in contrast to the existing natural scene. The change in visual character of the area would be most pronounced at night when lights in residences, especially outdoor security lights, would be visually prominent on the currently unlighted ridge. The change would contrast sharply with the existing unity of forest cover that characterizes the slopes and ridges framing the valley and would replace the natural landscape of the ridges with a substantial intrusion of human features in the view. The change in the visual character would be generally apparent throughout the community.