Vantage to Pomona FEIS Index 34 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment PAGE 3-134 Within the Project study area, there are sites that have been funded, or have had funding approved, for habitat conservation and recreation purposes. These sites include: • Selah Cliffs NAP (RCO Grant #93-838) - This grant was funded to acquire 120 acres of privately owned parcels within the conservation area to provide for the protection of endangered and threatened plant species. The current status of this grant is “Not Completed since 09/26/1996.” Acquisition was complete on 6/1/1993, and includes the Selah Cliffs NAP. Any conversion of this property to other uses would need to be approved by RCO in advance. Proposed Project route segments do not cross this site. • Selah Cliffs NAP (RCO Grant # 06-1827) - This grant was funded to acquire 104 acres of private land. This acquisition would increase the area that is protected, improve the DNR’s access to the site, and enhance the DNR’s ability to manage the site. The current status of this grant is “Not Completed since 11/19/2010.” The private land owner rejected DNR’s offer. No restrictions with regard to RCO approval are in place for this property. Route Segment NNR-3 crosses the parcel under consideration for acquisition. • The Vantage Substation and portions of all Project Action Alternatives are located within an area that is being considered by the DNR as a future NAP. The proposed Wanapum NAP contains suitable habitat for the striped whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus). The boundary of the proposed NAP has not yet been established and is subject to a formal public hearing process. • Wanapum State Park Boat Launch Replacement (RCO Grant # 00-1519) - This development project was completed in the summer of 2005. Any conversion of this property to other uses would need to be approved by RCO in advance. Project route segments do not cross this site. 3.4.3.3 Local The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) identifies five Critical Areas. Critical areas established in each Washington State county in accordance with Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 36.70A.170. "Critical areas" include the following areas and ecosystems: (a) wetlands; (b) areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water; (c) fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas; (d) frequently flooded areas; and (e) geologically hazardous areas. Counties that are covered under the GMA are required to protect Critical Areas. The GMA and the Planning Enabling Act (RCW 36.70) requires each planning agency to develop a comprehensive plan for the orderly physical development of the county and areas outside of the county that the planning agency considers important for planning. The four counties in the Project study area each have a comprehensive plan. The following describes the key goals and/or objectives in the plans related to land use and utilities, and if specified, the location of transmission lines. Yakima County Yakima County is the second largest county in the state by area. The county is bordered by Benton and Grant counties to the east, Klickitat County to the south, Skamania, Lewis, and Pierce counties to the west, and Kittitas County to the north. The City of Yakima, located in proximity to the western part of the Project study area, is the county seat. The southern part of the Army’s JBLM YTC is located in the northeast part of the county. Action Alternatives are located in the northeastern part of the county and north and east of the City of Yakima. They also surround most of the perimeter of and extend through the northern and southwestern portions of JBLM YTC.