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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment PAGE 3-137 upland areas (shorelands) within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark of those waters; associated wetlands and river deltas; and floodways and contiguous floodplain areas landward 200 feet from such floodways. Water bodies in Kittitas County that correspond to the Project study area that are considered shorelines of statewide importance and regulated under the Kittitas County SMP include the Columbia River (Route Segment 3b below the Wanapum Dam) and Route Segment NNR-8 below the Wanapum Dam (Wanapum Dam Reservoir). All proposed uses and development occurring within shoreline jurisdiction must conform to the intent and requirements of RCW Chapter 90.58, the Special Management Area, and the Kittitas County SMP whether or not a permit or other form of authorization is required. No substantial development shall be undertaken on shorelines of the state without first obtaining a permit. If any of the support structures will be located within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark of the Columbia River or Wanapum Dam Reservoir or if there will be any ground disturbing activities within this same area, the appropriate permit (substantial development, variance, or conditional use) will be acquired through Kittitas County. Grant County The fourth largest county in the state, Grant County is approximately 2,675 square miles in area and is bordered on the west by Douglas and Kittitas counties, on the south by Yakima and Benton counties, on the north by Okanogan County, and on the east by Adams County. The Columbia River flows in a deep valley along the west and southwestern boundary of the county. The City of Ephrata located outside of the Project study area in the central part of the county is the County Seat. A portion of the proposed Project is located south and east of the Wanapum Dam in Grant County. The Grant County Comprehensive Plan (2006, amended 2010) documents the following goals and policies related to utilities and in particular, transmission lines: Goal U-1: Necessary energy and communication facilities and services should be available to support current and future development. • Policy U-1.3: The County should encourage the location of necessary utility facilities within existing and planned transportation and utility corridors. • Policy U-1.4: The County’s land use planning should be coordinated with the planning activities of electrical, telephone and cable providers to ensure that providers of public services and private utilities use the land use element of this plan when planning for future facilities. Goal U-2: Negative impacts associated with the siting, development, and operation of utility services and facilities on adjacent properties, significant cultural resources, and the natural environment should be minimized. • Policy U-2.5: Where possible, the joint use of transportation ROWs and utility corridors should be encouraged, provided that such joint use is consistent with limitations as may be prescribed by applicable law and prudent utility practice. Goal U-5: Site utility facilities in conformance with the Land Use Element. • Policy U-5.1: Utility providers should avoid placement of facilities in areas designated as environmentally sensitive or critical areas unless no feasible alternative exists and only after a site assessment and mitigation plan has been approved under the provisions of Grant County’s Resource Lands and Critical Areas Ordinance.