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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3
<br />230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment
<br /> PAGE 3-186
<br />residences to the Cascade Mountains (Mount Adams and Mount Rainier), views of recreationists using
<br />the Columbia River to the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific (C, M, SP, & P) Railroad Corridor,
<br />and desired consideration of the aesthetic values of vineyards and wineries. These comments were
<br />considered during the data collection efforts and analysis of visual resources within the Project study area.
<br />The methodology for the inventory approach was identical to the approach done for the DEIS and SDEIS
<br />(see Section 3.8.2.1 and Appendix C of the DEIS). The inventory approach generally consisted of the
<br />following tasks:
<br />27) Identification of potentially sensitive viewpoints and KOPs (representative views from
<br />potentially sensitive areas) and an assessment of the potential project visibility from these
<br />viewpoints using KOP field inventory form documentation, viewshed modeling, and field
<br />verification. This task includes an evaluation viewpoint sensitivity level in terms of high,
<br />moderate, and low sensitivity using distance zones;
<br />28) Classification of existing scenic quality (where none has been established by the BLM) in
<br />natural, undeveloped landscapes; or the evaluation of existing development characteristics for
<br />potential Project compatibility in developed landscapes; and
<br />29) Identification of federal and local agency visual resource management goals and objectives
<br />(Scenic Overlay Areas, VRM Inventory Classes, etc.) with jurisdiction over the Project.
<br />Secondary data was initially collected on land use features that may have visual sensitivity. A sensitivity
<br />analysis was conducted based on existing land use, types of users (agricultural workers, commuters,
<br />recreationists), use levels (intensive, high volume use, occasional), viewing duration (long duration of
<br />stationary viewers, short duration of highway travelers), public interest, users attitudes toward change in
<br />the landscape, adjacent land uses, and special designation status (e.g., areas of critical environmental
<br />concern [ACECs] with scenic values). Data also came from county and federal planning documents, BLM
<br />databases, and existing online databases (e.g., WSDOT, Geocommunicator, Recreation.gov, Recreation-
<br />Public Lands Information Center, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife [WDFW]). Use data
<br />from WSDOT (e.g., average daily traffic) was collected to determine relative volumes of use or was
<br />estimated based on road county road status (e.g., major arterial, minor arterial, collector). Initial data
<br />collection was followed by ground reconnaissance and a supplemental data collection effort conducted in
<br />May 2011 and June 2013 to verify potentially sensitive areas and document any additional potentially
<br />sensitive areas.
<br />Sensitivity Analysis
<br />Final sensitivity levels (high, moderate, low) were assigned to points or corridors to be used in the
<br />viewshed and impact modeling. Visual sensitivity on BLM lands were obtained from the VRI conducted
<br />in 2010 for the Spokane District Eastern Washington RMP update. Each sensitive area or corridor was
<br />documented using a KOP inventory form documenting viewing conditions, existing uses, landscape
<br />context, and other pertinent features. These forms were also used to support the subsequent completion of
<br />Contrast Rating Worksheets (8400-4; see Section 4.8-Visual Impacts).
<br />Viewer sensitivity was determined during the sensitivity analysis. Sensitive viewers were determined by
<br />an inventory of existing land uses in the Project study area. Visual sensitivity levels vary according to the
<br />types of users and their attitudes toward change in the landscape. Local, regional, or national significance
<br />of recreation viewpoints and travel routes was used to establish the attitudes of viewers. Views from
<br />communities and residences were all considered highly sensitive. Recreation viewpoints may be highly
<br />sensitive. However, some views from recreation areas are of less concern than others. Travelers on some
<br />highways and other roads may be less sensitive to changes than others. For example, some travel routes,
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