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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 4 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Environmental Consequences PAGE 4-1 CHAPTER 4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 4.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter describes the potential consequences, or impacts, on the environment that could result from the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed Project. Also described are the effects of taking no action (No Action Alternative). The last sections in this chapter present an evaluation of cumulative effects and the irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources. 4.1.1 Impact Assessment and Mitigation Planning The potential environmental consequences from the Project were ascertained through a systematic analysis that included assessing impacts of the Project on the environment and then determining if these impacts could be mitigated. Implementation of the proposed Project could impact or modify the existing condition of the environment. Impacts from the proposed Project can occur directly, indirectly, or cumulatively. Direct impacts are the result of the physical destruction or degradation of a resource potentially resulting from the proposed Project. An example of a direct impact is the removal and grading of grassland habitat during the construction of a road. Indirect impacts are effects that are somewhat distant from the Project in time, space, or both. A common example of an indirect impact is the introduction and establishment of noxious weeds in newly disturbed soil. In this analysis, environmental effects that occur during Project construction and would be anticipated to return to a preconstruction condition at or within three to five years following construction were considered short-term impacts. Environmental effects that would be anticipated to remain for the life of the Project (approximately 50 years) were considered long-term impacts. Permanent impacts are those that would be anticipated to remain for the life of the Project and beyond, including irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources. The intensity of the environmental effect also can vary. What constitutes a low, moderate, or high impact on a resource varies by resource and assumptions made regarding each. These impacts and impact levels (i.e., low, moderate or high) are described in the effects analysis section for each resource. 4.1.1.1 Identify Ground Disturbance The purpose of the analysis was to determine the types and amount of ground disturbance that could occur based on the design criteria and typical specifications of the proposed facilities, construction techniques and equipment used, extent and duration of construction, requirements for operation of the transmission line, and activities associated with routine maintenance of the transmission line. The majority of potential impacts that could occur would result from activities associated with construction, and includes the following: • Upgrading existing access roads or constructing new roads for access where needed; • Preparing structure sites; • Assembling and erecting structures; and • Stringing conductors (e.g., wire-pulling and splicing). In addition, impacts on some resources would occur following construction from the presence of the transmission line and access roads. Also, periodic maintenance could cause short-term impacts.