Vantage to Pomona FEIS Index 34 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 4 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Environmental Consequences PAGE 4-139 result from the route segment by limiting the potential placement of wind turbines in two areas on the north end and south end of the Saddle Mountains MA where the route segment diverges from the Hanford-Vantage No. 1 line and because the route segment could potentially affect interconnection of the wind farm collector to the existing Hanford-Vantage No. 1 transmission line (also see Section 4.17: Cumulative Impacts). Approximately 6.2 acres of long-term impacts would occur to irrigated agricultural lands almost entirely in the Wahluke Slope area. A small area of irrigated agricultural land would be affected by the route segment north of the Saddle Mountains. Long-term disturbance would occur to cropland cultivated as alfalfa hay, blueberry, cherry, field corn, wine grape, grass hay, green pea, potato, timothy, and wheat. All of these crops are irrigated and are Prime Farmland and/or Statewide Important agricultural areas. Prime Farmland makes up 100 percent of the total farmland crossed by this route segment. Short-term impacts totaling 33.5 acres would occur to these irrigated crop lands. Long-term impacts would occur to cherry orchards totaling 0.4 acre along 0.3 mile of line route. Growers occasionally utilize helicopters to dry the orchards when precipitation and low temperature endanger crops due to potential freezing. The presence of the route segment in the area of cherry orchards (MP 6.7, 10.3, 10.7, and 12.3) could affect the operations of cherry growers and create air-space obstructions where none currently occur. The operation of nine center pivot irrigation systems would be affected along this route segment for a distance of 0.9 mile; however, all utilize articulated pivot systems. In these areas, the irrigation system would not need to be modified to accommodate structures should they be necessary within pivot irrigated field. Other long-term impacts would occur in areas where hand-movable sprinkler and other (unknown) systems are utilized, potentially creating higher operating costs as a result of system re-configuration. This route segment would also potentially conflict with the operation of irrigation canals operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). The route segment would need to be located on the west side of Road N SW to allow for the maintenance and access of the open ditch canals from the road. Buried canals would need to be located during detailed engineering and planning to ensure that the buried canals and lines are not affected during auguring for foundation construction or direct imbedding of structures. Wasteway lines, lateral lines and waterway lines are located between MP 5.8-6.3, MP 6.8-7.8, MP 11.2- 11.7, and MP 11.4-11.5 and are crossed at MP 10.3, 10.8, 12.3, and 12.6 (see Appendix A: Existing Agriculture and Irrigation Map). BLM grazing lease lands would also be affected by the construction of this route segment. Long-term impacts would occur on 5.7 acres of BLM leased lands located in the Saddle Mountains MA. Potential impacts on open off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas of the Saddle Mountains MA, Beverly Sand Dunes OHV Area, and Burkett Lake Recreation Area would occur. See Section 4.5 - Recreation for a detailed discussion of impacts. Low impacts would also occur on the private air strip and associated aircraft operations. The route segment would not penetrate the approach zone of the airport. The addition of a new transmission line in the vicinity will not affect normal air strip operations. The route segment would be in compliance with the Benton County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Grant County Comprehensive Plan, and the Spokane District 1985/1987 RMP and 1992 RMP Amendment/ROD. The Saddle Mountains MA is managed for multiple uses such as mineral extraction, rangeland, recreation, wildlife habitat, and energy ROWs.