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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 4 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Environmental Consequences PAGE 4-170 Staging areas would be located away from visually sensitive areas and would not be located in highway ROW corridors or on WSDOT-owned property. Operation and maintenance impacts would result from periodic access and use of state and county roads during the life of the proposed Project. Maintenance traffic would normally be a few maintenance vehicles along the ROW corridor several times a year and helicopters flying transmission line inspections twice a year. Except in isolated locations, vegetation maintenance requirements would be minimal because the proposed Project is located in an area typically dominated by low growing sagebrush and grassland vegetation. Large vehicles such as flatbed trucks or a crane may be required to replace or repair the proposed transmission line and structures on occasion, which could cause minor disruptions to local traffic for brief periods. Impacts to the existing road system are expected to be low during Project operation and maintenance because vehicles would only access the Project ROW corridor periodically and would not affect local traffic conditions. Even with the implementation of RDFs in place to limit unauthorized access to private or public lands by the installation of gates and other traffic control measures, there is still the potential for unauthorized access and use of newly established roads. The potential impacts that result from unauthorized use of access roads include soil erosion, fire danger, the introduction of noxious weeds, vegetation and wildlife disturbance, habitat disturbance, and cultural resource disturbance. These effects are covered in the applicable resource discussions of Section 4.0. A helicopter would be used during construction and may be used during periodic maintenance inspections of the proposed Project. Any helicopter flights would be coordinated with local air traffic controllers and with JBLM YTC aviation operations as required. The proposed Project would not affect jet routes, air space, or create an obstruction to controlled or uncontrolled airspace with the implementation of RDF LU-4 and LU-14. There currently are multiple high voltage transmission lines throughout the Project study area. The proposed Project Columbia River crossing structures would be in the same areas as existing transmission line structures and would be less than 200 feet in height. These structures and the 100-foot tall wood pole H-frame and single pole structures would not affect commercial or military aviation operations. A review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), WSDOT-Aviation, and JBLM YTC aviation operations as part of the permitting process would further minimize any potential conflicts created by the proposed Project. 4.7.4 Impacts Specific to Route Segments and Design Options 4.7.4.1 Route Segment 1a/NNR-1 The primary access to this route segment would occur from I-82 (Exits 26 or 29 only) and East Selah Road from the west. The highest impacts on transportation for Route Segment 1a/NNR-1 would be as a result of traffic delays during construction along Sage Trail Road, a private road. This road is typically 15 to 20 feet wide along the length of this route segment. Local road closure and the rerouting of traffic may be necessary. The opportunity to reroute traffic is limited along this route segment due to the configuration and scarcity of roads in the area. Construction activities along this route segment would be fairly brief in relation to overall proposed Project construction and impacts would be moderate. Residents and road owners would be notified in advance of construction activities and potential local road closures and delays. Improvements to the road would not likely be necessary, as the gravel road is in generally good condition and would be able to accommodate the necessary equipment and vehicles. Damage to Sage Trail Road would be immediately repaired after construction is completed in the route segment as detailed in RDF TR-11. Moderate impacts on transportation would result from the construction of Route Segment 1a/NNR-1.