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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 4 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Environmental Consequences PAGE 4-173 Route Segment 3b would require the construction of approximately 8.5 miles of spur roads off the existing railroad corridor. No new access road construction would be necessary for this route segment (Level 4+ as described in Table 2-4). Spur road construction would be minimal where the route segment is adjacent to the railroad corridor and would be located primarily where the route segment deviates somewhat from the centerline/offset of the railroad corridor. These areas include locations where multiple angle structures would be constructed in highly curving areas of the ROW (requiring additional spur road), north of the agricultural area along the west side of the Columbia River and near the north Columbia River crossing. The construction and operation of this route segment could affect local air traffic, which may consist of aerial spray applicators potentially servicing the Auvil Fruit Company agricultural fields. However, because notification to spray applicators would occur, low impacts are expected. 4.7.4.10 Route Segment 3c This route segment follows the railroad corridor on the south side of the Columbia River and crosses the river south of SR-243, crossing SR-243 to the northeast. Temporary road closure of the highway is possible for a brief period during construction, causing moderate impacts. It also follows Road N SW, which is posted for agricultural operational use only. A portion of the line would follow the existing Hanford-Vantage No. 1 500 kV corridor and access would be from the existing road servicing that transmission line. This route segment would also cross the Lower Crab Creek Road and the Milwaukee Trail Corridor, spanning the trail and allow current recreational use and potential future transportation uses to occur unaffected. Short-term impacts to agricultural operations would occur due route segment construction along Road N SW because this road is used for field and irrigation infrastructure access. Resulting impacts would be low. The construction and operation of this route segment could affect local air traffic, which may consist of aerial spray applicators potentially servicing the agricultural fields located adjacent to the existing transmission line corridors. However, because there are already existing transmission lines in the area and notification of spray applicators would occur, low impacts are expected. This route segment also would potentially affect the operations of the private air strip located northeast of Beverly, but impacts would be low because the route segment would not break the approach angles and existing transmission lines are currently located in the area (Hanford-Vantage No. 1 500 kV transmission line). Resulting impacts would be low. This route segment crosses public lands in BLM’s Saddle Mountains Management Area that are either open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use or where OHV use is restricted to designated roads and trails. Impacts from increased OHV use on the limited use area would be low if control measures, such as barriers or gates, are put in place on newly constructed transmission line roads in the open areas. Therefore impacts here would be low to moderate. Authorization to span the Columbia River for Route Segment 3c would be required from USACE through the Section 10 Rivers and Harbors Act permitting process. In addition, DNR’s aquatic use authorization for the crossing of state-owned aquatic land would be required. Flashing lights or spherical balls on the transmission line conductors may be required for the portion of the route segment crossing the Columbia River. Pacific Power would consult with the FAA regarding the installation of lights or any other visual warning devises required for aviation safety. Resulting impacts would be low. Route Segment 3c would require the construction of approximately 8.6 miles of spur roads and approximately 3.3 miles of new access roads for a total of 11.9 miles of new roads.