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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 4 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Environmental Consequences PAGE 4-196 at close viewing distance and where the proposed Project would dominate and contrast with the existing elements of form, line color, and texture of the viewed landscape. Conversely, low sensitivity viewers seeing the proposed Project for a short duration in an area of weak contrasts (e.g., highly developed industrial areas or existing transmission line corridors) may not notice any change in the landscape (low impact). Agency Management Compliance Conformance with the stated goals and objectives identified in agency planning documents detailed in Section 3.8.3 was assessed for each of the route segments. On BLM lands, compliance with Interim VRM Class III was determined based views from KOPs and as identified during the contrast analysis (see Section 4.8.2.1). Using BLM Form 8400-1 (Contrast Rating Form), all elements of landform, vegetation, and structure contrast in form, line, color, and texture must be in conformance with the Interim VRM Class III from identified KOPs. As stated in BLM Manual Handbook H-8410-1 – Visual Resource Inventory, BLM’s standard for VRM Class III conformance is as follows: “The objective of this class is to partially retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be moderate. Management activities may attract attention but should not dominate the view of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the basic elements found in the predominant features of the natural landscape.” 4.8.3 Impact Levels Impact levels were recorded in one-tenth (0.1) mile increments along each Action Alternatives’ route segments based on contrast and visibility/scenic quality. Potential impacts were also recorded in data tables for each impact level change along each Action Alternatives’ route segments. Each potential impact was documented considering the implementation of Required Design Features (RDFs) and additional specific mitigation measures were recommended where effective to reduce visual impacts. Refer to Chapter 2, Section 2.3 for a complete list and description of RDFs. The impacts remaining after applying specific mitigation measures are referred to as residual impacts. Impacts were also determined based on viewing condition variables and are specific to each viewing location or corridor. These variables were based on observations in the field. The viewing variables considered include: 30) The visual influence of an industrial or developed setting on the landscapes and views that reduces impacts; 31) Focal points in the landscape or orientation of dominant views are directed away from the proposed Project; 32) Viewer and proposed Project position in the landscape (viewing the Project from below); 33) Views that are brief and/or intermittent; and 34) Views that are typically screened by vegetation, landform, or architectural features. Visual impact levels generally get lower as visual contrasts become weaker or as the distance from the contrast as seen from viewpoint increases. Similarly, landscapes with little visual variety or interest are less affected by the introduction of a new transmission line. Visual impacts were determined by comparing Project contrast with scenic quality or visibility from high or moderate sensitivity viewpoints as identified in Section 3.8.4.3 and 3.8.4.4 and as shown in Tables 3.8-5 through 3.8-7. Impacts are based on primary observation (e.g., views from KOPs, field reconnaissance), consideration of viewing variables, and implementation of selective mitigation measures. These impacts are described in Sections 4.8.4 and 4.8.7 for the Action Alternatives’ route segments. Proposed mitigation measures are discussed in detail in Section 4.8.6. Visual impacts were determined for all route segments and are defined as follows: