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 4-201 also be seen by residences viewing the line in the foreground from Mieras Road against Yakima Ridge in the background (MP 5.8-6.2). One residence located on Summerset Drive in Kittitas Canyon adjacent to JBLM YTC would view strong to strong-moderate contrasts in the immediate foreground (MP 5.8-6.2) and route segment skylining in the middleground (MP 6.5-6.7) resulting in high to moderate impacts. Residences located on the east end of Postma Road would view strong Project contrasts generally in the background and middleground. Agency Management Compliance Federal land crossed is administered by the JBLM YTC, which does not have any identified goals, policies, and standards regarding the management of visual resources. 4.8.5.3 Route Segment 1c Visual Contrasts Structure contrast would be strong along this entire route segment; no existing transmission line infrastructure or other substantial development, other than adjacent residential development, is located within this corridor. Route Segment 1c would generally follow the southern boundary of the JBLM YTC, but on private land, and would require new access in some areas where no roads are currently constructed. Significant road construction would be required for a portion of this route segment, modifying the vegetation and landform and creating moderate to strong landscape contrasts along route segment. Much of the route segment would require clearing of sagebrush or other shrub vegetation for road construction. Project contrasts would typically be strong to strong-moderate along this route segment, with some isolated areas of moderate Project contrast in areas of Group 1 or 2 vegetation and Level 2 or lower road construction (MP 9.9-11.4). Project contrasts would be slightly reduced (e.g., from strong to strong/moderate, strong/moderate to moderate) if the JBLM YTC access road was used for construction and maintenance of this route segment. This would reduce landscape contrasts because new roads would not be bladed and the existing fire break road would require minimal improvements compared to private two-track roads. Landscape contrasts created as a result of work pad construction and structure installation and presence, however, would remain. Overall, the effects of reduced Project contrasts would only affect impacts on middleground, high sensitivity views, and foreground moderate sensitivity views reducing impacts from high to moderate. Impacts would be reduced from high to moderate along 2.5 miles due to reduced contrasts (see sensitive viewer impact discussion below). Scenic Quality Impacts and Development Character In areas of strong and strong-moderate contrast in Class C landscapes, scenic quality impacts would typically be moderate. Impacts would be low in isolated areas of moderate Project contrast. Scenic quality impacts would not be substantially reduced by using the JBLM YTC fire break road (Access Model B). For a short distance, the dominant development character is influenced by the Ellensburg-Moxee #1 115 kV transmission line corridor and the route segment would be compatible in this setting (MP 0.2-0.3). Sensitive Viewer Impact Impacts on sensitive viewers would be similar to Route Segment 1b, but this route segment would be closer to residences located on Sage Trail Road, Summerset Drive, and Bohoskey Drive where strong to strong/moderate contrasts would be seen in the immediate foreground, foreground, and middleground. Strong contrast would be seen in the middleground from residences located north of Mieras Road and along St. Hilaire Road (see KOP 2, Appendix C-3) where the route segment would be skylined (MP 6.4- 6.6), causing moderate impacts at this distance. One residence located on Summerset Drive in Kittitas Canyon adjacent to JBLM YTC would view strong to strong-moderate contrasts in the immediate foreground (MP 5.7-6.2) and route segment skylining in the middleground (MP 6.4-6.6) resulting in high to moderate impacts. Residences located at the north end of Coombs Road and along Mieras Road would view the route segment in the immediate foreground and foreground where Project contrasts would be