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 4-205 4.8.5.8 Route Segment 3a Visual Contrasts Structure contrast would be weak near the existing Vantage Substation, where multiple transmission lines converge. There would be minimal or no access road improvements necessary due to the existing road network servicing the substation facility and transmission lines and, therefore, weak landscape contrasts. Overall, weak Project contrasts would occur as a result of this route segment. Scenic Quality Impacts and Development Character This route segment is in a highly visually modified corridor, and the Industrial Development Character (see Section 3.8.2.3) and visual influence of the Wanapum Dam and associated substation and transmission infrastructure is compatible with this route segment. Sensitive Viewer Impacts Residences located to the south would view weak Project contrasts in the background and low impacts would result. Middleground views would occur from SR-243 and Beverly-Berke Road and would also be seen through the existing transmission infrastructure creating low impacts. Agency Management Compliance There are no BLM or state lands crossed by this route segment and the Bureau of Reclamation does not have standards regarding the management of visual resources. 4.8.5.9 Route Segment 3b Visual Contrasts Structure contrast would be strong along most of this route segment except where the route segment meets the Shultz-Wautoma 500 kV corridor and Columbia River crossing. From the west side of the Columbia River crossing to the Vantage Substation and Route Segment 3a intersection structure contrasts would be weak. Landscape contrasts would typically be weak because most of the route segment follows the abandoned railroad ROW corridor that would require minimal improvements and vegetation is frequently low growing and herbaceous. Where the route segment would require the removal of shrubby vegetation or trees in selected areas (MP 12.9-17.0), weak or strong landscape contrast would occur. Overall, Project contrasts would typically be moderate from MP 0.0 to 12.3 and be strong or strong moderate from MP 12.3 to 19.3, where the route segment joins the existing Pomona-Wanapum 230 kV/ Wanapum-Wind Ridge 230 kV/Schultz-Vantage 500 kV/Schultz-Wanapum 500 kV corridor and crosses the Columbia River. Scenic Quality Impacts and Development Character Scenic quality impacts along this route segment would typically be moderate in a Class B landscape, except in those areas where more visually prominent vegetation would be removed as a result of access improvements. The route segment would impact scenic quality by contrasting with the dominating river and lake shorelines, rocky talus slope toes, and basalt cliffs. The route segment would not traverse Agricultural Development Character Areas, but would be directly adjacent to them. For a short distance, the route segment would cross Residential Development Character Areas, also (MP 14.7-15.1). In those areas, the route segment would not be compatible the existing landscape character. Sensitive Viewer Impacts Residences would view moderate to strong Project contrasts in the immediate foreground in two areas along this route segment causing high impacts: the Priest Rapids residential area located on the southwest side of the Priest Rapids Dam and an agricultural residential area located on the south end of Huntzinger Road.