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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 4 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Environmental Consequences PAGE 4-209 be impacted by the presence of the new transmission line/route segment in the direction of Yakima Ridge (northeast). Views along Firing Center Road from adjacent residences, lodging areas of JBLM YTC, and by travelers using the road would generally be seen in the context of the existing development of the cantonment area and moderate to low impacts would occur along this section of the route segment (Appendix C-4: KOP 15). From residences located along and near E. Pomona Road, impacts on views of the undeveloped area of JBLM YTC in the direction of the route segment would be high due to the lack of existing transmission lines in the viewshed. Impacts along this portion of the route segment would be high. Travelers using I-82 would also view the route segment in the immediate foreground briefly, primarily from the eastbound direction. Westbound I-82 travelers would have a very brief view of Route Segment NNR-2 due to travelling orientation and screening provided by vegetation and buildings, with the I-82 dead-end crossing structure (see Figure 4.8-1) being most prominent in the viewshed in the this direction. Given the low intensity of development in this area and lack of existing transmission lines and other infrastructure along this portion of the route segment, high impacts would occur for a short distance in the vicinity of the of the interstate. Agency Management Compliance There are no federal or state lands crossed by this route segment. The route segment would be consistent with the visual standards identified in the Yakima County Comprehensive Plan. 4.8.5.12 Route Segment NNR-3 Visual Contrasts Structure contrasts would be strong on the south end of the route segment in the vicinity of the I-82 crossing and at the Selah Canyon crossing. Some new road construction would be necessary on private land west of the Selah Creek Rest area and on WSDOT-owned land north of the rest area. The terrain between the south rim of Selah Canyon and the north side of I-82 slopes at less than eight percent and new access roads would need to be constructed on shrub dominated land causing moderate landscape contrast. At the Selah Canyon crossing, dead-end structures would be used to span the canyon (Appendix C-4: KOP 17 views west and northwest) creating strong structure contrasts in these locations. Some new road construction from an existing road would be necessary on the north side on land dominated by Vegetation Group 2 creating weak to moderate landscape contrast. Overall, strong-moderate to strong Project contrast would be created as a result of the route segment is this area. As the route segment joins Pacific Power’s existing Pomona-Wanapum 230 kV transmission line, contrasts would be reduced because the new transmission line/route segment would be adjacent to the existing transmission line (Configuration #6, Table 4.8-3) and the existing access roads would be used. Therefore, Project contrasts would be weak to moderate weak along most of this route segment. Pulling and tensioning sites would also cause short-term landscape and structure contrasts. The presence of a helicopter during the stringing of the transmission line conductor wires would cause short-term structure contrasts, potentially disrupting views or scenic vistas (e.g., toward the Cascade Mountains). The temporary structure work areas, turn-around areas, and staging areas would cause low impacts due to the duration of landscape and structure contrasts. Impacts from light sources would not occur because construction would be limited to daylight hours. The potential for glare from the transmission line conductors would be reduced with the use of non-specular conductors (RDF VIS-6).