4.1 AESTHETICS EXISTING SETTING

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1 4.1 AESTHETICS This section describes the existing visual resources in the area and summarizes applicable plans, policies, and regulations. This section also includes an overview of the methodology used to assess impacts and an analysis of the proposed Projects impacts on visual resources and aesthetics. Scoping Issues Addressed During the scoping period for the Projects, two public scoping meetings were conducted and written comments were received from agencies and the public. No issues related to visual resources were raised during the scoping period EXISTING SETTING REGIONAL SETTING The County of Imperial contains a variety of scenic resources, including desert areas, sand hills, mountains, and the Salton Sea. Desert areas include the Yuha Desert, West Mesa, lower Borrego Valley, East Mesa, and Pilot Knob Mesa. These areas are visually notable for their barren nature, which contrasts with mountainous backdrops, including the eastern foothills of the Peninsular Range on the west side of the County and the Chocolate Mountains in the northeastern portion of the County (County of Imperial 1993). Unique visual resources and prominent landmarks within the County include the Algodones Sand Dunes, a 160-square-mile expanse of shifting sand located between East Mesa and Pilot Knob Mesa in the southeastern portion of the County; Superstition Mountains and Superstition Hills; Mount Signal, located at the edge of the Yuha Desert, west of Calexico, and visible from the entire Imperial Valley; and the Picacho State Recreation Area (County of Imperial 1993). Project Sites The proposed Projects would be located within an unincorporated portion of Imperial County approximately 2.3 miles south-southwest of the Town of Niland, California, and 1.5 miles east of the Salton Sea. Both IID s O Lateral and IID s 230-kV transmission line supported on tubular steel poles, run parallel to McDonald Road and are located immediately north of the Project sites. The IID 230-kV transmission line also bisects the sites. Figure shows existing views of the Project sites, including views of the O Lateral canal. Adjacent Areas The site has a quasi-rural character. While the majority of land uses in the area are agricultural, there is industrial development in the vicinity of the Project site. Adjacent properties to the north, east, and south contain existing and proposed IID managed marshlands and irrigated farmland is also located within the area surrounding the Project sites. A commercial algae production facility is located south of the Project Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

2 sites. This facility includes a mobile home which, at the time of the publication of the NOP, served as a residence for the facility caretaker. The commercial algae facility is no longer in operation and is not part of the proposed Projects. The nearest residence is approximately 0.5 miles north-northeast of the Project site, along English Road. EnergySource (Hudson Ranch Power II LLC s parent company) owns the home and is allowing the current tenant to remain in the residence until Fall This residence would be vacated by fall 2012 and then demolished prior to the start of construction of either the HR-2 or SmCP-2 Project. The next closest residence is located 1.4 miles northwest of the Project site. The Project site is located approximately 1.1 miles east of the existing Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant (HR-1). The existing IID 230-kV transmission line runs eastward from the HR-1 plant site, on the south side of McDonald Road. The IID 230-kV transmission line then turns southwards, bisecting the proposed HR-2/SmCP-2 plant site, and connects with the existing Midway-Bannister transmission line at East Hoober Road (See Figure 3-2). Figure shows views of adjacent land uses, including the existing Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant (Photo 5), and the residence on English Road (Photo 6) REGULATORY SETTING FEDERAL AND STATE California State Scenic Highway The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) administers the State Scenic Highway Program to preserve and protect scenic highway corridors from changes that would diminish the aesthetic value of lands adjacent to highways (California Streets and Highways Code, Section 260 et seq.). The State Scenic Highway System includes highways that are either eligible for designation as scenic highways or have been so designated. These highways are identified in the California Streets and Highways Code, Section 263. The program entails the regulation of land use and density of development, attention to the design of sites and structures, attention to and control of signage, landscaping, and grading, and the undergrounding of utility lines within the view corridor of designated scenic roadways. The local jurisdiction is responsible for adopting and implementing such regulations. If a highway is listed as eligible for official designation, it is also part of the Scenic Highway System, and care must still be taken to preserve its eligible status. There are no designated state scenic highways in County of Imperial. State Route 111 is an eligible scenic highway from the County border to Bombay Beach on the Salton Sea, approximately 14 miles northeast of the Project sites. Highway 78 is an eligible scenic highway from its intersection with Highway 86 westward, approximately 17.5 miles west of the proposed Projects (Caltrans 2011). Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

3 Figure 4.1-1: Views of the Project Site Photo 1 View of northern border of the site with lateral pipeline, subtransmission line, and Hudson Ranch I Photo 2 View from NE of the Project site looking SW Photo 3 View from SW of the Project site looking NE Photo 4 View from SE of the Project site looking NW

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5 Figure 4.1-2: Adjacent Land Uses Photo 5 Hudson Ranch I looking E toward Hudson Ranch II site Photo 6 Residence on English Road Photo 7 Carbon Capture Algae Farm south of the Project site

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7 LOCAL County of Imperial General Plan The County of Imperial General Plan outlines the goals and policies for managing land and resources within County of Imperial. The Conservation and Open Space Element contains plans and policies to protect, maintain, and govern the use of the County s natural resources, including regional aesthetic resources. The Circulation and Scenic Highway Element addresses transportation routes and facilities within the County, including scenic highways. Table identifies applicable General Plan policies related to visual resources and addresses the proposed HR-2 and SmCP-2 Projects consistency with the General Plan policies. TABLE HR-2 AND SMCP-2 PROJECTS CONSISTENCY WITH APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN VISUAL RESOURCE POLICIES GENERAL PLAN POLICIES CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT (COSE) COSE Goal 7: The aesthetic character of the region shall be protected and enhanced to provide a pleasing environment for residential, commercial, recreational, and tourist activity. COSE Objective 7.1: Encourage the preservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the desert and mountain landscape. Yes Yes CIRCULATION AND SCENIC HIGHWAYS ELEMENT (CSHE) CSHE Objective 4.3: Protect areas of outstanding scenic beauty along any scenic highways and protect the aesthetics of those areas. Sources: County of Imperial 1993, 2008 Yes The proposed HR-2 and SmCP-2 Projects would not disrupt the view of scenic resources or be located adjacent to any scenic resources. See response for Goal 7, above. See response for Goal 7, above. While this Draft EIR analyzes the Projects consistency with the County of Imperial General Plan pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15125(d), the Imperial County Planning Commission will determine consistency with the General Plan for the proposed Projects IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES STANDARDS OF SIGNIFICANCE The impact analysis provided below is based on the following state CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G. An impact is considered significant if the Project would: 1. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista or scenic highway. 2. Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway. Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

8 3. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. 4. Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES Chapter 3 provides a complete list and description of Environmental Protection Measures (EPMs) that the applicants have incorporated into their respective Projects to avoid or minimize potential environmental impacts. The following EPMs are included as part of the proposed HR-2 Project to minimize or avoid aesthetics and visual resources impacts: HR-2 EPM AES-1: Structure Color. A tan color will be used on all Project facilities (with the exception of the well heads) where appropriate, to blend more naturally with the brown and tan hues within the existing setting. Additionally, reflectivity of surfaces will be reduced by using nonreflective elements, where appropriate. HR-2 EPM AES-2: Lighting. Lighting on the HR-2 Project site will be limited to areas required for operations or safety; will be directed on-site to avoid backscatter; and will be shielded from public view, to the extent practical. Lighting that is not required to be on during nighttime hours will be controlled with sensors or switches. HR-2 EPM AQ-1: Fugitive Dust Suppression Plan. This plan will provide a detailed list of control measures to reduce fugitive emissions from construction and operational activities, including, but not limited to, watering of unpaved roads, vehicle speed limits, windbreaks, transport container covers, and cleaning and sweeping procedures. HR-2 EPM AQ-9: Air Quality Protection. Fugitive dust generation during construction and use of on-site plant roads and the well sites will be minimized by watering, as necessary. To further reduce fugitive dust emissions, vehicle traffic on plant roads and well sites will be kept below 15 miles per hour. The following EPMs are included as part of the proposed SmCP-2 Project to minimize or avoid aesthetics and visual resources impacts: SMCP-2 EPM AES-1: Structure Color. An earthen color will be used on all Project facilities where appropriate to blend more naturally with the brown and tan hues within the existing setting. Fencing will be constructed of non-reflective materials or will be treated or painted to reduce visual effects. Additionally, reflectivity of surfaces will be reduced by using nonreflective elements where appropriate. Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

9 SMCP-2 EPM AES-2: Lighting. Lighting on the plant site will be limited to areas required for operations or safety, will be directed on-site to avoid backscatter, and will be shielded from public view to the extent practical. Lighting that is not required to be on during nighttime hours will be controlled with sensors or switches operated such that lighting will be on only when needed. SmCP-2 EPM AQ-1: Air Quality Protection. An application will be submitted to the ICAPCD for an Authority to construct permit for the site construction activities and any operational equipment or emission sources requiring a permit. The Project will comply with the ICAPCD permit conditions of approval to limit emissions from the Project activities. SmCP-2 EPM AQ-9. Fugitive Dust Suppression Plan. Fugitive dust generated during construction and use of the plant access road will be minimized by watering as necessary. To further reduce fugitive dust emissions, vehicle traffic on plant roads will be kept below 15 miles per hour. The Project will comply with any requirements concerning emissions of air pollutants from plant facilities and internal combustion emission sources. METHODOLOGY This aesthetics and visual resource analysis assesses whether, and to what extent, the Projects would alter existing views in the area. For the purpose of this analysis, the site has been characterized in Section 4.1.1, Existing Conditions, of this document using representative photos of the Project sites and its surroundings and with written descriptions of the existing visual character and quality in the Project areas. These photos and descriptions are used as a baseline from which to assess the level of visual contrast that would be introduced by the Project. The analysis also takes into account the affected viewer groups. These groups are described in terms of sensitivity and exposure. Viewer exposure considers the distance of the viewer from the Project, the position of the viewer in terms of relative elevation, the direction of the view, the approximate numbers of viewers, and the duration or frequency of views. Viewer sensitivity describes the viewer s expectation of a view based on viewer activity and awareness and any local or cultural significance of the site. The analysis also considers distance when assessing visual impact. Distances are discussed in terms of distance zones as follows: foreground (0 miles to 0.25 miles), middleground (0.25 miles to 3 miles), and background (3 miles or more). Generally, impacts are considered less intense when the viewer is located farther from the Project components. For example, a transmission tower would have a greater visual impact on users of a roadway located adjacent to the transmission tower route than users of a recreational facility located 5 miles from the transmission line route, even though the recreationists may be considered a more sensitive viewer group. Simulations and photos of a similar development were used to demonstrate the visual impacts that would result from the HR-2 Project. The simulations were systematically compared against the baseline Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

10 conditions to determine the nature and degree of potential impacts on visual resources. Visual impact is a function of the projected visual resource change and anticipated viewer response. Potential impacts on visual resources were evaluated according to the standards of significance presented in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, listed above. HR-2 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Impact AES-1: The HR-2 Project would not significantly impact a scenic vista. A scenic vista can be defined as any specific location designated or otherwise identified in federal, state, or local plans. The County of Imperial General Plan does not designate or otherwise identify any scenic vistas. In the absence of such designations, scenic value can be inferred from other indications. A scenic vista could include a unique geologic feature or a recreation site such as a trail that affords views of a valley. The proposed HR-2 Project would be located approximately 1.5 miles east of the Salton Sea, which is described in the County of Imperial General Plan as a scenic resource. The proposed Project would be located in an area where other existing geothermal power plants are visible. The proposed Project would be located approximately 2.8 miles east of the Red Hill Marina County Park, described in Section 4.13, Recreation. The Project may be visible to users of the Red Hill Marina County Park and recreationists and tourists visiting the Salton Sea; however, implementation of the proposed Project is not expected to result in alteration of a scenic vista. Implementation of the HR-2 Project includes the construction and operation of private access roads; production and injection wells; the power plant (including a brine production facility with a brine pond); aboveground pipelines; a turbine generator facility; septic storage tanks, a wastewater treatment plant, and a storm water retention or containment basin. The proposed HR-2 Project would also include electrical connection infrastructure with two options to connect the electrical output from the transformer of the HR-2 Project to the existing IID 230-kV transmission line system. The East-Interconnect Option would construct a new overhead interconnection line of approximately 200 feet in length connecting the HR-2 transformer with a new IID 230-kV transmission line interconnect station which would be constructed adjacent to the HR-2 substation near the existing IID 230-kV transmission line. The west-interconnect option would construct a new electrical line from the HR-2 plant site to the existing IID interconnect station located 1.1 miles west at the existing HR-1 plant site. This would consist of constructing a new 230-kV transmission line on new pole structures immediately Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

11 south of, and parallel to, the existing IID 230-kV transmission line and McDonald Road. These elements may be visible from the Salton Sea and the Red Hill Marina County Park, but would not likely be distinguishable due to distance. At 1.5 miles from the Project, the Salton Sea would be within the middleground distance zone, and at 2.8 miles from the Project, the Red Hill Marina County Park also would be located in the middleground distance zone. Additionally, this development would be similar in form and scale to nearby development which is located closer to the Salton Sea and the Red Hill Marina County Park than the proposed Project and, therefore, would not constitute a new source of visual contrast. Because the Project components would be located within the middleground and background distance zones from the Red Hill Marina County Park and the Salton Sea, and because the Project components would introduce forms, lines, colors, and textures that mimic existing views in the area, the Project s impact under this criterion would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures: Impact AES-2: None required. The HR-2 Project would not cause substantial damage to scenic resources within a state scenic highway. There are no designated state scenic highways in County of Imperial. State Route 111 is an eligible scenic highway from the County border to Bombay Beach on the Salton Sea, approximately 14 miles northeast of the project. Highway 78 is an eligible scenic highway from its intersection with Highway 86 westward, approximately 17.5 miles west of the Project (Caltrans 2011). Both of the eligible highway segments are well within the background distance zone and would not afford views of the Project due to distance. Therefore, there would be no impact under this criterion. Mitigation Measures: Impact AES-3: None required. The HR-2 Project would not cause substantial degradation of the existing visual character. The proposed HR-2 Project would be located within a quasi-rural community that is characterized by both agricultural and industrial uses. Affected viewer groups in the area include farmers and workers at the Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant and the commercial algae facility. Other viewer groups include some rural residents in scattered locations; motorists traveling on local roads, including Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

12 visitors to recreation and wildlife areas at and bordering the Salton Sea, and residents of the Town of Niland. During the construction period, activities such as vegetation clearing, construction of structures, grading and excavation, trenching, installation and rehabilitation of dirt roads, and the use of heavy equipment would be visible to sensitive viewer groups. Construction of these components would affect visual resources by introducing visual clutter and contrast, including, but not limited to equipment storage, signage, exposed soils, and fugitive dust. Fugitive dust from project construction is subject to the mitigation requirements of ICAPCD Regulation VIII. Because the disturbance from these activities would be temporary, and HR-2 EPM AQ-1 and HR-2 EPM AQ-9 would be implemented to minimize fugitive dust generation, the Project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character of the site and its surroundings. Figure shows views of the existing Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant components and simulated views of the proposed Project as it would appear following construction. The proposed structures would introduce large, bulky forms into a landscape that is largely undeveloped and where development primarily comprises single-family residences and agricultural infrastructure. The structures would also introduce strong vertical lines into foreground views. A tan color will be used to blend the facilities with the brown and tan hues within the existing setting. Additionally, reflectivity of surfaces will be reduced by using non-reflective elements where appropriate. Therefore, the Project would not introduce significant contrasts in color or texture. Steam and noncondensable gases would be released into the atmosphere, as described in Chapter 3, Project Description. Depending on atmospheric conditions, plumes extending up to 100 feet above the cooling towers could be visible. These plumes would be most visible on cool mornings, depending on the humidity and ambient temperature. The condensate plumes would be similar to those of the Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant and multiple other geothermal power plants near the Salton Sea. Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

13 Figure 4.1-3: Photos of Existing Geothermal Projects and Project Simulations Photo 8 Brine Pond at the Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant Photo 9 Cooling Towers at the Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant Photo 10 Overview Simulation of the Hudson Ranch II Geothermal Project Photo 11 Simulation of Brine Pond, Cooling Towers, and Transmission Infrastructure Photo 12 Simulation of Cooling Towers with Condensate Plumes

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15 Relatively few viewer groups would be affected by these activities and the installation of these structures. Nearby residents are considered to be sensitive viewers; however, only a small number of existing residences would have views of the Project. The caretaker at the commercial algae facility would not be considered a sensitive residential viewer because the mobile home is located within an industrial development for the sole purpose of facilitating the industrial use. The proposed HR-2 facilities would mimic the appearance of the industrial type facilities at the algae facility. Thus, the nearest residential viewer would be located approximately 0.5 miles north-northeast of the HR-2 Project site. However, the residential unit would be demolished prior to the start of construction. The next nearest residence is located approximately 1.4 miles northwest of the Project site in the middleground distance zone. While this residence may have views of the Project, the impact would be attenuated by distance, and the Project would mimic the visual patterns introduced by other development in the area, including the Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant. Nearby workers are considered to be less sensitive viewers because the majority of them work at facilities with similar industrial appearances and, as previously discussed, the proposed Project would mimic the industrial appearance of those facilities. The roadways near the Project site are not heavily used for access to the Salton Sea; therefore, the number of motorists is expected to be low. Additionally, motorists are considered to have a lower expectation of a view due to the speed of travel, the angle of observation, and the fact that motorists will likely be focused on the activity of driving. Residents of the Town of Niland are located in the background distance zone and, therefore, while HR-2 Project components may be visible from some areas within Niland, the components would not be distinguishable. As discussed previously, these components would mimic nearby development. The Project area has a small number of viewer groups, and these viewers are not considered to have high levels of visual sensitivity. In addition, the proposed HR-2 Project components would mimic existing development in the area. For these reasons, the Project would result in a less than significant impact under this criterion. Mitigation Measures: None required. Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

16 Impact AES-4: The HR-2 Project would not create a substantial amount of light and glare. HR-2 project components could introduce new sources of glare into an area that is largely undeveloped and where development primarily comprises single-family residences and agricultural infrastructure. Implementation of the Project would require installing structures with an industrial appearance and with potentially reflective surfaces, including production and injection wells; the power plant (including aboveground pipelines, the turbine generator facility, and other structures); and electrical connection infrastructure. Except for the well head structures, an earthen color will be used to blend the facilities with the brown and tan hues within the existing setting. Additionally, reflectivity of surfaces will be reduced by using non-reflective elements where appropriate. Therefore, the Project would not introduce a new source of glare. The majority of construction activities would occur during daylight hours; however, well-drilling operations are proposed to be conducted 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, until the total well depth is reached. Nighttime light sources during drilling and flow testing would be confined to the drill rigs and other operational areas, as necessary for safety. Lighting would be directed on-site to avoid backscatter and shielded from public view to the extent practical. Lighting that is not required during nighttime hours would be controlled with sensors or switches. Therefore, construction of the HR-2 Project would not include new sources of substantial light that would adversely affect the area. Similar to drilling, the HR-2 Project would operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. As part of the Project design, lighting sources required for project operations or safety purposes would be covered and directed downward or towards the proposed facility to avoid backscatter. By implementing HR-2 EPM AES-1 (Lighting), nighttime light sources would be confined to the operational areas as necessary for safety, and lighting would be directed on-site to avoid backscatter and would be shielded from public view to the extent practical. Also, lighting that is not required during nighttime hours would be controlled with sensors or switches. Implementation of the Project would require installing structures with an industrial appearance and potentially reflective surfaces. However, HR-2 EPM AES-2 (Structure Color) would be implemented for the Project; which proposes to use a tan color where possible on project facilities to help blend them with the brown and tan hues within the existing setting and using non-reflective elements where appropriate to reduce reflectivity of surfaces. Therefore, the HR-2 Project would not introduce a new source of glare in the area. Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

17 Structures will be painted to match colors found in the existing environment, and lighting will be shielded, directed downward, and operated by manual switch unless otherwise required for safety reasons. As a result, impacts from the new sources of light and/or glare would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures: None required. SMCP-2 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Impact AES-1: The SmCP-2 Project would not significantly impact a scenic vista. A scenic vista can be defined as any specific location or view designated or otherwise identified in federal, state, or local plans. The County of Imperial General Plan does not designate or otherwise identify any scenic vistas. In the absence of such designations, scenic value can be inferred from other indications. A scenic vista could include a unique geologic feature or a recreational site such as a trail that affords views of a valley. The proposed SmCP-2 Project would potentially be visible from several locations in the vicinity with scenic vistas. These include the Red Hill Marina County Park, approximately 2.8 miles east, described in Section 4.13, Recreation; the Wister Waterfowl Management Area, approximately 1.8 miles north; the Salton Sea, approximately 1.5 miles west, described in the County of Imperial General Plan as a scenic resource; and the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 2.75 miles southwest. The SmCP-2 Project would be in the middleground distance zone of views from these areas. These areas provide recreational opportunities or have facilities used by recreationists that generally have a high sensitivity to views and visual quality. Views generally east of these areas may include views of proposed Project features, including the distribution line, on-site structures, and occasional condensate plumes. Views from these areas that include the proposed Project are mostly of flat agricultural lands, distant hills and low mountains, and scattered industrial facilities, including existing geothermal power plants. These views are typical of the area and would not generally be considered to have unique or high scenic value. The proposed SmCP-2 Project would include a variety of structures, including product production, handling, and warehouse buildings approximately 80 feet high; an evaporator support structure about 80 feet high; silos about 60 feet high; a cooling tower about 50 feet high; and other buildings and structures up to about 50 feet high. Because of their large mass, tall heights, vertical lines, and rectilinear forms, these structures would likely be visible from the recreation areas and contrast in form, line, and scale with the surrounding generally flat landscape. Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

18 Occasional condensate plumes would be visible and the proposed distribution line structures may also be visible from these areas. Although these aspects of the proposed Project would contrast with their surroundings, they would be codominant with most other similar industrial features in the area. In addition, the proposed SmCP-2 Project would be less dominant than the existing nearby Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant, which generally would be closer to and more dominant in views from the recreational areas. Although the proposed SmCP-2 Project would likely be visible in middleground distance zones for high-sensitivity viewer groups, its contrast would generally be weak relative to other similar facilities in the vicinity, and views of the Project for sensitive receptors generally would not be considered unique or of high scenic value. For these reasons, implementation of the proposed SmCP-2 Project would not result in a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista. Therefore, the impact under this criterion would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures: Impact AES-2: None required. The SmCP-2 Project would not cause substantial damage to scenic resources within a state scenic highway. There are no designated state scenic highways in County of Imperial. State Highway 111 is an eligible scenic highway from the County border to Bombay Beach on the Salton Sea, approximately 14 miles northeast of the Project. Highway 78 is an eligible scenic highway from its intersection with Highway 86 westward, approximately 17.5 miles west of the Project (Caltrans 2011). Both of the eligible highway segments are well within the background distance zone and would not afford views of the Project due to distance. Therefore, there would be no impact under this criterion. Mitigation Measures: Impact AES-3: None required. The SmCP-2 Project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. The proposed Project would be located within a quasi-rural area that is characterized by both agricultural and industrial uses. Views within this area are predominately of flat agricultural lands, distant hills and low mountains, and scattered industrial facilities, including existing geothermal power plants. High voltage and other distribution lines are common in the area and contrast strongly with the flat agricultural landscape. Power plants in the vicinity include the Elmore Power Plant, Leathers Power Plant Site, and Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant. Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

19 All of these facilities are industrial in appearance and contain large-scale, tall, and bulky structures that contrast strongly with the surrounding flat agricultural landscape. Also, these existing facilities emit occasional condensate plumes that are visible throughout the area. These views are typical of the area and would not generally be considered to have unique scenic value or high visual quality. Affected viewer groups in the area include farmworkers; workers at the Hudson Ranch I Geothermal Plant; some motorists traveling on local roads for work or pleasure; some rural residents in scattered locations; residents of the Town of Niland; and visitors to recreation and wildlife areas at and bordering the Salton Sea. Local residents and recreationists are considered to be sensitive viewer groups because they generally have a high awareness of and concern for views and visual quality. Workers and people traveling or commuting for work are considered to have low visual sensitivity because they generally have a low concern for views and visual quality. Depending on their level of contrast with the existing landscape setting and features, new features introduced into the landscape may cause visual impacts for viewers with high visual sensitivity. Features introduced within the foreground distance zone generally take on greater importance for viewers, whereas features introduced into middleground and background distance zones generally tend to take on less importance. There are no residences or recreational areas with foreground views of the proposed Project. The caretaker at the commercial algae facility would not be considered a sensitive residential viewer because the mobile home is located within an industrial development for the sole purpose of facilitating the industrial use. Proposed SmCP-2 facilities would mimic the appearance of the industrial type facilities at the algae facility. Thus, the residence nearest to the proposed Project site is located approximately 0.5 miles north;-northeast; however, it would be demolished prior to the start of construction. The next nearest residence is located approximately 1.4 miles northwest of the Project site and may have views of the Project in the middleground distance zone. Residents approximately 2.3 miles northeast in the Town of Niland may have views of the proposed SmCP-2 Project in the near background distance zone. Viewers at recreation and wildlife areas bordering the Salton Sea may also have views of the proposed SmCP-2 Project in the middleground distance zone. Some motorists traveling on local roads for pleasure or to access recreation and wildlife areas may travel on roads that border or run near the proposed Project; however, the number of motorists using roads near the site and the frequency and duration of their views of the proposed Project are expected to be low. Therefore, although viewer sensitivity would be high for Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

20 some viewer groups in the area, a large majority of sensitive viewers would see the Project in middleground or background distance zones and viewer concern for the Project would be generally moderately low to low. Views of SmCP-2 Project features from the surrounding area would include on-site structures, a distribution line, and occasional condensate plumes. Structures would include product production, handling, and warehouse buildings approximately 80 feet high; an evaporator support structure about 80 feet high; silos about 60 feet high; a cooling tower about 50 feet high; and other buildings and structures up to about 50 feet high. Because of their large mass, tall heights, vertical lines, and rectilinear forms, these structures would be visible from surrounding areas and contrast in form, line, and scale with the surrounding generally flat landscape. Distribution line structures would be visible and contrast with the surrounding generally flat landscape in form and line. Steam would be released into the atmosphere, as described in Chapter 3, Project Description, and, depending on atmospheric conditions, may occasionally result in condensate plumes extending up to 100 feet above the cooling towers. These plumes would be most visible on cool mornings, depending on humidity and ambient temperature. The height, mass, and color of these occasional condensate plumes would be visible for a large area and contrast strongly with their surroundings. During the 21-month construction period, activities such as clearing vegetation, constructing structures, grading and excavating, trenching, installing and rehabilitating dirt roads, and the use of heavy equipment would be visible to sensitive viewer groups. These activities would affect visual resources by introducing visual clutter and contrast, including but not limited to equipment storage, signage, exposed soils and fugitive dust. Because the disturbance from these activities would be temporary, and SmCP-2 EPM AQ-1 and SmCP-2 EPM AQ-9 would be implemented to minimize fugitive dust generation, the Project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character of the site and its surroundings. Although the proposed SmCP-2 Project would introduce new structures, an electrical distribution line, and condensate plumes in the landscape, the forms, lines, colors, and textures of these would be similar to the elements of other industrial and transmission features in the area. EPMs to be implemented for the Project include using a tan color where possible on Project facilities to help blend them with the brown and tan hues within the existing setting and using nonreflective elements where appropriate to reduce reflectivity of surfaces. Thus, the proposed Project would be co-dominant with other existing industrial and transmission features in the area and its contrast with the existing setting would be Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

21 weak. Implementation of the EPMs would further help to reduce the proposed Project s contrast with the existing setting. Although the proposed SmCP-2 Project would contribute to further alteration of the character of the area from agricultural to industrial, it would not substantially change or degrade the area s existing visual character. Although the visual quality of the site and its surroundings would be reduced somewhat by implementation of the proposed project, because the existing setting would not generally be considered to have unique scenic value or high visual quality for views by sensitive viewers, the reduction in visual quality of views in the area would be incrementally small. Therefore the proposed Project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. For these reasons, the Project would result in a less than significant impact under this criterion. Mitigation Measures: Impact AES-4: None required. The SmCP-2 Project would not create a new source of substantial light or glare. Proposed SmCP-2 project components could introduce new sources of glare into an area that is largely agricultural and undeveloped with some scattered residences and industrial facilities. The majority of construction activities would occur during daylight hours; however, some construction operations could be conducted 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. By implementing SmCP-2 EPM AES-1 (Lighting), nighttime light sources would be confined to the operational areas as necessary for safety, and lighting would be directed on-site to avoid backscatter and would be shielded from public view to the extent practical. Also, lighting that is not required during nighttime hours would be controlled with sensors or switches. Similar to construction activities, the Project would operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week. As part of the Project design and with implementation of SmCP-2 EPM AES-2 (Lighting), lighting sources required for project operations or safety purposes would be covered and directed downward or towards the proposed facility to avoid backscatter, and nighttime illumination features would be controlled with sensors or switches operated such that lighting would only be activated when needed. Therefore, no new sources of substantial light would adversely affect views in the area due to Project operation. Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR

22 Implementation of the SmCP-2 Project would require installing structures with an industrial appearance and potentially reflective surfaces, including an electrical distribution line and structures. However, SmCP-2 EPM AES-1 (Structure Color) would be implemented for the Project; this measure includes using an earthen color where possible on project facilities to help blend them with the brown and tan hues within the existing setting and using non-reflective elements where appropriate to reduce reflectivity of surfaces. Fencing would be constructed of non-reflective materials or would be treated or painted to reduce reflectivity. Therefore, the Project would not introduce a new source of substantial glare in the area. Implementation of the proposed SmCP-2 Project would not introduce new sources of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area due to Project design features. Structures will be painted to match colors found in the existing environment, and lighting will be shielded, directed downward, and operated by sensor or manual switch unless otherwise required for safety reasons. As a result, impacts from the new sources of light and/or glare would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures: None required REFERENCES California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Scenic Highways: Imperial County. Available online: Accessed June 6, County of Imperial County of Imperial General Plan Circulation and Scenic Highways Element. El Centro, California County of Imperial General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element. El Centro, California. Hudson Ranch Power II and Simbol Calipatria II Final EIR