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-- 4.12 Visual Resources 4.12 Visual Resources 4.12.1 Introduction ass This section addresses the visual quality issues related to the project. The existing visual character of the region and project site is addressed, along with the sensitive visual receptors and sensitive visual resources known to be present. Applicable County policies related to visual resources are presented. The impact analysis presents the standards used to evaluate impacts to visual quality and addresses potential effects of the project on the visual quality of the area. 4.12.2 Setting Visual Character of the Region The project is located in central California,approximately 2.5 miles southwest of the town of Vernalis. The area is composed of mostly flat lands that slope gently down to the north and east and offers long views into the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Less than two miles southwest of the project site,the Coastal Range mountains rise up abruptly,forming the Valley's border. The visual character of the area is predominantly rural and agricultural.Fields, orchards, and vineyards fill the valley and the land is intensively farmed. Typical features include agricultural ., operations(row crops,fruit and nut trees,farm buildings and equipment), scattered single-family residences,and irrigation systems(canals,drains,pumps,levies,etc.). An exception is the slopes rising to the Coastal Range, which are generally not cultivated and remain as open space. A .. wildfire in the spring of 2003 burned several hundred acres of the open space grassland directly southwest of the project area,leaving some of the Coastal foothills black and charred. In spite of the recent fire,however, the grasses are beginning to grow back,and the views of uninterrupted land running to the base of the Coastal Range are striking. Scenic Roadways Two scenic roadways are located in the vicinity of the project. I-580 parallels the base of the Coastal Range and merges with I-5 approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the Proposed Project �- site, then continues south and east into Stanislaus County (Figure 4.12-1). 1-580 and I-5 are officially designated State Scenic Highways on both sides of the county line(Caltrans,2003). The San Joaquin County General Plan likewise designates I-580 and I-5 as scenic routes(San Joaquin County, 1992). Additional Aesthetic Features An existing aggregate mine operated by DSS is located immediately west of the project Site. Although DSS's ground-level operations are partially shielded by orchards,the upper level conveyor belts, structures, and stockpiles are clearly visible from the surrounding area, including from the I-580 and I-5 corridors. These mining structures are visible on the eastern side of I-580 RMC Parc Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project 4.12-1 ESA 1203015 Draft Environmental Impact Report May 2005 r