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5.13 VISUAL RESOURCES methodology,which the CEC first applied in its evaluation of the impacts of the Roseville Energy Park Project,is summarized in Appendix 5.13A. As an initial step in the evaluation process,planning documents (including City of Lodi and San Joaquin County documents) applicable to the project area were reviewed to gain insight as to the type of land uses intended for the area,and the guidelines given for the protection or preservation of visual resources. Consideration was then given to the existing visual setting within the project viewshed,which is defined as the geographical area in which the project can be seen. An assessment was then made of the visual changes that the project would cause to determine impact significance,following four California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines checklist questions. Appendix 5.13A provides a more complete description of the visual resources evaluation process that was followed. Potential project impacts were evaluated using a KOP analysis, among other tools and information sources. Site reconnaissance was conducted by CH2M HILL to view the site and surrounding area, to identify potential key observation points,and to take representative photographs of existing visual conditions. A single-lens reflex 35-mm camera with a 50-mm lens (view angle 40 degrees) was used to shoot site photographs. Photographs are presented to represent the"before' conditions from each of the first three KOPs. Visual simulations were produced to illustrate the"after" visual conditions from each of these KOPs,to provide the viewer with a clear image of the location, scale,and visual appearance of the proposed project. These simulation images represent the project's appearance in the period immediately after completion of construction and installation of the landscaping. The computer-generated simulations are the result of an objective analytical and computer modeling process described briefly below. The images are accurate within the constraints of the available site and project data.Simulations were not created for KOP 4 and KOP 5;they are included per direction by the CEC to provide additional context for the existing conditions surrounding the project site. Computer modeling and rendering techniques were used to produce the simulated images of the views of the site as they would appear after development of the project. Existing topographic and site data provided the basis for developing an initial digital model. The project engineers provided site plans and digital data for the proposed generation facility, and site plans and elevations for the components of the transmission system. These were used to create three-dimensional (3-D) digital models of these facilities. These models were combined with the digital site model to produce a complete computer model of the generating facility and portions of the overhead transmission system. For each viewpoint,viewer location was digitized from topographic maps and scaled aerial photos,using 5 feet as the assumed eye level. Computer"wire frame" perspective plots were then overlaid on the photographs of the views from the KOPs to verify scale and viewpoint location. Digital visual simulation images were produced as a next step,based on computer renderings of the 3-D model combined with high-resolution digital versions of base photographs. The final"hardcopy" visual simulation images that appear in this AFC document were produced from the digital image files using a color printer. Once all potential impacts were examined,a determination was made as to whether any impacts would reach a level that would be significant under CEQA's standards,and thus 5.13-20 SAC/371322/082350001(LEC_5.13_VISUAL.DOC)