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5.13 VISUAL RESOURCES TABLE 5.13.4 CTG/HRSG Exhaust Stack Exhaust Characteristics Moisture Content Exhaust Flow Rate Exhaust Temperature Condition (%wt) (lbs/hr) (°F) Full Load with Duct Firing Hot ambient(107.7°F, 18.2% RH) 8.18% 3,488,558 181 Average ambient(61.2°F, 66.8% RH) 6.04% 3,621,670 178 Full Load without Duct Firing Cold ambient(23.7°F, 81% RH) 4.83% 3,777,613 183 Average ambient(61.2°F, 66.8% RH) 5.59% 3,555,531 187 Hot ambient(107.7°F, 18.2% RH) 7.68% 3,422,443 190 5.13.2.5 Impact Significance A discussion regarding whether the visual effects of the project would be significant pursuant to CEQA is provided below. The assessment of these impacts has been structured by applying the criteria set forth in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. The CEQA Guidelines define a"significant effect" on the environment to mean a"substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project, including objects of historic or aesthetic significance." (14 CCR 15382) The four questions related to aesthetics that are posed for lead agencies and the answers to them are: Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? No. There are no State-designated scenic roads or vista points in the nearby (2-mile radius) project viewshed. Would the project substantially damage scenic resources,including,but not limited to, trees,rock outcroppings,and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? No. This question does not apply to the proposed LEC because none of the project facilities fall within the boundaries of a state scenic highway. Would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? No. The site itself is set within an existing industrial area that is itself surrounded primarily by land dedicated to mechanized agriculture (large-scale crop production and grazing). The project area's existing visual character reflects several layers of human use. Along with the existing STIG plant,WPCF, and large-scale agricultural uses, two separate transmission lines of substantial size (230-kV and 500-kV) pass through the site vicinity. In addition, constructed ponds and waterways are the dominant landform in the area west of the project site. In short, this is a highly engineered landscape,put into a variety of production-oriented uses. 5.13-26 SAC/371322/082350001(LEC_5.13_VISUAL.DOC)