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5.13 VISUAL RESOURCES Appendix 5.13A: Visual Resources Evaluation Methodology Introduction The methodology applied in preparing this assessment of the proposed Project's potential visual resource impacts is the same methodology now being used by the staff of the California Energy Commission. The CEC's first application of this methodology was in its evaluation of the environmental impacts of the proposed Roseville Energy Project. This appendix explaining the methodology is drawn from and is essentially the same as Appendix VR-1 of the Visual Resources section of the Draft and Final Staff Assessments that CEC staff prepared for that project (CEC,2004). The CEC Staff's Methodology The analysis of potential impacts to visual resources caused by construction or operation of any power plant or related facility largely involves answering the four questions found in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines,under Aesthetics. The four questions that must be addressed regarding whether the potential impacts of a project are significant are: 1. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? 2. Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including,but not limited to, trees,rock outcroppings,and historic buildings within a State Scenic Highway? 3. Would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? 4. Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? The visual analysis typically distinguishes between three different impact durations: temporary impacts,typically lasting no longer than two years; short-term impacts,generally lasting no longer than five years;and long-term impacts,which are impacts with a duration greater than five years. In general,short-term impacts are not considered significant. In addition to visiting the project area for personal observation of how and whether a particular view is experienced,a search is made for other evidence to determine if the local community values a particular view that might be affected by the project. This includes searching the applicable planning documents covering the area produced by local governments and community groups,as well as searches for any other type of evidence showing whether valued scenic vistas exist within the project's viewshed. Professional observations and evaluations of the project site are relied on to make initial determinations of visual character or quality of the area,in comparison with all other landscapes in California,but due deference is also given to plans and policies adopted by governmental bodies concerning the value of visual resources within the project area. Each of the four checklist questions are answered for each part of the project both during construction and during operation, including any related facility such as a transmission line or gas pipeline. To answer the first checklist question("Would the project have a substantial