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r7 V j 3.1 Visual and Lighting Most of the project site is blocked from outside view by existing landscaping and agricultural . operations.The visual quality of the site is described as average to below average,due to existing : quarry operations which include processing facilities and disturbed areas. Ground-level views into the project site are blocked on all sides due wsurrounding almond orchards.However,motorists 'I traveling along East River Road have obstructed views of the site entrance and one rural residence to the east has a partially obstructed view of the project site due to its elevated location. Plans and Policies California Scenic Highway Program t Many state highways are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty.California's Scenic Highway Program was created by the Legislature in 1963 to preserve and protect scenic highway corridors from change which would diminish the aesthetic value of lands adjacent to highways. The state laws governing the Scenic Highway Program are found in the Streets and Highways Code, Section 260 et seq. The State Scenic Highway System includes a list of highways that are either eligible for designation as scenic highways or have been so designated. These highways are identified in Section 263 of the Streets and Highways Code. According to-the Caltrans list of designated scenic highways under the California Scenic Highway Program, only Interstate 580 from Interstate 5 to the Alameda County line in southwestern San Joaquin County has been officially designated as a state scenic highway (Caltrans, 2011). The project site is not in the vicinity of Interstate 580. The San Joaquin County General Plan 2010 identifies River Road and Austin Road as scenic routes; however, these roads are not officially designated county scenic roadways(San Joaquin County, 1992). San Joaquin County General Plan 2090 The following objectives and.policies in the 2010 General Plan relate to the proposed project: VI.Resources Objective 1. To preserve open space land for the continuation of the commercial agricultural and productive uses,the enjoyment of scenic beauty and recreation,the protection and use of natural resources,and for protection from natural hazards. Policy 10: Views of waterways,hilltops,and oak groves from public land and public .. roadways shall be protected. Policy 11: Outstanding scenic vistas shall be preserved and public access provided to them whenever possible. Policy 12: The County should recognize the roads shown in Figure VI-2 as scenic routes and as valuable in enhancing the recreatiohal experience for County E residents and non-residents. Criteria for selection of additional routes should specify that the route: a) leads to a recreational area; i Munn&Perkins Quarry Excavation Permit 3.1-3 ESA 1211086 Pi Draft EIR April 2011