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4 Environmental Analysis 4.1 Aesthetics Distinctions among user groups and their expected sensitivity to landscape changes, based on activity types and viewing characteristics, are standard components of a visual assessment. For example, residential viewers are generally expected to have high concern for changes in views from their residences. Motorists' concerns generally depend on when and where travel occurs and the type of travel involved (e.g., commuting versus recreational travel). However, because their focus is on driving to their destination and because the time they view the landscape as they drive through is more limited, they may have lower visual sensitivity. Scenic views designated in land use plans adopted by federal, state, or local government entities typically formalize a recognized visual value of a resource and the public's desire to protect that value (e.g., a designated wilderness or scenic area). Where such officially designated lands exist, the public expectation is that the view at the location of the identified resource would be preserved, and the viewer concern is considered high. 4.1.2 Existing Conditions 4.1.2.1 Regional Character San Joaquin County is set within the greater San Joaquin Valley, with the Delta and large expanses of level agricultural lands and urban development framed by the foothills of the Diablo Range to the west and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to the east (San Joaquin County 2014). The foothills of the Diablo Range define the southwest corner of the county, separating San Joaquin County from Alameda County to the west. Agricultural uses are the predominate land use in the unincorporated lands within the county. Urban development is concentrated in the seven incorporated cities of the county, especially Stockton and Tracy. 4.1.2.2 Local Setting The Project site consists of grazed, non-native grassland, several hills, three residential uses, and agricultural buildings. In addition to the grasses, a few trees are found near the residential uses. Energy related uses are found adjacent to the Project site, including Pacific Gas and Electric's (PG&E) Tesla Substation to the west and transmission towers and lines to the southwest and northwest of the Project site. A cluster of residential uses is directly north of the Project site, on the other side of West Patterson Pass. Industrial uses located near the Project site are located on the western edge of Tracy, mostly on the eastern side of Interstate 580 (1-580). The terrain on the Project site and the immediate area ranges from relatively flat to hilly. 4.1.2.3 Scenic Routes According to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Scenic Highway System Lists, the segment of 1-580, south of the Interstate 205 (1-205) interchange to State Route 152, is an officially designated state scenic highway. This segment is located 1 mile to the northeast of the Project site. The segment of 1-580 west of the 1-205 interchange to the city of San Leandro is an eligible state scenic highway (Caltrans 2022). This segment is located approximately 2.2 miles to the north of the Project site. Corral Hollow Road, located 5 miles to the south of the Project site, is identified as a local scenic road (San Joaquin County 2014). 4.1.2.4 Scenic Vistas The foothills of the Diablo Range are identified as a key visual resource that adds contrast to the county's predominately flat terrain, and views of the Diablo Range from 1-580 are identified as a major scenic vista. Other scenic vistas identified near the Project site include the viewing lands Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.1-15 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023