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4 Environmental Analysis 4.11 Land Use and Planning tie line would also be a compatible use within the Wind Resource Area as delineated in the ECAP, consistent with Policy 173. In accordance with Policy 71, the Project site is not located on prime soils, Farmland of Statewide Importance, or Unique Farmland. Additionally, the proposed gen-tie line is not located within a Williamson Act Contract. As discussed in Section 4.2, Agriculture and Forestry Resources, a Project-specific Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) was prepared for the Project (Appendix B), in which the Project was determined to have no significant impact on agricultural land uses within the Project area. The Project would also incorporate adequate buffers and setbacks, in accordance with Policy 73, from adjacent agricultural properties, as well as the residences north of the Project site, in accordance with the requirements set forth by San Joaquin County through the Site Approval application process. In accordance with Policy 108, the Project proposes to install the gen-tie line at the southwestern- most corner of the Project site,which is the farthest portion of the Project site from West Patterson Pass Road, a public viewpoint. Policies 114 and 115 set forth requirements for landscaping in the County to enhance scenic quality and minimize visual impacts of development. The Project would not include landscaping. However, as discussed in Section 4.1, Aesthetics, of this Draft EIR, the Project would implement Mitigation Measure AES-1, which would reduce significant impacts on visual resources to below a level of significance through various Project design measures. Examples of measures included in Mitigation Measure AES-1 include the use of non-reflective materials, color treatment of Project components to blend with the existing landscape, and preservation of existing vegetation. Refer to Section 4.1, Aesthetics, for a full list of measures included in Mitigation Measure AES- 1. With regard to lighting, the gen-tie line would not include any lighting. Accordingly, the Project would not conflict with the intent of Policies 114 and 115 to enhance scenic quality and minimize visual impacts of development. In accordance with Policy 116, construction of the gen-tie line would not result in substantial landform alteration. Additionally, in accordance with Policies 116 and 120, site access would be in the southwestern corner of the Project site, near other existing utility lines and at the farthest portion of the Project site from West Patterson Pass Road, a public viewpoint. Therefore, the visual impact of the gen-tie line would be minimized. See also Section 4.1,Aesthetics, of this Draft EIR for additional information regarding visual impacts. Although Policy 120 requires utility lines to be placed underground, the proposed gen-tie line would not be required to be placed underground, as the gen-tie would be 230 kV and undergrounding of utility lines is not required for electrical distribution facilities carrying voltage higher than 35 kV, pursuant to Alameda County Code Section 13.16.030. In accordance with Policies 117, 118, and 119, construction of the gen-tie line would include ground clearing and other minor site preparation, but it would not require substantial cut or fill. Thus, no visibility issues occur with regard to cut and fill slopes and drainage improvements associated with the gen-tie line. Additionally, site access would be sited and designed to minimize grading associated with the battery energy storage facility portion of the Project located within San Joaquin County. Griffith Battery Energy Storage Project 4.11-23 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023