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4 Environmental Analysis 4.1 Aesthetics The Project will also be evaluated as to the level of contrast Project elements exhibit to the existing visual character of the Project site and area, as shown in Table 4.1-2. Table 4.1-1. Degree of Contrast Rating System Degree of Contrast Rating Criteria None The element contrast is not visible or perceived. Weak The element contrast can be seen but does not attract attention. Moderate The element contrast begins to attract attention and begins to dominate the characteristic landscape. Strong The element contrast demands attention,will not be overlooked,and is dominant in the landscape. Source:BLM 2010 Contrast ratings for the expected condition with the Project were prepared for each representative viewpoint using a form adapted from BLM's Visual Contrast Rating Worksheet(Form 8400-4); the results are included in Appendix C. In general, visual impacts are determined based on the level of contrast the project introduces to the existing visual character of the project site and area, the sensitivity of the viewers, and the visibility of the project site. If these factors result in a change in visual class and/or a significant change in visual quality ratings, the impacts are likely to be adverse. 4.1.1.2 Viewshed The viewshed is generally the area that is visible from an observer's viewpoint and includes the screening effects of intervening vegetation and/or physical structures. Although some portion of the Project site may be visible from a relatively large area, the degree of visibility would depend on distance and view angle. Generally, the Project site would be most visible from viewpoints within 1 mile, while site visibility would diminish as distance increases and view angle decreases. Air quality, including dust and other visible particulates, can affect visibility in the area. Distance is only one of the factors that determine visibility of a site from a viewpoint. Terrain, vegetation, and structural features can obscure views that might otherwise be available at a certain distance. A viewshed analysis is a graphic representation of locations that may have views of all or portions of the Project based on topography within the Project Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI). A viewshed analysis is a graphic representation of the seen and unseen areas adjacent to the Project based on topography within the Project ZVI. The viewshed analysis was conducted using Esri ArcGIS geographic information system (GIS) software with the Spatial Analyst extension to process 10- meter digital elevation models, the height of the battery storage enclosures, and the gen-tie line above ground surface (Figure 4.1-1). The viewshed assumed "bare earth" conditions and was run from the Project area looking out to determine areas with potential visibility. The assumed "bare earth" conditions mean identification of areas with potential views of the Project were based on topography only. The analysis is also conservative because it does not account for screening by intervening structures, vegetation, curvature of the earth, small terrain changes, atmospheric conditions and attenuation, or other features. The ZVI was used to assist with the identification of potential KOPs. Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.1-5 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023