The view of the Project from the Forest Primary Route 49 KOP would be toward the Project-north side of the power plant site as depicted on Figure 2.2.17. This view would minimize the visibility of the cooling tower structure and cooling tower plume, but it would maximize the view of the turbine-generator building. The turbine-generator building would be the only clearly visible structure from this KOP. The upper photosimulation in Figure 3.8.6 is the same as the lower photosimulation in Figure 3.8.5, except that the color of the visible portions of the power plant facilities have been simulated in the shade of forest green selected in the Proposed Action to blend in with the surrounding area (see Section ). As this simulation shows, although the linear form of the turbine-generator building would be juxtaposed against the subtle vertical line of the forest, providing some contrast, the lack of substantial color contrast between the visible power plant structures and the surrounding forest area would greatly minimize this contrast. In addition, because the distance to the power plant site of about four (4) miles from this KOP places the visible portion of the turbine-generator building in the background, or deep middleground, the visual impact of these features from this KOP is reduced even further. The lower photosimulation in Figure 3.8.6 is the same as the upper photosimulation, except that a cooling tower plume has been added. Modeling of the Project cooling tower plume using applicable meteorological data (Houck and Phillips 1997c) predicted that on an annual basis, the plume would be visible above the top of the forest canopy approximately 87% of the time on an annual basis (although only 69% of the time during the summer months). The cooling tower plume dimensions depicted in the photosimulation are the median annual dimensions calculated by the modeling; that is, the plume length, height and diameter occurring 50% of the time (the median summer plume dimensions would be appreciably less). Although the modeling predicted that longer, higher and/or wider plumes than depicted in the photosimulation would develop during certain meteorological conditions, these would typically occur at night, when the plume would not be very visible; during the cooler months of the year, when the plume would be visible only to a small percentage of the summer visitors to the area; or under near-freezing conditions and 100% humidity, when the plume would be difficult to distinguish from the clouds and/or precipitation which would also be naturally formed. Thus, the annual median modeled plume dimensions were selected for the photosimulation as a reasonable “worst case.” When present as depicted in the photosimulation, the cooling tower plume would be visible against the forest canopy and somewhat visible against the sky above the power plant. However, because the cooling tower plume would be only intermittently visible on summer days and because the distance to the power plant site of about four (4) miles from this KOP places the cooling tower plume in the background, or deep middleground, the visual impact of the cooling tower plume from this KOP is minor.

Impact 3.8.3.3-1: The upper one-third of the turbine-generator building would be partially visible, and the cooling tower plume, when present, visible, from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP during daylight hours. Significance of the Impact: This impact is considered less than significant and no mitigation measures are required, but the following other measures would reduce the adverse effects of the impact. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-1a: To the degree feasible, the visibility of the turbine-generator building from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP shall be reduced by moving the taller, visible elements of the power plant south approximately 400 feet, which would partially screen them behind the unnamed hill currently to the west of the power plant site from the KOP. This could be accomplished by moving the power plant site south approximately 100 feet, then reversing the proposed locations of the power plant facilities (to the south end of the power plant site) and the construction laydown area (to the north end of the power plant site). Other Measure 3.8.3.3-1b: To minimize the color contrast of the power plant structures with the forest canopy, all power plant buildings and other structures shall be painted a color at least one shade darker than the forest cover as viewed from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP, and all reflective surfaces shall be eliminated to the extent feasible. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-1c: To maximize the effectiveness of vegetative screening, the minimum number of trees necessary for construction of the power plant shall be removed. The accidental disturbance of additional areas, including damage to trees, shall be minimized by erecting temporary fencing before construction begins at the limits of those areas approved for disturbance during construction. No unplanned activities beyond the fencing that would affect the continued screening value of existing terrain or vegetation shall occur without the prior approval of the USFS. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-1d: A maximum of two access routes to the power plant site shall be constructed, and curvilinear shapes shall be used to the extent feasible for construction boundaries and access roads to avoid the creation of highly visible straight lines. Cuts and fills should also be shaped to mimic surrounding natural landforms wherever possible. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-1e: Klamath National Forest shall be requested by the Modoc National Forest to consider the advisability of, and taking such actions as are necessary including possible Forest Plan revision for, the construction of an interpretive site along Primary Forest Route 49. If the interpretive site is determined to be appropriate by the Klamath National Forest, the Project Applicant shall construct, or fund the construction of, an interpretive site along Primary Forest Route 49 at an appropriate point where the power plant facilities are visible which describes how geothermal power production relates to the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway theme. During night hours, some of the power plant safety and security lights would be visible from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP. In addition, lighting of the power plant may be indirectly visible as a glow from points along Medicine Lake and from Forest Road 43N21. Impact 3.8.3.3-2: Power plant lights would be visible from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP, and may be indirectly visible from Medicine Lake and from Forest Road 43N21. Significance of the Impact: This impact is considered less than significant and no mitigation measures are required, but the following other measures would reduce the adverse effects of the impact. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-2a: Power plant lighting locations shall be selected to minimize the potential for direct visibility from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP. Power plant and wellfield lighting shall also be designed such that lighting locations and intensity would provide the minimum intensity lighting necessary for safe operation of the plant and personnel safety. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-2b: All power plant and wellfield lighting shall be shielded to shine only directly on the plant or well pad grounds, with no side- or up-directed lighting, with the exception of lighting which may be required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Other Measure 3.8.3.3-2c: Individual lights and groups of lights shall not be lit during hours unnecessary for safety. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-2d: Non-reflective material shall be used for all surfaces facing the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-2e: Project Applicant shall prepare and submit a detailed Exterior Lighting Design and Management Plan to the Modoc National Forest for review and approval prior to Project construction activities that incorporates the following guidelines: Lights that may be in view of Primary Forest Routes shall only be used when necessary for conducting night-time operations or maintenance activities or for emergency purposes; Constant outside area lighting shall be limited to only those places that must be observed from a distance for safety purposes; Area lighting, cooling tower lighting, exterior turbine-generator building lighting, and security lighting shall be controlled by the use of time switches, photo-sensors, and/or motion detector activation controls so lights are only on when necessary; All exterior power plant light fixtures shall be shrouded or shielded in such a way as to minimize offsite lighting and to block direct light from Primary Forest Routes; Drill rig mast lighting shall be shrouded and directed down onto the drill rig mast or floor and shielded in such a way as to minimize offsite lighting; Stray light shall be controlled through use of low-brightness fixtures with optical controls. Construction of the power plant, wellfield and transmission lines would cause short-term visual effects. These include dust from construction site activities and increased vehicular traffic on unpaved roads, the visibility of the drilling rig(s) above the forest canopy, both during day and night operating hours, and steam condensate plumes from well testing above the forest canopy. Impact 3.8.3.3-3: Construction at the power plant, wellfields and transmission lines would cause short-term visual effects. Significance of the Impact: This impact is considered less than significant and no mitigation measures are required, but the following other measures would reduce the adverse effects of the impact. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-3a: Measures to control substantial fugitive dust emissions at construction sites and on frequently traveled unpaved roads, such as watering or application of dust palliatives, shall be implemented as necessary to reduce visible dust plumes. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-3b: All drilling rig lights shall be shielded in a manner that limits direct light to the immediate work area, except as may be necessary to comply with FAA requirements. Special care shall be taken to minimize or avoid the placement or use of lights which may be directly visible from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP or other areas where substantial viewers may be present. Work lights shall only be on at times required for safety. Two potential well pads would be located near Primary Forest Route 97. These well pads, as well as other well pads, may be visible after construction, either through the forest or through clearings made for the access road and/or the pipeline corridor. Night lighting and/or the use of reflective materials may increase the visibility of well pads and their facilities. Impact 3.8.3.3-4: The two potential well pads located near Primary Forest Route 97, as well as other well pads, may be visible through the forest after construction. Significance of the Impact: This impact is less than significant and no mitigation measures are required, but the following other measures are provided to reduce the adverse effects of the impact Other Measure 3.8.3.3-4: To the extent possible, all well pads should be located far enough away from nearby points of public use (such as forest roads) to prevent easy viewing through the forest. Access roads and pipeline corridors to the well pads should be constructed with sufficient curve in order that a line-of-sight view, down the road or pipeline to the wellhead or ancillary structures, is not possible. All well pad fences and other facilities shall be constructed of non-reflective material, and to the extent feasible all lighting shall be directed away from potential points of public view.

If transmission line segment D1 is constructed, the transmission lines would cross Forest Route 43N21 and Forest Route 43N53. Both crossings would be at approximately right angles to the roads. The VQO at both crossing points is partial retention. Immediately after crossing Route 43N53, the line would connect with the Fourmile Hill utility corridor line segment A2 (BLM et al. 1998). Due to the minimal visual exposure and disturbance as viewed from a traveler driving these routes, and the partial retention VQO designation along these two roads, this impact is considered minimal. Impact 3.8.3.3.-5: Transmission line segment D1, if constructed, would cross both Forest Route 43N21 and Forest Route 43N53. Significance of the Impact: This impact is less than significant and no mitigation measures are required. If transmission line segment D2 is constructed, the first approximately 200 yards of transmission line as it leaves the Proposed Action power plant site would likely be visible from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP since the current alignment crosses the top of the ridge such that the notch in the tree cover at the skyline would likely be evident to a viewer from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP. Impact 3.8.3.3-6: The first approximately 200 yards of transmission line segment D2 as it leaves the Proposed Action power plant site would likely be visible from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP. Significance of the Impact: This impact is less than significant and no mitigation measures are required, but the following other measures are provided to reduce the adverse effects of the impact Other Measure 3.8.3.3-6: Transmission line route D2 shall be realigned as it goes over the ridge a few hundred yards east of the power plant site so that it crosses the top of the ridge in a north/south direction and so that the notch in the tree cover at the skyline is not evident. A zigzag route shall be used until the ridge east of the power plant is crested to hide the view of the transmission line route from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP. If transmission line segment D2 is constructed, the transmission line would cross Forest Route 43N53 at approximately right angles to the roads. The VQO at the crossing point is modification. Immediately after crossing Route 43N53, the line would connect with the Fourmile Hill utility corridor line segment B2 (BLM et al. 1998). Due to the minimal visual exposure and disturbance as viewed by a traveler driving this route, and the modification VQO designation along this road, this impact is considered minimal. Impact 3.8.3.3-7: Transmission line segment D2, if constructed, would cross Forest Route 43N53. Significance of the Impact: This impact is considered less than significant and no mitigation measures are required. Decommissioning of the project facilities would cause short-term adverse visual effects similar to those created during construction, such as fugitive dust and drill rig visibility, and the same measures would be useful to reduce the effects of these less-than-significant impacts. Evidence of surface disturbance created by construction activities would remain for a long period of time due to the slow rate of tree growth in the area and the challenges of reforestation. Impact 3.8.3.3-8: Surface disturbance would remain visible for a long time. Significance of the Impact: This impact is less than significant and no mitigation measures are required, but the following other measures would reduce the adverse effects of the impact: Other Measure 3.8.3.3-8a: Mulch all disturbed soil as soon as possible after disturbance to encourage revegetation. Revegetate according to USFS standards and State of California Best Management Practices. Other Measure 3.8.3.3-8b: Plant trees of species recommended by the USFS on all areas where forest cover was removed as soon as possible following disturbance. Follow USFS reforestation practices applicable at the time. Some of the Project facilities would be visible from locations in the general vicinity of the proposed Project site that are utilized by Native Americans for traditional purposes. Because remote locations such as these are infrequently accessed by the general public, the potential effects of the visibility of Project facilities from remote locations have not been evaluated as a visual resource impact, but the effects of Project visibility from these sites are separately evaluated in the Native American Values subchapter (see Section 3.6).

3.8.3.3.2 Unavoidable Adverse Effects of the Proposed Action

The uppermost portions of the turbine-generator building would remain partially visible, and the cooling tower plume, when present, visible, from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP during daylight hours. Even with shielding, indirect light would be visible from the power plant site, at least from the Primary Forest Route 49. Overhead transmission lines would be visible as they cross either or both Forest Route 43N21 and Forest Route 43N53. Surface disturbance associated with the power plant site, well pads, access roads, pipeline corridors and transmission line corridors would be visible for years until reforestation is well established.

3.8.3.4 Alternative Power Plant Site A

3.8.3.4.1 Consequences of the Alternative Power Plant Site A

The effects of the Alternative Power Plant Site A alternative on visual resources are essentially identical to those same effects of the Proposed Action, and the recommended measures to mitigate these less-than-significant effects are also essentially identical. Field observations relevant to the visibility of the Alternative Power Plant Site A power plant site are summarized in Table 3.8.3. As with the Proposed Action, this field visibility assessment determined that the only point where the primary power plant facilities located on the Alternative Power Plant Site A power plant site may be visible was from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP (see Figure 3.8.3). The upper portions of the power plant facilities located on the Alternative Power Plant Site A would also likely be visible through the forest canopy for approximately 500 feet while traveling east on Primary Forest Route 49. As with the Proposed Action, above this section of road (to the west), the view of facilities is blocked by the elevated terrain which forms the rim of the basin. As the road descends below this section, the view is first blocked by the Medicine Lake Lava Flow, then, as the road descends further, the forested foreground obstructs the views. Figure 3.8.7 is the photosimulation of the view of the facilities on the Alternative Power Plant Site A power plant site visible from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP. In this view, the visible portions of the power plant facilities have been simulated in white to facilitate identification by the viewer. As seen in Figure 3.8.7, much like the Proposed Action, only approximately the upper third of the turbine-generator building would be visible through the upper portions of the tree canopy. Views of the otherwise visible portions of the facilities, including the wellfield facilities, would be blocked by the forest. Also as with the Proposed Action, the configuration of the power plant structures, with the long axis running northwest to southeast, minimizes the width of the plant facilities facing the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP, although it maximizes the width of the turbine-generator building to the viewer from this KOP. Like the Proposed Action, the linear form of the turbine-generator building would be juxtaposed against the subtle vertical line of the forest, providing some contrast. The upper photosimulation in Figure 3.8.8 is the same as the lower photosimulation in Figure 3.8.7, except the color of the visible portions of the power plant facilities have been simulated to in the shade of green selected in the Proposed Action to blend in with surrounding area (see Section 2.2.4.5.8). The top of the Alternative Power Plant Site A turbine-generator building would be set against the skyline. As shown on the lower photosimulation in Figure 3.8.8, the cooling tower plume would be identical to that simulated for the Proposed Action but viewed almost entirely against the sky, not the forest. Like the Proposed Action, the distance to the power plant site of about four (4) miles from the Primary Forest Route KOP places the visible portion of the turbine-generator building in the background, or deep middleground, which substantially reduces the visual impact of this facility from this KOP. The field assessment conducted for this power plant site determined that only the northern end of the power plant (as represented by the reflective panel placed in a tree at a height of 80 feet at the north end of the power plant site) would be visible from the Primary Forest Route 49. To the field assessment personnel it appeared that the visible portion of the facilities on the power plant site could be reduced through moving these facilities to the south several hundred feet.

Table 3.8.3: Visibility of the Alternative Site A Power Plant Site from Identified Potential KOPs

Potential KOPs	From the Potential KOP Looking Toward the Alternative Site A Power Plant Site	From the Proposed Power Plant Site Looking Toward the Potential KOP from 80 Feet Above Ground Surfacea	Topographic Map Line-of-Sight Assessment of the Visibility of Proposed Action Power Plant Site
Forest Route 49	Visible (North End of Site Only)	Visible	Potentially Visible
Forest Route 97	Not Visible	Not Visible	Not Potentially Visible
Forest Road 43N53	Not Visible	Not Visible	Not Potentially Visible
Forest Road 43N21	Not Visible	Not Visible	Potentially Visible
a Viewer was located in a tree on the power plant site at 80 feet above ground surface

Impact 3.8.3.4-1: The upper one-third of the turbine-generator building would be partially visible, and the cooling tower plume, when present, visible, from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP during daylight hours. Significance of the Impact: This impact is considered less than significant and no mitigation measures are required, but the following other measures would reduce the adverse effects of the impact. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-1a: To the degree feasible, the visibility of the turbine-generator building from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP shall be reduced by moving the taller, visible elements of the power plant south approximately 400 feet. This could be accomplished by moving the power plant site south approximately 100 feet, then reversing the proposed locations of the power plant facilities (to the south end of the power plant site) and the construction laydown area (to the north end of the power plant site). The validity of this measure shall be field-verified prior to it being required or implemented. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-1b: To minimize the color contrast of the power plant structures with the forest canopy, all power plant buildings and other structures shall be painted a color at least one shade darker than the forest cover as viewed from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP, and all reflective surfaces shall be eliminated to the extent feasible. To the degree that any power plant facilities would be viewed against the sky from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP, these portions of the power plant facilities shall be painted in a light color selected to minimize contrast with the sky. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-1c: To maximize the effectiveness of vegetative screening, the minimum number of trees necessary for construction of the power plant shall be removed. The accidental disturbance of additional areas, including damage to trees, shall be minimized by erecting temporary fencing before construction begins at the limits of those areas approved for disturbance during construction. No unplanned activities beyond the fencing that would affect the continued screening value of existing terrain or vegetation shall occur without the prior approval of the USFS. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-1d: A maximum of two access routes to the power plant site shall be constructed, and curvilinear shapes shall be used to the extent feasible for construction boundaries and access roads to avoid the creation of highly visible straight lines. Cuts and fills should also be shaped to mimic surrounding natural landforms wherever possible. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-1e: Klamath National Forest shall be requested by the Modoc National Forest to consider the advisability of, and taking such actions as are necessary including possible Forest Plan revision for, the construction of an interpretive site along Primary Forest Route 49. If the interpretive site is determined to be appropriate by the Klamath National Forest, the Project Applicant shall construct, or fund the construction of, an interpretive site along Primary Forest Route 49 at an appropriate point where the power plant facilities are visible which describes how geothermal power production relates to the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway theme.

Impact 3.8.3.4-2: Power plant lights would be visible from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP, and may be indirectly visible from Medicine Lake and from Forest Road 43N21. Significance of the Impact: This impact is considered less than significant and no mitigation measures are required, but the following other measures would reduce the adverse effects of the impact. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-2a: Power plant lighting locations shall be selected to minimize the potential for direct visibility from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP. Power plant and wellfield lighting shall also be designed such that lighting locations and intensity would provide the minimum intensity lighting necessary for safe operation of the plant and personnel safety. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-2b: All power plant and wellfield lighting shall be shielded to shine only directly on the plant or well pad grounds, with no side- or up-directed lighting, with the exception of lighting which may be required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Other Measure 3.8.3.4-2c: Individual lights and groups of lights shall not be lit during hours unnecessary for safety. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-2d: Non-reflective material shall be used for all surfaces facing the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-2e: Project Applicant shall prepare and submit a detailed Exterior Lighting Design and Management Plan to the Modoc National Forest for review and approval prior to Project construction activities that incorporates the following guidelines: Lights that may be in view of Primary Forest Routes shall only used when necessary for conducting night-time operations or maintenance activities or for emergency purposes; Constant outside area lighting shall be limited to only those places that must be observed from a distance for safety purposes; Area lighting, cooling tower lighting, exterior turbine-generator building lighting, and security lighting shall be controlled by the use of time switches, photo-sensors, and/or motion detector activation controls so lights are only on when necessary; All exterior power plant light fixtures shall be shrouded or shielded in such a way as to minimize offsite lighting and to block direct light from Primary Forest Routes; Drill rig mast lighting shall be shrouded and directed down onto the drill rig mast or floor and shielded in such a way as to minimize offsite lighting; Stray light shall be controlled through use of low-brightness fixtures with optical controls. Impact 3.8.3.4-3: Construction at the power plant, wellfields and transmission lines would cause short-term visual effects. Significance of the Impact: This impact is considered less than significant and no mitigation measures are required, but the following other measures would reduce the adverse effects of the impact. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-3a: Measures to control substantial fugitive dust emissions at construction sites and on frequently traveled unpaved roads, such as watering or application of dust palliatives, shall be implemented as necessary to reduce visible dust plumes. Other Measure 3.8.3.4-3b: All drilling rig lights shall be shielded in a manner that limits direct light to the immediate work area, except as may be necessary to comply with FAA requirements. Special care shall be taken to minimize or avoid the placement or use of lights which may be directly visible from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP or other areas where substantial viewers may be present. Work lights shall only be on at times required for safety. Impact 3.8.3.4-4: The two potential well pads located near Primary Forest Route 97, as well as other well pads, may be visible through the forest after construction. Significance of the Impact: This impact is less than significant and no mitigation measures are required, but the following other measures are provided to reduce the adverse effects of the impact