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 3.8.3.5-1a: 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, and all reflective surfaces shall be eliminated to the extent feasible. Other Measure 3.8.3.5-1b: 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 3.8.3.5-1c: 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. Impact 3.8.3.5-2: Power plant lights may be indirectly visible from Medicine Lake, Primary Forest Route 97, and from Forest Road 43N53. 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 3.8.3.5-2a: Power plant lighting locations shall be selected to minimize the potential for direct visibility outside the power plant site. 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 3.8.3.5-2b: 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 3.8.3.5-2c: Individual lights and groups of lights shall not be lit during hours unnecessary for safety. Other Measure 3.8.3.5-2d: Non-reflective material shall be used for all surfaces facing potential points of public access. Other Measure 3.8.3.5-2e: 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 3.8.3.5-3: 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 3.8.3.5-3a: 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 3.8.3.5-3b: 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 areas where substantial viewers may be present. Work lights shall only be on at times required for safety. Impact 3.8.3.5-4: 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 3.8.3.5-4: 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. Impact 3.8.3.5.-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. Impact 3.8.3.5-6: 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. Impact 3.8.3.5-7: 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 3.8.3.5-7a: 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 3.8.3.5-7b: 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).

3.8.3.5.2 Unavoidable Adverse Effects of the Alternative Power Plant Site B

These unavoidable adverse effects of Alternative Power Plant Site B on visual resources would be less than those of either the Proposed Action or Alternative Power Plant Site A. None of the power plant facilities would be visible from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP during daylight hours, nor would plant lighting be directly visible from the KOP. However, the cooling tower plume, when present, would be visible against the sky when viewed from the Primary Forest Route 49 KOP, overhead transmission lines would still be visible as they cross either or both Forest Route 43N21 and Forest Route 43N53, and 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.

3.8.3.6 Alternative Transmission Line Routes

Previous Transmission Line Impact Assessment: As discussed in Section , the transmission line originating at the Telephone Flat Project power plant site would be routed to interconnect with a transmission line located within one of the six alternative utility corridors evaluated in the Fourmile Hill Project EIS/EIR to be selected by the agencies as the preferred utility corridor between the Medicine Lake Highlands and the existing BPA Malin-Warner transmission line (BLM et al. 1998). The Fourmile Hill Project EIS/EIR evaluated seven different possible line segments (segments A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1 and C2) which could be used in different combinations to comprise the preferred utility corridor. Only five of these line segments (A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2) could possibly be used by the Telephone Flat Project, and the Visual Quality analysis from the Fourmile Hill Project EIS/EIR of the five line segments which could be potentially used by the Telephone Flat Project are incorporated by reference into this EIS/EIR (see pages 3-132 through 3-147, and 4-135 through 4-179 of the Fourmile Hill Project EIS/EIR; BLM et al. 1998). The findings of the earlier assessment are also summarized in Exhibit 4 of this EIS/EIR (See Table S-5, pages S-30 to S-36, in Exhibit 4). Telephone Flat Project Route Alternatives: If the agencies select one of the Fourmile Hill Project utility corridor alternatives which route through the Medicine Lake basin in close proximity to the Telephone Flat Project (i.e., Alternatives 1 through 4), then the Telephone Flat Project would construct either line segment D1 (if Alternatives 1 or 2 is selected) or line segment D2 (if Alternatives 3 or 4 is selected), and no specific agency decision on transmission line route alternatives would need to be made for the Telephone Flat Project. However, if the Northern Utility Corridor for the Fourmile Hill Project (i.e., Alternatives 5 or 6) is selected as the agency-preferred utility corridor, then a second decision for the Telephone Flat Project would need to be made with respect to how to interconnect the Telephone Flat Project transmission line with the Northern Utility Corridor. Two alternative Telephone Flat Project transmission line routes (Route 1 and Route 2) are being considered for transporting power generated from the Telephone Flat Project power plant site to the Northern Utility Corridor.

3.8.3.6.1 Environmental Consequences of Route 1 (Line Segments D1 + A2)

The Telephone Flat Project Alternative Transmission Line Route 1 is composed of initial line segment D1 and utility corridor line segment A2. Line Segment D1: The visual effects and visibility of line segment D1 as it relates to the Proposed Action, Alternative Power Plant Site A, and Alternative Power Plant Site B is described above in the impact assessment for each of those power plant site alternatives. Line Segment A2: Line segments A2 and other potentially relevant transmission line utility corridor alternative line segments, were the subject of earlier environmental analysis as part of the Fourmile Hill Project EIS/EIR. The Fourmile Hill Project EIS/EIR analysis of the effects on visual resources of utility corridor transmission line segments relevant to the Telephone Flat Project is incorporated into this EIS/EIR by reference. Those visual effects attributable to line segment A2 are summarized below. Impact 3.8.3.6.1-1 (Fourmile Hill Impact described in Section 4.9.1): Vehicles and equipment on forest roads during construction and decommissioning of the transmission line would result in a temporary visual effect. Vehicles and equipment on forest roads during operation of the transmission line would not result in visual impacts. Additionally, the helicopter that would be used to erect poles and string wire of the transmission line may be seen from a variety of forest roads and recreational destinations points such as the Medicine Lake Recreational Area and the Lava Beds National Monument. Significance of the Impact: The visibility of the construction vehicles and equipment would be a short-term adverse, but less than significant visual impact. No mitigation measure is required. Impact 3.8.3.6.1-2 (Fourmile Hill Impact described in Section 4.9.7): The upper portions of the poles and conductors (during pole erection and wire stringing) along a mile portion of transmission line segment A2 would be visible from Lyons Peak Loop Road (KOP 12) during construction. The view from this KOP would be from an elevated position looking down on the transmission line, against a forest backdrop. While not visible from any KOP, line segment A2 would cross Glass Mountain in the vicinity of the Glass Mountain Lava Flow, which has a VQO of Preservation. Line segment A2 would pass a gap between the main portion of the lava flow on the east and a small remnant portion of the lava flow on the west. This gap between the two portions of the lava flow has a VQO of Modification. Line segment A2 would not actually cross the lava flow and the area that has a VQO of Preservation. During operation, the visibility of the transmission line from Lyons Peak Loop Road would be similar to that described for construction, except that structures would be fully erected and would be maintained for the life of the project. Operation of the transmission line involving maintenance activities such as tree trimming and maintenance vehicle activity within the right-of-way or along access roads may be visible from KOP 12. However, these temporary activities (expected to occur twice a year in the spring and fall) would not impact the overall visual characteristics or views from the Lyons Peak Loop Road vantage point. The presence of the transmission line segment A2 over the life of the project would create a long-term inconsistency with the VQO of Partial Retention that occurs along segments in areas visible from KOP 12. Similar to construction, short-term adverse visual effects could occur with decommissioning as a result of dismantling and removing transmission line facilities. The ultimate removal of facilities and revegetation of disturbed areas, associated with decommissioning, would restore the transmission line route to pre-project conditions, which is considered a beneficial effect. However, long-term (50 to 70 years), readily evident contrast would remain between the mature forest canopy that exists in the project area and areas cleared for the project, as it would take many years for the forest to return to pre-project conditions. Significance of the Impact: Construction and decommissioning effects would be considered a short-term adverse visual impact. The visibility of transmission line facilities and right-of-way clearance for line segment A2 from Lyons Peak Road would be a significant impact that can be mitigated to a less than significant level. The following mitigation measure would reduce the visibility of the proposed transmission line from Lyons Peak Loop Road.

Measure 3.8.3.6.1-2 (Fourmile Hill Measure 4.9.4a): For the entire transmission line route, implement the following measures to minimize the visual effects of right-of-way vegetation clearance and transmission line facilities: To minimize the need for excessive vegetation clearing from the transmission line right-of-way, prepare a detailed transmission line clearing plan for review and approval by the USFS that takes into account basic principles of feathering and scalloping of the transmission line right-of-way; Prior to clearing activities, identify those trees to be removed, trees to be pruned, and trees to remain within the transmission line right-of-way, with review and approval by USFS; To reduce reflection and glare, use only non-specular conductors; and To reduce reflection and glare of metal poles, use flat paint or integrated material coloring except where safety colors are required by code.

3.8.3.6.2 Environmental Consequences of Route 2 (Line Segments D2 + B2*)

Telephone Flat Project Alternative Transmission Line Route 2 is composed of initial line segment D2 and utility corridor line segment B2*. Line Segment D2: The visual effects and visibility of line segment D2 as it relates to the Proposed Action, Alternative Power Plant Site A, and Alternative Power Plant Site B is described above in the impact assessment for each of those power plant site alternatives. Line Segment B2: Line segments B2 and other potentially relevant transmission line utility corridor alternative line segments, were the subject of earlier environmental analysis as part of the Fourmile Hill Project EIS/EIR. The Fourmile Hill Project EIS/EIR analysis of the effects on visual resources of utility corridor transmission line segments relevant to the Telephone Flat Project is incorporated into this EIS/EIR by reference. Those visual effects attributable to line segment B2 are summarized below. Except for the difference in transmission line length, the adverse effects of the Alternative Route 2 on visual resources would be similar to those described for Route 1. Impact 3.8.3.6.2-1 (Fourmile Hill Impact described in Section 4.9.1): Vehicles and equipment on forest roads during construction and decommissioning of the transmission line would result in a temporary visual effect. Vehicles and equipment on forest roads during operation of the transmission line would not result in visual impacts. Additionally, the helicopter that would be used to erect poles and string wire of the transmission line may be seen from a variety of forest roads and recreational destinations points such as the Medicine Lake Recreational Area and the Lava Beds National Monument. Significance of the Impact: The visibility of the construction vehicles and equipment would be a short-term adverse, but less than significant visual impact. No mitigation measure is required. Impact 3.8.3.6.2-2: Line segment B2 would cross and be seen from the Lyons Peak Loop Road (Forest Roads 44N53 and 44N99) at two locations, where it crosses Primary Forest Route 97 (KOP 13) as well as from Forest Road 43N14. Line segment B2 would also be visible from the Timber Mountain Lookout (KOP 15). Significance of the Impact: The visual impact of line segment B2 would be considered significant. Implementation of Mitigation Measures 3.8.3.6.1-2 and 3.8.3.6.2-1 where the transmission line crosses Forest Roads 44N53, 44N99, 43N14, and Primary Forest Route 97 (KOP 13) would reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level. While the transmission line facilities would remain evident, they would be consistent with the VQOs of Partial Retention and Modification. The facilities would also not strongly contrast with the characteristic landscape features in the area. Measure 3.8.3.6.2-2 (Fourmile Hill Measure 4.9.4b): The following measures shall be implemented at road crossings in order to minimize the establishment of a visual corridor from vegetation clearing under the conductor, minimize views down the transmission line right-of-way, and reduce the dominance of the transmission line: For each transmission pole immediately adjacent to the road, use self-supporting single steel poles rather than H-frame poles; Site transmission line poles as far away as practical from either side of the road; redirect the transmission line right-of-way from the two poles adjacent to the road at a sufficient angle so that only that portion of the right-of-way between the two poles nearest the road may be visible from the road; Retain all trees within the right-of-way between 5 feet and 12 feet in height depending upon the height of the conductors in that segment (30 or 37 feet clearance between the conductor and the ground); and Regrade to create designed earth berm and/or native trees and understory vegetation within 100 feet on either side of the roadway at a density, size, and growth rate sufficient to screen views into the right-of-way from the roadway within a 3-year period.

3.8.3.6.3 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts of Alternative Transmission Line Routes

There are no unavoidable adverse impacts of Alternative Transmission Line Routes related to visual resources.

3.8.3.7 No Action Alternative

3.8.3.7.1 Environmental Consequences of the No Action Alternative

The Project would not be constructed if the No Action Alternative is selected, and thus there would be no effects on visual resources from the No Action Alternative.