LAND 2 Aesthetic Resources Technical Study Plan Kaweah Project (FERC Project No. 298)

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1 POTENTIAL RESOURCE ISSUE: Aesthetic cnditins, including visual quality and nise. PROJECT NEUS: The presence f Prject facilities culd affect visual resurces. Helicpter use fr rutine peratins and maintenance prjects may have nise effects (NPS 2015). Spills frm Kaweah N. 3 Frebay may have visual and nise effects (NPS 2015). POTENTIAL LICENSE CONDITIONS: Visual Resurces Management Plan. Specific measures designed t reduce nise effects assciated with helicpter use, t the extent practicable. Specific measures t reduce visual and nise effects assciated with spills frm Kaweah N. 3 Frebay. STUDY OBJECTIVES: Identify and map visual resurces in the vicinity f the Kaweah Prject, including visual management bjectives established by the Bureau f Land Management (BLM), Tulare Cunty, and/r the Natinal Park Service (NPS), as apprpriate. Dcument the existing visual cnditin (EVC) f Prject facilities frm Key Observatin Pints (KOPs) established in cnsultatin with the BLM, Tulare Cunty, and/r the NPS, as apprpriate. Determine whether the Prject facilities meet established BLM, Tulare Cunty, and/r NPS visual resurce management bjectives and assess cmpatibility f Prject facilities with surrunding landscape. Assess helicpter nise assciated with rutine peratin and maintenance f the Prject. Assess visual cnditin and nise assciated with spills frm the Kaweah N. 3 Frebay. ETENT OF STUDY AREA: Visual Resurce Study The Study Area fr the visual resurce study includes the Prject facilities identified in Table LAND 2-1 and their assciated viewsheds. The viewsheds include primary travel rutes, recreatin areas, and water bdies frm which the existing Prject facilities are visible t the public. Helicpter Nise Study The study area fr helicpter nise study includes the area arund the existing landing pad and ther sensitive areas with sensitive receptrs that may be affected by helicpter nise February 2016 LAND 2-1

2 assciated with rutine peratins and maintenance f the Prject, t be determined in cnsultatin with the NPS. Kaweah N. 3 Frebay Spill Study The study area assciated with the assessment f Kaweah N. 3 Frebay spills will be limited t areas in the immediate vicinity f the spill channel where the public can either view and/r hear the spill. These areas will be identified in cnsultatin with the NPS. STUDY APPROACH: The Kaweah Prject facilities are lcated n private land managed by Tulare Cunty and n public land managed by the BLM. Therefre, aesthetic resurces will primarily be assessed with respect t management bjectives established by Tulare Cunty and/r the BLM. Althugh nne f the Prject facilities are lcated within the bundaries f the Sequia Kings Canyn Natinal Park (SKCNP), sme are visible r can be heard frm lcatins within the SKCNP. Therefre, this study will cnsider Natinal Park Service (NPS) visual and nise management bjectives, where apprpriate. Visual Resurce Study A thrugh visual resurce study was cnducted in 1989 as part f the previus relicensing effrt (KEA 1989). That study assessed the visual cmpatibility f the Kaweah Prject facilities with respect t the surrunding landscape using the BLM s Visual Resurces Management (VRM) System, fllwing the Visual Resurce Inventry guidelines utlined in BLM Manual Handbk (BLM 1986a) and the visual cntrast rating system guidelines utlined in the BLM s Visual Resurce Cntrast Rating Manual H (BLM 1986b). These guidelines are the same as thse used tday. All f the primary Prject facilities that are readily visible frm public viewing lcatins were systematically evaluated as part f the Visual Resurce Study cnducted in Therefre, Prject facilities that were evaluated in 1989 will nt be reevaluated as part f this study. The current study will utilize and build n infrmatin that was develped in 1989, and will fcus n assessing any facilities that were cnstructed r substantially mdified after the 1989 study was cmpleted. The facilities requiring an updated visual assessment include: Kaweah N. 1 Pwerhuse Campus Kaweah N. 2 Diversin Dam and cnnecting flwline The fllwing methds will be utilized t inventry visual resurces in the vicinity f the Kaweah Prject and t assess the EVC and cmpatibility f Prject facilities cnstructed r substantially mdified since 1989 with respect t the surrunding landscape. Cmpile and summarize pertinent BLM, Tulare Cunty and NPS management directin regarding visual resurces, including directin cntained in the fllwing dcuments: BLM Bakersfield Field Office Apprved Resurce Management Plan (BLM 2014); Tulare Cunty General Plan 2030 Update and pertinent area plans (e.g., Three Rivers Area Plan); and Sequia & Kings Canyn General Management Plan (NPS 2012). February 2016 LAND 2-2

3 Prepare maps shwing the Prject facilities with respect t visual resurce inventry infrmatin and crrespnding tables. Evaluate the EVC f any newly cnstructed r substantially mdified Prject facilities (i.e., pst-1989) with respect t the existing landscape. Identify and map KOPs in cnsultatin with BLM, Tulare Cunty, and NPS visual resurce specialists. KOPs will be lcated alng cmmnly traveled rutes r ther likely bservatin pints. Phtgraph the Prject facilities frm established KOPs. Dcument the EVC f the Prject facilities frm established KOPs using the BLMs Visual Resurce Cntrast Rating system (BLM 1986). Fr cnsistency, the Prject facilities will be assessed using the BLMs Visual Cntrast Rating System, regardless f land jurisdictin. As utlined in BLM guidance manual (BLM 1986), the Visual Cntrast Rating will cnsider frm, line, clr, texture, scale and space. Use the cntrast ratings t determine whether the EVC f Prject facilities meets the established visual resurce management bjectives. In cases where the bjectives are nt met, the reasns why the bjectives are nt met will be dcumented. Use the cntrast ratings t determine visual cmpatibility with the surrunding landscape, based n visual resurce inventry infrmatin (e.g., visual sensitivity and distance znes frm KOPs). Helicpter Nise Study Identify and dcument Tulare Cunty, BLM, and NPS nise plicies and nise criteria. Identify specific nise-sensitive lcatins in cnsultatin with the NPS. Describe SCE rutine peratin and maintenance activities that invlve helicpters, including timing, duratin, lcatin, seasn f use, and distance frm sensitive receptrs. Measure nise levels at sensitive lcatins fr cmparisn t established nise criteria. Kaweah N. 3 Frebay Spill Study Describe circumstances under which spill frm Kaweah N. 3 Frebay ccurs, including histric frequency and duratin. Cnsult with NPS t identify specific lcatin(s) where spill nise and/r visual cnditin is a cncern (study lcatins). Measure nise levels during spill events at study lcatins t dcument actual nise levels. Pht dcument visual cnditins during spill events. Cmpare with phtgraphs taken during nn-spill events. February 2016 LAND 2-3

4 SCHEDULE: Date Nvember 2017 March 2018 April June 2018 Cncurrent with spill event July Octber 2018 Nvember 2018 December 2018 February 2019 March May 2019 August 2019 Activity Cnsult with stakehlders and cmpile existing resurce infrmatin Cnduct field surveys (visual resurce and helicpter nise assessments) Cnduct Kaweah N. 3 Frebay nise and visual assessment Analyze data and prepare draft reprt Distribute draft reprt t the stakehlders Stakehlders review and prvide cmments n draft reprt (90 days) Reslve cmments and prepare final reprt Distribute final reprt in Draft License Applicatin REFERENCES: Keller Envirnmental Assciates (KEA) Inc Kaweah Hydrelectric Prject Visual Resurces Reprt. Prepared fr Suthern Califrnia Edisn Cmpany. Nvember Natinal Park Service (NPS). Sequia & Kings Canyn General Management Plan (2012). Available at: Sequia and Kings Canyn Natinal Parks (SEKI) Stakehlder Interest Statement. July 31, Tulare Cunty Tulare Cunty General Plan 2030 Update. Available at: U.S. Bureau f Land Management (BLM). 1986a. Manual H Visual Resurce Inventry. Dated 1/17/ b. Manual 8431 Visual Cntrast Rating. Dated 1/17/ Bakersfield Field Office Apprved Resurce Management Plan (ARMP). Available at: February 2016 LAND 2-4

5 TABLE February 2016

6 Table LAND 2-1. Prject Facilities and Relatinship t FERC Prject Bundary. Prject Facility Diversin Dams and Pls Kaweah N. 1 Diversin Dam and Pl (East Frk Kaweah River) Kaweah N. 2 Diversin Dam and Pl (Kaweah River) Flwlines Kaweah N. 1 Flwline Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Kaweah N. 3 Flwline Frebays Kaweah N. 1 Frebay Tank and Spillway Kaweah N. 2 Frebay and Spillway Kaweah N. 3 Frebay and Spillway Penstcks Kaweah N. 1 Penstck Kaweah N. 2 Penstck Kaweah N. 3 Penstck Pwerhuses and Switchyards Kaweah N. 1 Pwerhuse and Switchyard Kaweah N. 2 Pwerhuse and Switchyard Kaweah N. 3 Pwerhuse and Switchyard Transmissin Lines and Transmissin Tap Lines Kaweah N. 3 Pwerhuse t Three Rivers Substatin Transmissin Line Kaweah N. 1 Pwerhuse Transmissin Tap Line Kaweah N. 2 Pwerhuse Transmissin Tap Line Pwer Lines Kaweah N. 1 Diversin Intake Huse Slar Panel t Kaweah N. 1 Diversin Dam Pwer Line (slar) Kaweah N. 1 Switchyard t Kaweah N. 1 Maintenance Building Pwer Line Kaweah N. 1 Switchyard t Kaweah N. 1 Office Building Pwer Line Kaweah N. 1 Switchyard t Kaweah N. 1 Old Machine Shp Pwer Line Kaweah N. 1 Switchyard t K1 Wrkshp Pwer Line Kaweah N. 1 Office Building t K1 Frebay Tank Pwer Line Within FERC Prject Bundary Entirely n Prtin f Facility Outside FERC Prject Bundary (Tailrace Only) NPS February 2016 LAND 2-6

7 Table LAND 2-1. Prject Facilities and Relatinship t FERC Prject Bundary. Prject Facility Within FERC Prject Bundary Entirely n Prtin f Facility Outside FERC Prject Bundary NPS Pwer Lines (cntinued) Kaweah N. 1 Pwerhuse Campus Alternate Pwer Line Kaweah N. 2 Diversin/Flwline Gage and Kaweah N. 3 Pwerhuse Alternate Pwer Line Kaweah N. 2 Pwerhuse Alternate Pwer Line Kaweah N. 2 Pwerhuse t Kaweah N. 2 Frebay Pwer Line Kaweah N. 3 Pwerhuse t Kaweah N. 2 Diversin Pwer Line Kaweah N. 3 Pwerhuse t Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Gage Pwer Line Kaweah N. 3 Pwerhuse t Kaweah N. 3 Frebay Pwer Line Cmmunicatin Lines Kaweah N. 1 Pwerhuse t Kaweah N. 1 Office Building Fiber Cmmunicatin Line Kaweah N. 1 Office Building t Kaweah N. 1 Frebay Tank Fiber Cmmunicatin Line Kaweah N. 2 Diversin Dam t Kaweah N. 3 Pwerhuse Fiber Cmmunicatin Line Kaweah N. 2 Pwerhuse t Kaweah N. 2 Frebay Fiber Cmmunicatin Line Kaweah N. 3 Pwerhuse t Kaweah N. 3 Frebay Fiber Cmmunicatin Line Kaweah N. 3 Frebay t Kaweah N. 3 Frebay Inlet Fiber Cmmunicatin Line Stream Gages East Frk Kaweah River Cnduit 1 at Pwer Plant near Hammnd CA (USGS Gage N ) (SCE Gage N. 200a) East Frk Kaweah River near Three Rivers CA (USGS Gage N ) (SCE Gage N. 201) Kaweah N. 1 Minimum Instream Flw Release (SCE Gage N. 201a) East Frk Kaweah River Cnduit 1 near Three Rivers CA (SCE Gage N. 202) Kaweah River belw Cnduit N. 2 near Hammnd CA (USGS Gage N ) (SCE Gage N. 203) Kaweah River Cnduit N. 2 near Hammnd CA (SCE Gage N. 204a) Kaweah River Cnduit N. 2 at Pwer Plant near Hammnd CA (USGS Gage N ) (SCE Gage N. 205a) February 2016 LAND 2-7

8 Table LAND 2-1. Prject Facilities and Relatinship t FERC Prject Bundary. Prject Facility Stream Gages (cntinued) Middle Frk Kaweah River Cnduit N. 3 at Pwer Plant near Hammnd CA (USGS Gage N ) (SCE Gage N. 206a) Prject Access Rads Kaweah N. 1 Develpment Within FERC Prject Bundary Entirely n Prtin f Facility Outside FERC Prject Bundary Kaweah N. 1 Flwline Access Rad Bear Canyn Kaweah N. 1 Flwline Access Rad Grapevine Kaweah N. 1 Flwline Access Rad Lwer Pine Kaweah N. 1 Flwline Access Rad Lumberyard Kaweah N. 1 Flwline Access Rad Slick Rck Kaweah N. 1 Flwline Access Rad Summit Kaweah N. 1 Flwline Access Rad Unnamed Kaweah N. 1 Flwline Access Rad Upper Pine Kaweah N. 1 Frebay Rad Kaweah N. 1 Intake Rad Kaweah N. 2 Develpment Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Rad Canal 2 Brushut Grid Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Rad Canal 4 East Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Rad Canal 4 West Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Rad Canal 5 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Rad Canal 6 East Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Rad Canal 6 West NPS Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Rad Flume 8 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Rad Flume 11 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Rad Open Siphn Grids Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Rad Red Barn Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Center Access Rad Kaweah N. 2 Flwline East Access Rad Kaweah N. 2 Flwline West Access Rad Kaweah N. 2 Frebay Rad Kaweah N. 2 Intake Rad February 2016 LAND 2-8

9 Table LAND 2-1. Prject Facilities and Relatinship t FERC Prject Bundary. Prject Facility Prject Access Rads (cntinued) Kaweah N. 2 Develpment (cntinued) Kaweah N. 2 Penstck Rad Kaweah N. 2 Pwerhuse Rad Kaweah N. 3 Develpment Within FERC Prject Bundary Entirely n Prtin f Facility Outside FERC Prject Bundary Kaweah N. 3 Frebay Rad Kaweah N. 3 Pwerhuse Rad Prject Trails Kaweah N. 1 Develpment Kaweah N. 1 Flwline Access Trail Grand Canyn Kaweah N. 1 Slar Panel Access Trail Kaweah N. 2 Develpment Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Canal 11 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Canal 13 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Canal 15 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Canal 2 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Canal 4 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Canal 5 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Canal 6 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Open Siphn Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Water User 14 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Water User 9 Kaweah N. 2 Flwline Access Trail Wildlife Crssing 2 Kaweah N. 2 Pwerhuse River Access Trail Kaweah N. 3 Develpment Kaweah N. 3 Flwline Access Trail Ancillary and Supprt Facilities Kaweah N. 1 Frebay Tank Repeater Kaweah N. 1 Pwerhuse Campus Kaweah N. 1 Diversin Intake Huse Slar Panel Kaweah N. 1 Slar Yard Satellite Repeater NPS February 2016 LAND 2-9

10 Table LAND 2-1. Prject Facilities and Relatinship t FERC Prject Bundary. Prject Facility Ancillary and Supprt Facilities (cntinued) Kaweah N. 1 Grapevine Satellite Repeater Kaweah N. 2 Pwerhuse River Access Parking Kaweah N. 2 Wildlife Bridges Kaweah N. 2 Wildlife Escape Ramps Kaweah N. 2 Ftbridges Kaweah N. 3 Wildlife Bridges Kaweah N. 3 Wildlife Escape Ramps Kaweah N. 3 Ftbridges Ntes: jurisdictin based n multiple surces. Sme data has been mdified t accunt fr knwn errrs. Within FERC Prject Bundary Entirely n Prtin f Facility Outside FERC Prject Bundary NPS Surces: 1. FERC bundary Exhibit G sheets btained frm SCE (Dec. 2014). Sheets filed with FERC in 2009; Sheets 4-6 updated and filed with FERC Digital FERC bundary btained frm SCE but heavily mdified t accunt fr knwn errrs (Dec. 2014) 3. Digital parcel bundary fr Tulare Cunty purchased frm OGInf.cm LLC (May 2015) Parcel Vintage: 02/12/2013 Attribute Vintage: 02/17/2015 February 2016 LAND 2-10