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I-10 Twin Peaks Traffic Interchange, Environmental Assessment

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Affected Environment and <strong>Environmental</strong> Impacts October 2005<br />

These effects, however, are market driven. Properties with easy access to an<br />

interstate become more desirable for service-oriented businesses; therefore, it is<br />

likely that property values in the vicinity of the <strong>Twin</strong> <strong>Peaks</strong> Road TI would increase<br />

substantially after completion of the <strong>Twin</strong> <strong>Peaks</strong> Road TI. As a result, businesses<br />

may choose to sell existing properties and relocate their businesses to parcels of<br />

lesser value.<br />

Access<br />

SNP 1988 General Management Plan (GMP) stated a desire to close Picture<br />

Rocks Road through the SNP, if the <strong>Twin</strong> <strong>Peaks</strong> Road TI is constructed. SNP is<br />

updating its GMP currently and the NPS is obtaining public comments and<br />

developing proposed uses for the Park; however, the closure of Picture Rocks<br />

Road through SNP does not appear in any of the alternatives currently under<br />

consideration. Because the closure of Picture Rocks Road is not proposed<br />

currently and any proposed closure would be subject to environmental and public<br />

review based upon its own merits, the impacts of the closure of Picture Rocks<br />

Road are not discussed in this EA.<br />

Conclusion<br />

Secondary impacts to land use and access may occur with the completion of the<br />

preferred alternative. These may include changes to land uses near the <strong>Twin</strong> <strong>Peaks</strong><br />

Road TI and access through the SNP.<br />

Cumulative Impacts<br />

According to the CEQ, cumulative effects are defined as the impacts on the<br />

environment that result from the proposed action when added to other past,<br />

present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. The cumulative effects of this<br />

project may be undetectable when considered for its direct and secondary effects<br />

only, but may add to a measurable environmental change.<br />

The past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions that are considered in<br />

this analysis include the transportation projects planned over the next 20 years, as<br />

represented in the 2025 RTP, and the development expected to occur within the<br />

area. In addition, a number of conservation efforts are underway in the region and<br />

these efforts are expected to mitigate some of the development impacts. The area of<br />

analysis is the northwest portion of the Tucson metropolitan area, although air<br />

quality is discussed from an airshed perspective. For this assessment, only those “at<br />

risk” critical resources would be evaluated. These would include: land use, air<br />

quality, threatened and endangered species and natural resources, noise, and water<br />

resources. Each are discussed below.<br />

Land Use<br />

The completion of the projects contained within the RTP may result in additional<br />

development beyond those forecast in the area; however, these developments are<br />

Interstate <strong>10</strong> <strong>Traffic</strong> <strong>Interchange</strong> at<br />

<strong>Twin</strong> <strong>Peaks</strong>/Linda Vista<br />

4-<strong>10</strong>2<br />

Project No.: NH-0<strong>10</strong>-D (AIW)<br />

TRACS No.: <strong>10</strong> PM 236 H5838 01D

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